The past 5 days have been most satisfying to this Arsenal fan. 7 goals and importantly none conceded. Overall this season we average 3 goals a game, so although our ticket prices remain one of the highest in Europe, we are getting our money's worth in terms of entertainment value.

Rather than being in the habit of simply repeating what has been written in previous articles on this site I can simply say that the online editorial on the Man City game was spot on. Furthermore there is an extra steel to this current Arsenal team. Interestingly one can trace this back to the Stoke away game last season, (Ramsey injury et al) in identifying the initial shoots of this welcome characteristic. Once City were down to 10 men, they began to do what many sides in the past have attempted, become physical and try and kick us out of the game either to force us back into our shells or compel us to retaliate. We did the latter in a controlled and effective manner which showed that Arsenal may actually have a plan B; if the opposition stops us from playing our free flowing football, fight back and force yourself on the front foot again.

Wednesday night's game at Newcastle was a welcome run out for a number of players returning from injury. Walcott and Bendtner looked very sharp and eager to force themselves back into the first 11, the former in particular has picked up where he left off before his injury. Interesting to note that Wenger commented on Walcott as a striker rather than a winger his post match comments. Bendtner may face a fight to reclaim his place such is the form of "The Most Impactful Player in the Premier League" Marouanne Chamakh. Whisper it, but he has been the signing of the season so far.

Djourou was another who needs matches on a frequent basis. He looked shaky at times against City but was much improved in midweek, and commiserations to Gibbs who looks like he will spend time once again on the sidelines. When will his luck turn? Perhaps the most encouraging aspect of the League Cup game was our young goalkeeper Szczesny. Dare I say he reminded me of a goalkeeper, who even as a Gooner I rate as the best of all time (that includes Banks, Seaman, Buffon and Casillas) in Peter Schmeichel? Szczesny screamed at his defenders, put his body on the line to keep a clean sheet, punched the ball like a heavyweight boxer and there was a moment at the end of the game when Carroll was clean through, young Szczesny "made himself big" much like the great Dane did in his prime and the chance to pull a goal back was gone. He is only 20, believes in his own ability and on this performance he has every right to do so.

Saturday sees the unhappy Hammers visit Arsenal. They always seem to give us problems wherever they are in the league table, however on current form I can only see another comfortable Gunners win. A clean sheet will also be very welcome. The much improved Fabianski will return in goal, but it will be interesting to see who Wenger chooses in the middle out of our 3 fit defenders - my bet is it will be Djourou and Squillaci. Nasri is beginning to show why Wenger brought him to Arsenal 2 seasons ago, not only is he reaping the benefits of not playing in the World Cup, he is slowly becoming one of the Premier League’s most feared players. Much has been said of Song playing further forward, but a flip side to the critique is to comment that it allows us to press higher up the pitch such as against Man City.

Final question, does anyone know what has happened to Diaby, who has disappeared since the Birmingham game? The official website indicates no injury and he has been missing for the squad entirely? Is he yet another player on the treatment table or has Wenger dropped him? Answers please...