Official complaint

Howard Webb is the Premier League's no1 Ref, the go-to-guy for the big match. Now I, as many Arsenal fans, have never enjoyed him reffing our matches particularly, but that didn't mean to say I think of him as an inept referee.

Moreover, I always felt that he tried to officiate the game in the right manner, not too whistle-happy, never afraid of making a big decision.

But after his 'big' decision to send off Adebayor against Liverpool on Sunday, I can't help but think he is fast-becoming the new Graham Poll.

Brandishing a second yellow card to a striker for simply protecting the ball - a fundamental part of the game - leaves a bad taste in the mouth.

Players have been using their arse to protect the ball for years.

Kenny Dalglish was the King and Gazza was second to none at shielding the ball.

Even wee Michael Owen has skilfully learned to protect the ball now that his pace has left him. It's an art form.

Adebayor may have lunged in with his foot, but not in an attempt to 'do' Arbeloa. He planted that foot down to then get in position to shield Arbeloa from the ball and roll him, which he did.

Anybody who's ever played the game would have realised there was no malice or intent, in fact there was minimal contact - it wasn't even a foul. Ridiculous. I hope we don't see anymore decisions like that this season, but I won't hold my breath.

We keep hearing that refereeing is a tough job, but when you compare the quality of referees in the Premier League to the Champions League it really is embarrassing.

I would love to see some ex-pros become referees as I'm certain they would gain immediate respect and would be better-placed to judge a foul correctly and act accordingly within the moment of a match, rather than shoot from the hip with yellow and red ones.

Ex-cricketers have gone on to make very good umpires, but maybe because they were not in the position to retire at 35 with a few million in the bank, or because they couldn't walk into a media job.

Over and out

Arsenal really are simply just playing for fourth place now, especially as Fabregas has been ruled out for up to four months.

Le Boss has to blow the cobwebs off the cheque book and bring in a couple of midfield players to replace Cesc.

We also need a centre half and a striker/wide man if Eduardo is not ready to play a part.

But I'm certain Wenger won't break the bank to do it, and why should he.

A balance needs to be met as Arsenal Football Club's self-sufficiency policy is on course, which I am proud of, but it can't be at the expense of Champions League football. That would be unthinkable.

Win or die

Another 'must-win' match for Arsenal on Sunday against leaders Liverpool.

How many times have Gooners heard that this season? I suppose that comes with the territory when you're as inconsistent as Arsenal have been so far this season, but isn't it getting a bit tedious now?

'Make-or-break', 'must-win!' I would suggest it's more a 'must-not-lose' match. A draw wouldn't be the worst result in the world and would not necessarily end the Gunners title challenge.

We're only 17 games into the season, and with the Big Four dropping points on a surprisingly consistent basis, anything can happen.

A win would put Wenger's boys back in the frame, and with a positive result against Villa on Boxing Day, Arsenal have a run of winnable fixtures, on paper, against Pompey (H), Bolton (H), Hull (A), Everton (A), West Ham (H).

But of course, Fulham, Hull, Sunderland, Stoke and Boro were all games that on paper looked winnable.

Pffffffffffffffffffffft

Nicklaus Bendtner and Alex Song.

Bendtner for his attitude - stop swaggering around like you're some sort of world class player in yer pink boots and put a shift in for a change. And learn from Eduardo on how to finish.

It's a shame really because he clearly has talent - he looked great in pre-season - but he seems to have an attitude problem.

I'm fine with a bit of arrogance but you have to back it up with performances.

Song tries hard but he's batting out of his crease. The lad just aint good enough for the Arsenal, it's plain to see.

On the plus side, Johan Djourou has looked the part recently.

I've always rated him, ever since he first came into the first team in 2005-06. I hope he continues to impress and gets the run in the team he deserves.

TRANSFER WINDOW COUNTDOWN

11 DAYS

The tabs will fill up with transfer guff for the next six weeks. ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ. It really is time the Premier League reviewed the transfer window, and by 'review' I mean get rid!

It bores me to tears, makes no logical sense, and forces managers' to make such ludicrous panic buys as Mikael Sylvestre.

That said, I'll be hanging on every bit of speculation in hope that Wenger brings in some quality experienced players.