March 2 2005

Andy Johnson

March suddenly doesn't look so daunting now that we've completed our only double of the season over Birmingham City, writes Neil McSteen.

Andrew Johnson was again our hero, winning a penalty and converting two.

For Blues manager Steve Bruce to insinuate that Johnson is a "diver" is ignorant and, above all, wrong.

AJ wins penalties because he is simply too quick for lumbering centre backs.

That's why spot-kicks are part of the game, when the likes of Matthew Upson are too inaccurate in their challenges.

Bruce further compounded his sour grapes in the press conference by refusing to see the parallels between Robbie Savage's perceived lack of loyalty to Birmingham, and his own walking out on Palace.

It was a shame Arsenal didn't keep their side of the bargain and actually beat Southampton, the action on the Selhurst Park big screen distracting the players during Dowie's warm-up as Arsene Wenger's men chased the win.

Thankfully Saints' David Prutton has made their run in a bit more difficult by shoving referee Alan Wiley after getting sent off.

As for next month, let's enjoy it.

Afterall, Saints, Norwich and West Brom all have Chelsea and Manchester United before the end of the season.

Live Croydon Guardian text commentary