By Boris Mellor
November 1 2005

Three matches played, and three to go – it’s half time in Europe and a time when surprises happen. This season's first big half-time surprise is Chelsea’s defeat by Real Betis, a team they defeated 4-0 at the Bridge.

These surprises often happen in Europe at half time (The fourth game out of six). In the past teams like Arsenal, and even Real Madrid have failed to win a game in the first three fixtures, and after predictions of doom and gloom qualified.

In reverse teams like Inter have been way ahead after three games, and failed to qualify. So although Arsenal have started off very well this season with nine out of nine points we should take care. Sparta know they are as good as finished if they lose tomorrow. If we lose, not a sensible option, we can still qualify, so Sparta has more to play for.

Did Chelsea go to Real Betis over confident? Or was it the fact that Betis was fighting for pride and survival? Either way, the result is a shock. Arsenal need to learn from that shock. They will need to concentrate and take nothing for granted tomorrow, to make sure there are no furthest shocks. On paper the Gunners should skate it, but matches aren’t played on paper. So take nothing for granted and get behind the team.

Finally the injury situation is improving. Henry will probably start, Freddy will be ready by Saturday, and Hleb and Cole have four weeks to recover in. Two of those weeks part of another bloody international break.

Lets get three points tomorrow and then concentrate on getting a run together in the league.