Bank holiday treats on Barrack Road - a third successive Premiership blank return at home in front of goal and a sonic bombardment of Rod Stewart's greatest hits - hardly the best way to try and fill those planned extra seats...... 

We improved slightly on the tame showings here against the Smoggies and City, but apart from a brief goalmouth scramble and Milner's cross-shot against the bar, Lehmann was barely tested in the Gunners goal after Onyewu's early effort. 

A slow start saw both sides struggling to gain the initiative, Newcastle buoyed by their win at Bramall Lane and Arsenal slightly downbeat after losing their previous three fixtures.

However United were forced into an early change when Given limped off with groin trouble in favour of Harper - our captain for the day being in clear pain when kicking the ball.

As half time approached, Roeder's side built up  a head of steam and got the crowd back on their side as they pushed Arsenal back into their own area.

They were unable to fashion a goal though and after Milner struck the Gallowgate crossbar shortly after the restart, we lost our way.

Dyer looked in some discomfort as he left the field shortly afterwards and although N'Zogbia came on in his place, we struggled to maintain our forward momentum.

Steven Taylor did his best to drive us forward, but ended up with a booking for his troubles on 75 minutes, as he chased down a ball and tangled with Lehmann and Gallas in the area. 

Having being the hero last season in this game with the winning goal, Solano then had a decisive influence on this fixture with six minutes remaining.

Acting as stand-in captain, the Peruvian blocked Gilberto's shot on the line then got up to head a deflected second goalbound effort away from under the crossbar.

And with just seconds to go, referee Webb incurred the wrath of home players and fans yet again, after ignoring blatant holding by Diaby on Onyewu - just seconds after lecturing the Arsenal player for the very same offence.

A penalty at that point would have been most welcome, but a draw was probably a fair reflection on a game that failed to ignite fully.
         
Another point nearer comparative respectability then and some comfort for Roeder, who has now seen his side hold the Gunners twice this season.

But he and 50,000 others are counting the days until our striking options expand - today merely the latest example of a game that was there for the taking, only for yet more points to slip through our grasp. 

Michael Owen was in the stands at SJP watching today - his and Shola's return to the home dressing room cannot come too soon, as a folly of failing to boost our striking options in January continues to blight us.

At least the acquisition of four points over Easter that many fans thought unlikely has put daylight between ourselves and the relegation battlers.

The lads were applauded for their efforts at both half and full time despite failing to score, Butt's effort-laden display epitomising our improved attitude in the last two games.

Unfortunately shortcomings remain in other areas: our free kick routines brainless, our failure to register shots on target a perpetual bugbear and our support and service to Martins continually sub-standard.

Faint hopes of an Intertoto spot remain after a welcome four point return over Easter, but after our underachievement this season in all competitions but that one, the question has to be asked whether we actually warrant it.

Biffa

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