We had 8 shots on target, they have one, and the match ends 1-1. This inability to finish our chances has all but ruled us out of the title race and I find it incredibly frustrating. Shay Given made several great saves, but I still feel we miss an out and out finisher… someone who will do anything to get the ball in the back of the net, regardless of how it gets there.

 

Henry was rested on the bench for about half of the match in the hope that we could build a lead and not need him at all – fat chance of that. It is a worry sometimes how much we can rely on King14. When he did come on we played much more fluid play, got back the equaliser (Henry free kick) and almost got a winner (Henry curling shot… do you see the pattern).

Robin van Persie came close to putting us back on level terms earlier on in the match and was inches away with a curling shot after a great turn in the area. Baptista started but didn’t make much of an impact, and Walcott never really got any luck either coming on with just under half an hour to go.

Still we do have a game in hand – the only glimmer hope for premiership success this year.