There were some strange goings-on in north London yesterday, as you might have noticed.

Some observations.

1 - Tony Brown might have the freedom of West Bromwich but he was acting like he owned north London yesterday - certainly the press box. Such was Bomber's euphoric reaction to the visitors' goals yesterday that there is a good chance Albion's press officer, sat next to the Baggies legend, might be sending in an invoice to the Brown household for dry-cleaning bill. Hot chocolate everywhere. He might not have kicked a ball for 30 years - but never let it be said that he doesn't celebrate each goal like he's still wearing that No4 shirt.

2 - Speaking of hot chocolate, Bomber and commentator/Birmingham Mail columnist Tom Ross were beneficiaries of my good-will at the Emirates. Knowing that they have to stay on-air during half-time, I brought them two drinks from the Arsenal press-room. Albion then score three goals. They reckon it's an omen and have demanded the same service against Bolton next week. Forget it gents. I'm not climbing any gantries at The Hawthorns with hot fluid.

3 - Not often you see humility from Arsene Wenger but there was yesterday. He praised Albion. It's not been reported because we in the media - whether it's TV, radio or the written press - can pick out what we use based on sex-appeal of a story or the amount of space/time we have. He was right to praise the opposition. Makes a change from two years ago when managers/players would praise Albion - but only after they'd won the game.

4 - It was a bold decision by Roberto Di Matteo to leave out Graham Dorrans for James Morrison. The latter didn't perhaps shine as much as Odemwingie, Thomas or Mulumbu, but he made a difference in the final third nevertheless. Some of his decision making was excellent.

5 - It would be easy to suggest that Albion would have been leading 4-0 had Chris Brunt converted his spot-kick. But would they? A first-half deficit would have prompted a half-time reaction from Arsene Wenger and, most probably, personnel changes. There's no guarantee Albion would have been afforded the same time, space or hapless opposition after the break. We'll never know - but, in my view, Brunt's missed penalty was not necessarily a bad thing.

6 - When Albion beat Arsenal at Highbury in December 1978, their next away game was at Old Trafford. Yes, THAT game. Their next away game is at Old Trafford. Tenuous omen or not, I don't care...