Vermaelen adds to an injury ladened season for Arsenal

Premier League - Vermaelen blow for Arsenal - Yahoo! Eurosport

On this night, what really mattered was the points and Arsenal didn't get it, surrendering all three points at White Hart lane to a Tottenham team propelled by a magnificent strike from the 19 year old Danny Rose from 30 yards and three excellent saves from Gomes. But the introduction of Van Persie did highlight the devastating effect of Arsenal huge injury handicaps. He provided the pass that freed Theo Walcott to drive in the cross, tucked in by Bendtner. And had two excellent efforts thwarted by Gomes, a fine shot after controlling the ball with his chest from just out the six yards box and the second, a curling free-kick destined for the top right corner.

As Van Persie was demonstrating the huge array of talents the gunners have missed from injuries, Vermaelen was substituted just after 19 minutes and could for up to three weeks, capping a busy season for the medics at the Emirates. The suggestion that the "soft" approach to the beautiful game is often an open invitation for the oppsoing teams to rain in the hash tackles may have some credibility when one takes a look at the injury list. For the game against Tottenham, up to nine of the first team players where unavailable, including Fabrecas, Asharvin, Eduardo and Song.

Arsene Wenger may not openly accept that the title chase is over, it is quite impossible to see Arsenal outpacing Chelsea or a fumbling Manchester United who is ruing the absence of Wayne Rooney.