The title is a text I received from Pete Mountford after yesterday’s game. In truth, I think it’s a little early to believe in this statement. It would take another league title to have this particular observer believing that kind of thing. I recall all too well the incredible season opening performance at Goodison in August 2009. A display that had me believing that project Wenger could actually come good. Subsequent events proved that although Arsenal could perform well enough to be crowned the best team in England, they were unable to do it consistently.

The match against Everton saw a combination of determined defensive play – the opposition were very physical, but Arsenal stood up to it – and some quality work on the ball by the visitors. It was such a contrast to the Newcastle game. I’d also say that the team performed better than they did at Wolves, in that the midfield was more combative. Everton did create chances through sheer force of pressure, as Wolves did, but it didn’t feel like the team was ever on the ropes as much for some reason. Just a feeling really, possibly not backed up by reality, but I tell it as I see it. Whether or not Jack Wilshere was withdrawn at the interval because of injury, fatigue or for tactical reasons, Denilson’s entrance did not weaken the side.

Cesc Fabregas had a much improved match, suggesting that it has been injury which has hampered him since his recent return. The man of the match though was Lukasz Fabianski. Once again, he did what was asked of him and did it well. He has reacted positively to the aberration against Newcastle and it must be hoped that such slips become isolated incidents and that his confidence grows with each steady display. It was a shame not to keep a clean sheet, but by the time Everton scored, it was kitchen sink stuff. A goal was inevitable, the only question was whether it would take the scoreline to 3-0 or 2-1. Creditably, once it was conceded, Arsenal did not seem to panic and weathered the remaining five minutes of the match.

I saw the line-ups for the Chelsea v Sunderland game before the kick off, and with the central defensive pairing of Ivanovic and Ferreira, as well as the absence of both Essien and Lampard from the midfield, I thought, Sunderland have got a slight chance here. Then, I saw the frontline of Drogba, Anelka and Malouda and thought better of it. Even if Chelsea did concede, they would surely score more at the Bridge. It was a delightful surprise to see Sunderland take such unexpected points, and a demonstration that the Blues’ squad is not as deep as it used to be. I have not got to the bottom of Ray Wilkins’ effective dismissal, although the only thing I can conclude is some kind of personal fallout with one of the directors or simply cost cutting. It could have had an influence on the performance yesterday and if Chelsea do continue to drop points in the short term, it may open the title race up once again.

I know Arsenal are only two points off the lead, but the side has to continue defending – as a team – with the kind of zest we saw against Everton. And that begins with battling in all areas of the pitch. A new, steely attitude has to grow amongst this group of players, and news that they currently languish at the bottom of the fair play league is music to these ears. That is the league that I hate to see the Gunners doing well in, as nice guys don’t win trophies. Sebastian Squillaci’s yellow card at Goodison might have been a red, but it was a key intervention that Man United and Chelsea defenders would not think twice about making. I thought referee Howard Webb performed superbly in the middle, totally refusing to let the home crowd influence any of his decisions.

Of course, we now face the international matches in midweek with the hope that the players all return without injury. At least the derby match next weekend will mean they do not do their customary home game routine of trotting out with slippers and cigar. The home fans will simply not allow them to take it easy for once. What they do have to do – especially if they are to continue to challenge for top spot – is demonstrate the kind of determination we have started to see on their travels at Ashburton Grove, week-in, week-out, against the Wigans, the Stokes, Chelsea, Man Utd and every other team that comes. Mentally, the players must be up for a battle. Sure, they can play the nice football – and Fabregas’ goal yesterday was a fine example of how good this can be when it comes off – but they have to earn the right to do it. Sometimes this season it feels like they think they have this simply because they are playing at home, only to be given a wake-up call.

This campaign is still one of possibilities if there is a major shift in the determination of the players, which will then build a reputation. Teams should be afraid of the Gunners not only because of what they can do with the ball, but because of what they will do to win possession of the thing. On a consistent basis. Then we can talk about the return of old Arsenal values.