DW Thomas 
We still haven’t turned any kind of corner. Yet, what a good win. If we beat Chelsea next weekend then I think it might be safe to say we have a shot at top four. Not long ago though, that was simply not good enough. My, how times have changed. Earlier this year I wrote about Stoke’s game against Man United and how they pretty much play anti-football. That is one thing I agree on with Wenger. Was it not in full evidence today? They are a team that simply tries to hoof it and score off long balls and long throws. That makes winning the way we did all the more satisfying. Like a cold beer at the end of a long hard day’s work. And the Arsenal players deserve one too. They held it together till our Dutch hero arrived and saved the day. There were some errors, especially the defending on their goal, and I can be as critical as anyone, but for the first time in a long while, I had a smile on my face all day after this win. Yet, we are one injury away from being a team with no world class.
The game was quite enjoyable to watch, from a fan’s view. The back four looked fairly solid most of the time. Kos had another quality game against a tough, physical team. Per was strong, Santos solid, and even Djourou put in a good shift. I have to say it was the best game in a while from Ramsey, too. I never doubt his effort and he does have heart. But, as many say, he is not nor never will be our replacement for Cesc. That I think must fall to Wilshire. However, his lob pass to Gervinho was a touch of beauty and was an important goal. I thought Chamakh did ok, although he couldn’t produce much and looks low on confidence. He holds up play fine, but needs way more service into the box. You could see even his heading game is way off. Will he still be an Arsenal player come spring? I really thought Park would get some minutes today, but, again I simply don’t know why (does anyone?) he is not playing at all. Gervinho was my man of the match. Why not Van Persie you say? Well, Gerv played the whole game and was the cog in the machine that was the most important in the game. Van Persie won the game with his goals, but without the Ivorian’s penetrating runs and passes, where would have been his service? Overall, Robin is our most important player, we should pay him what he wants and deserves, but Gervinho did the hard work today. Albeit, he did turn off and let Shawcross have a free header to set up Stoke’s only goal. But his ability to get behind their back four created the chances we needed. Thank the heavens Wenger finally made a good tactical choice. Even I could have got that one right! Walcott’s day, by contrast, was summed up by that cross he launched into space like Sputnik. How can someone with such an important role in the team play so poorly and be that bad at crossing? He really needs to start showing some end results or the OX won’t even have to compete for his spot. He’ll simply be the better option. Arshavin had a solid game. No matter George Graham’s comments or how frustrating he often is, today that pass to Gervinho for the third goal was sublime. He just doesn’t seem fit enough for a team like the Arsenal. You can see he oozes talent and creative spark, but he simply cannot maintain it consistently enough. If only! What a player he could be. Many say let him play behind Van Persie and he’d show consistency and be more threatening. Why not try it Arsene, at least sometime. The Pole and Song were fairly solid, but they both made a few errors worst of which was Szczesny coming way off his line again when Djourou had him covered.
Now to our captain. He simply took the game by the scruff of the neck and won it. No other Arsenal player has that ability. Yes, we have good attacking players, but no one is world class yet. Without Robin, I shudder to think where we would be. I was one who thought for a long time he was overhyped. Never would he stay fit enough. Rarely would he hit that perfect free-kick goal like he did against Sunderland. His brittleness frustrated me. Now, I am completely sold. The Dutchman is carrying us, make no mistake. Surely if he had been more fit the last four seasons, and with a solid back four, we would have won at least 3 or 4 four trophies including the league. And that is why, despite his current form, Wenger must buy a very good striker in January and sign Van Persie to a long contract. Robin will need rest. And he may get injured. Either way, we have no one near his ability to take his place. Walcott is a whiner who could never fill his shoes. We tried Arshavin a couple seasons ago and that was not the answer. Chamakh or Park? No way. I said earlier this season I thought Park would come good. But he has not even had a sniff. Who knows what he can do? The fans and pundits, good and bad, have been saying this about the Arsenal for years now: Just get those two or three players who can push us over the summit. Please, Wenger. Listen to the winds of change. They have been blowing strongly in your face for some time now.
