Arsenal did what they do best to as good as ensure qualification for the Champions League knockout stages against AZ Alkmaar last night. Going forward they fashioned enough chances to convert four into goals – no mean feat against a Ronald Koeman side. Both Cesc and Arshavin were key contributors and the return of Samir Nasri more than compensated for the absent Nicklas Bendtner.

The finishing was top notch for all the goals, and Cesc Fabregas was especially dangerous. The more he plays in the ‘Arselona’ (copyright Nick Kelsall who has a piece by this title in the next issue of the Gooner) formation Wenger’s trying this season, the better he gets. He’s becoming used to the role and the freedom it gives him. The interchange of positions between the two forward midfielders and the three attacking players make Arsenal a very difficult proposition for opposition defences. No one player is pulling the strings as there are plenty capable. The quality of those such as Van Persie, Arshavin, Rosicky, Nasri and Fabregas means that even loose cannons like Diaby and not so technically gifted players such as Bendtner are pulled along. And in attacking terms, further options are provided by Eduardo and Walcott.

It is all about going forward, with even the full backs pressing on. A consequence of the approach is the opposition breaks that Gooners had better start getting used to. I think the most apt run out music these days is not so much ‘The Wonder of You’ but ‘Vindaloo’ – “We’re gonna score one more than you”. I’ve just taken a moment out to enjoy the video of this football classic and my face is beaming. It’s the perfect song to get a crowd going. If Ivan Gazidis wants to get the atmosphere at the stadium bouncing before kick off, this is the tune. And if he wants to make the players seem more human and less untouchable to the public, all he needs to do is order a cover version to be made, replacing ‘England’ with ‘Arsenal’ and get the players and fans together to make an imitation video walking down the Holloway Road, or from the Arsenal tube station and ending at the stadium. That’s PR. Over to you REDaction.

I digress. Bottom line is that Arsenal outscored Alkmaar and sod the defending. The Dutch side had chances but lacked the clinical touch of Wenger’s team. Almunia’s performance was reminiscent of the 2006 final of this competition. A brilliant reaction save to push the ball onto the woodwork before later being beaten low down by a shot close to his body, a definite Achilles heel. Sometimes he flicks a leg out in time to save these, but if he could get his body down to the ground a bit quicker, he might prevent the goals he concedes this way. It’s interesting that whereas at the start of the season, fans were asking for the signings of a holding central midfield player and a commanding centre back (both will still be needed if any one of three players gets injured), now they begin to see a top class keeper as the priority.

It does appear as if injuries to key personnel though, will determine the success of Arsenal this season. The defensive collapse after the loss of Gallas to the treatment table in the spring of last season meant elimination from both the cups the team were chasing at the semi-final stage, when a lack of quality at the back saw cheap goals conceded.

Andrey Arshavin is beginning to look more and more like Dennis Bergkamp. He set up three of last night’s four and yet seemed to have negligible influence for the rest of the game, so much like the Dutchman. Doesn’t appear to do much, but when he makes a contribution, it can be a game-breaker.

Arsenal might not be through yet, but it would take a freak combination of results to prevent progress. They just have to take a similar approach to the visit of Standard Liege in three weeks’ time and forget the idea that a point is enough to take them through. This is not a side that is capable of playing for a draw, although if they are two goals to the good, at times, that is the most likely result.

The real test of this group of players will come when Chelsea visit at the end of the month. There is a team unlikely to waste opportunities presented to them, and Wenger’s men must raise their game. Let’s hope all the key personnel are fit (what with the dreaded international break looming) and that before this fixture, six points are taken at Molineux and the Stadium of Light. Arsenal need to keep putting away poorer teams, as they did with Alkmaar, and ensure that Wenger’s idealistic approach bears fruit in the trophy cabinet. So far, so good, with a few warnings. If it continues, it won’t be good for the heart, but it will make life very interesting.

Hang onto your hats. This is turning into one hell of a season.

Late update – just received an email with an unintended spelling mistake that kind of sums it all up – ‘I know we are playing descent stuff, I only question the opposition. But I guess our game at the end of the month will tell won't it?’

Kevin Whitcher is the co-author of ‘Arsènal: the Making of a Modern Superclub’. The book can be bought by onlinegooner readers in paperback direct from the publishers with a £1 discount offer on the already discounted price. To take advantage of this offer, Click this link, select ‘buy now’, and on the next page you will have the opportunity to enter a promo code. Enter the word ‘gooner’ here and the amount is recalculated to £4.99. So, a £1 saving. Postage and packing (£2.49 in the UK) will be added before you complete your order.