Returning to the defending thing, we have to remember that we started without Gibbs, Sagna and Vermaelen. And even Jenkinson, who I'm pretty sure is better than Djourou at RB.

If GHELkinson continues to impress, we might not miss Sagna that much, as long as we have our first choice defence in other positions. Koscielny and Mertesacker have done well recently and Vermaelen can only improve that situation, whoever he partners.

We had a second/third choice defence versus Chelsea's first choice and vastly more experienced defence.

If everyone avoids injuries for a while () we will without doubt get better. And Sagna and Wilshere's return ( ) should also make us more solid.

This should maybe have gone in the Mindless Optimism Thread.