Yossi Benayoun says that although he enjoyed his part in Arsenal’s 5-2 thrashing of Sp*rs who, it must be added, have never won the league in colour, he’s frustrated by the lack of playing time.

After making a late substitute appearance against Blackburn at home, the Israeli sat out both away trips to Sunderland and the Champions League game in Milan.

Speaking after Sunday’s game, he said, “To play 88 minutes, especially in a derby, is a great pleasure. I enjoyed every minute of it, but I still don’t know what will be next week because at Arsenal you are at the top and the competition is tough.”

But he had previously expressed his disappointment at spending so much time on the bench.

“The bottom line is that I’m not playing enough games. I haven’t been given enough opportunities.

“I scored the winner at Aston Villa and made a goal in the next game. But for some reason I didn’t get opportunities after that, even though the team had a string of disappointing results. But I still believe in myself and that I will play much more.”

It seems unlikely at this moment in time that Arsenal will pursue a permanent deal for Benayoun and at nearly 32 years of age he’s considering lowering his sights in order to play more football.

“My inclination at the moment is to sign for a mid-table team and play another two or three years.”

All of which is quite understandable. It’s far better to have a footballer who is unhappy about not playing than having a potential Bogarde on your hands, and whatever happens at the end of the season, he’s still got time to make a mark during this one at Arsenal.