What were the most memorable aspects of our first loss for a very long time? Well to me, the complete, and I mean complete, lack of shape at times during the match. It looked like we had lost all idea of who was doing what and as a result a number of players weren't doing their job. Now don't get the idea this is a rant, I am just thinking out load to try and understand what this game means to the rest of the season.

On one level it was a one-off and could be dismissed as Arsene testing new players which he certainly was, but I think it tells us what to expect when our established first team cannot play together for some reason such as injury. We have got used to Flamini and his speed and for all his reading of the game, Gilberto doesn't have that speed. He could be rusty, he could have been knackered from flying back from South America, but he was laboured and seemed to be chasing the game and he loses much of his effectiveness when he does that. Maybe another reason for the lack of shape was that Traore was totally exposed on the left with Eduardo not tracking back. We all knew what a risk their right side was in attacking terms, so it must have been quite a calculation to play like that. After all you can't expect a player whose natural inclinations led to our goal to be skilled and available to help the left back out. It damages our attacking capabilities. There have been rumours about Traore's astonishing recent development, so maybe Arsene wanted to know just what his capabilities are. I guess he knows now, but I don't expect him to be turned as often as he was given more support.

The enigma that is Senderos hove into view again, you really can almost guarantee he will make one big mistake per game, we just have to hope it isn't too bad. Unfortunately it wasn't good and you wonder whether Gilberto's attempt at covering wasn't more panicked than helpful. It did underline something that I have mentioned before, when the ball came out to their player, no-one was throwing themselves in the way to block or tackle. In fact there were some players just standing and watching as the shot went in. You have to think that if Smilin' Billy was playing he would have been busting a gut to cover. Having said all that, my abiding memory of Senderos in that game was a beautifully timed interception just outside the box and I think it is because he is capable of things like that, that Arsene keeps the faith. I like Senderos' attitude, but I have to say I don't share Arsene's faith right now.

Getting an injury to Cesc was bad news, but it was going to happen some time during the season so we now get to find out how deep our strength is. This is really where we have to change our shape going to Villa. Although he is a great longer term prospect, Denilson cannot yet be effective enough to take Cesc's place assuming he doesn't make it back from injury in time. It's been suggested elsewhere that Rosicky could be an alternative and I think it's not a bad idea. What that means is that our wide players are even more limited with Hleb also out, so maybe playing Theo just behind or even alongside Ade would make sense. I think with Gallas back our defence is good enough although there is the issue of Traore at left back. He is going to need someone to cover in midfield so although it's not his natural position, Diaby wouldn't be a bad choice. His physicality would be vital and we know he can cut inside and score, so I reckon worth a punt.

Right side picks itself in the circumstances so the question is, Flamini or Gilberto? Assuming Gilberto's performance was a one-off it comes down to whether the back four need cover. If they do, then Gilberto, if we need someone to bomb forward as well then Flamini.

It's games like this that show our credentials, the big showcase games are possibly more exciting, but by next week we will better know what our aspirations for this season should be.