Arsenal Struck by Rose Thunderbolt

Is that the end for Arsenal? Has their title push finally run out of steam? Whilst i'm hesistant to write them off and out of the hunt for Premier League silverware after seeing them bounce back in the manner they did when the nation said the same thing after the 3-0 defeat to Chelsea, i feel this time there is just not enough time left.

They stand 6 points behind the leaders with only a handful of games to go and incredibly, the injuries continue to pile up. For Fabregas, Arshavin, Song and Gallas, add Vermaelen. The defender, who has possibly been the signing of the season in the Premier League, went down in the first half and looks set to be out for 2-3 weeks.

Arsene Wenger has described his Arsenal team as not being mature enough. "If you want to win the league then this is the kind of game you have to win." Here's the thing though, Arsenal started incredibly well. They had all the possesion and looked the most threatening but then came one of those moments you are just happy that you witnessed. Young Danny Rose, who has spent most of the season on loan at Peterborough, struck what must be goal of the season, if not the last two. 25 yards out and the ball dipping from the keeper's punch, Rose caressed the ball with such perfection and skill, it was difficult to see how it was his league debut. It was a strike that belied his years.

The strike rocked Arsenal and after Gareth Bale crept through an open defence to make it two, the outcome looked bleak for Arsene Wenger's side. Robin Van Persie made his long awaited return to the Arsenal first team as a 60th minute sub and single handedly changed the game. It highlighed two key points. It showed just how good he his and what Arsenal's season could have produced had he stayed fit. Secondly it highlighted the lack of threat that Bendtner poses. You could have been mistaken for thinking it was he who had been subbed for RVP.

A late goal meant an Arsenal charge but Tottenham never seemed in danger of throwing it all away. Ledley King and Michael Dawson were awesome. Two English centre backs playing in perfect harmony at club level. Take note Fabio.

To Tottenham's credit, it was hard to believe that this was the same team that were lablled as a 'shambles' in their FA Cup Semi Final loss to Portsmouth. It helped that it was their fiercest rivals Arsenal who came to town as it fueled the fire that the players needed. Harry Redknapp will be hoping that there is still enough coal on that fire as it only gets harder - Chelsea are next in town.