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Arsenal kicked off the Amsterdam Tournament with a 3-2 win over Ajax.

In the first half, we went behind to two absolutely fantastic Ajax goals, in a crazy 80-second period during which the team simply went to sleep.

Luis Suarez's goal was a goal to behold, and Almunia had absolutely no chance of getting to that ball. It is said that teams are most vulnerable just after they've scored - well this time round, Arsenal were vulnerable soon after conceding, to an equally impressive Hunterlaar goal.

After the first half, with two clear misses by Adebayor, I did begin to wonder whether the Togolese striker was worth the reported £80k per week salary that he is supposed to have recently negotiated. We virtually dominated the first half, with a few clear cut chances, but no goals to show for it. 

I watched the game on Sky Sports, and found myself swearing at Merse during the half-time punditry - honestly, I sometimes wonder whether this former Gunner has something against Wenger. His comments were constantly negative, and he couldn't bring himself to find any plus points with the teams performance.

In the second half, it was a less Arsenal-like performance, and a third Ajax goal would've killed it off.

Le Boss, had other plans however, and brought on Bendtner around the hour mark, and having three strikers made an immediate impact. In a 15 minute period, Adebayor scored twice, and set up Nicklas Bendtner once, taking Arsenal to the top of the Tournament league table with six points (three from the win, and an additional point per goal scored).

After the match, Merse, not necessarily eating humble pie, tried to explain away his prior negativity by continuously stressing that "Arsenal are always going to create chances" - he must have made this point two or three times. In the last few years, I have grown tired of listening to Merse spout what I can only respectfully refer to as unhelpful comments about our beloved club.

Back to the game, and the team showed a collective resilience that should stand them in good stead when the league proper begins.

What's more, Fabregas and Toure got a good run out, Van Persie is looking so far so good. Adebayor needs to sharpen up, Clichy is looking imperious, Sagna is his usual Mr Dependable, Gallas was solid, Denilson was strong in the tackle, Eboue was his usual frustrating self until his millimetre-perfect cross for the first goal, Theo was quick but could have made better decisions, Bendtner was useful, Ramsey was sharp, Wilshere was promising, Almunia was unlucky and - I don't think I've left out anyone have I?

Later on today, Arsenal play Sevilla, and then staying on in Holland, they play the first away leg of the Champion's League qualifiers at FC Twente on Wednesday. Soon after that, they fly back to the UK in time to face West Brom on Saturday in our first game of the new season.

In reality, Arsenal's season has already started.