Emmanuel Adebayor, unstoppable several weeks ago, has also lost his killer touch. Zero goals in the last three matches, which coincided with Arsenal’s patchy form. Could it be his new haircut as he looks uncomfortable after sniping his corn rows? Theo Walcott did not extend his fine form after scoring a brace against Birmingham. Instead, he faded quickly into obscurity amidst the stubborn Villa defenders.

However, Arsenal’s efforts were rewarded four minutes into stoppage time with Bendtner’s close-range goal. Adebayor noddded a cross into his path and he swept it home with aplomb. The joy at Emirates Stadium was fantastic, as if they have won the title. Certainly, it was a relief to Wenger that this volatile partnership is still effective, there were serious doubts if both players could stand being in the same team after the face-off in the 5-1 League Cup semi-final defeat to Tottenham.

I am sure this draw will be valuable to Arsenal as the title race enter its final stretch. Between now and the end of the season, if Arsenal and Manchester United win all their matches, a single point can make a world of difference. An undeniable fact is, destiny still lies in their own hands.

Wenger admits his team is going through a bad spell, saying, “We had a hangover from last week definitely. In the second-half we were a little bit better but lacked that spark. The reason we got a point today was the desire and the refusal to lose.”

Overall, I will say the performance was satisfactory, much of the pretty football was evident and they were able to create chances. If a full squad is available, I believe the tide will have turned in Arsenal’s favor much earlier. Alumina was instrumental as he made several fine saves from Harewood and Young to keep Arsenal in the game. I was quite concerned that his stay in the haunted house has adverse effects, turns out the experience may have honed his reflexes and calmed his nerves in stressful matches.

To stop the slide, Wenger has to quickly imbue his forwards with confidence again, since he does not have much choices in dropping players. In this match, the bench is so thin, he can only turn to Bendtner to reverse the situation on the pitch. With ten matches left, Wenger may have to rush Robin van Persie back into action before it is too late. Tomas Rosicky’s return will also give Arsenal more options in midfield and attack.

Villa was effective in adopting a counter-attack strategy by defending in numbers and then blazing down the flanks to exploit the gaps in Arsenal’s rearguard. They allowed Arsenal to achieve a 58% possession, happily passing the ball around, but when Villa made their forays, it was more threatening. Suffice to say, the best chances of the game fell to Villa. If AC Milan has spied on Arsenal in this match, they will know where to strike their opponent where it hurts.

Arsenal will rue the dominance and chances they wasted in the first leg of their Champions League encounter. Achieving a win at the San Siro will require an optimistic outlook, especially with the current slump in the strikers’ form. There is no room for profligacy when facing Italian teams, if you do not grab the couple of chances which come your way, the game is over.

It will be a massive confidence boost if Milan are eliminated and Arsenal may yet recover their momentum, but somehow, I am inclined to believe next season holds better promise.

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