By Boris Mellor
March 17 2006

It was way back in November that Arsenal last won three Premiership matches in a row. Ever since it has been stop go, stop go. But at last we have put a couple of good wins together. One was even away from home.

 One cause of the inconsistency has been the inordinate amount of injuries suffered. Players such as Cole, Clichy, Freddy, Campbell and RvP have missed vast chunks of the season.

 

Another cause was clearly the inability of the team to get Vieira out of their head, and the dependence on youth, but it does seem they are managing to get over Paddy at last. Also the youth are becoming more consistent. Performances against Real and Liverpool clearly demonstrate we can beat the big teams.

 

Our makeshift defence is also beginning to turn in some excellent performances. This is not the defence that Wenger would have voluntarily (apart from Toure) started with at the beginning of the season.  But they are performing so well now that those just leaving the treatment table (28m by 14m to accommodate them all), will have to fight for their place. Even Flamini is beginning to look like a good left back.

 

Unfortunately the injury problems rumble on, and now Diaby and Reyes join the list. Campbell and RvP are close to return, but Clichy and Cole are as far away as ever from leaving the treatment table.

 

This is a must win game, as every game will be now until the end of the season. Winning 4^th spot, or higher, will require a run of championship winning proportions.  Charlton are on good form at the moment, but the team has had a week to prepare so they should be up for it. Three in a row will be the most definite signal that Arsenal are back.