Manuel Almunia's crew go out but they don't go crazy

Arsenal showed the rest of the country's footballers how to behave when they hit the town for goalkeeper Manuel Almunia's birthday last night. The young team acted like model professionals at the party at Sketch in Mayfair, where they were joined by their WAGs.

Casual couple: Mel with her Arsenal striker boyfriend Theo Walcott

There were no tears or tantrums, and no unhappy bouncers - unlike the nocturnal adventures of a certain Tottenham Hotspur captain the other week. The Gunners' keeper Manuel recently turned 31 and his party guests included winger Theo Walcott and his girlfriend Mel Slade, and striker Robin Van Persie with his wife Bouchra.

WAGs: from left, Mel Slade with Bouchra and Robin Van Persie

Our spy told us: "The players drank champagne and enjoyed a four-course meal, including Herefordshire beef. There was a chocolate fountain for dessert, but none of them touched it." What restraint!