Peter Hughes
Saturday’s game showed the best and worst of Arsenal's season so far. The first half consisted of the kind of shocking defending that has blighted our early games this season. We rode our luck but players such as Song and Ramsey do not hide and have that never give up attitude. Song gave the ball away too much in the first half but battled on to make some fine saving tackles. He persevered and as he improved, later played the through ball that Santos finished with great composure.
Ramsey had a terrible start to the season but he continued to work hard and now his performances reflect his efforts. This seems to rub off on their team-mates and from a disjointed team we are slowly becoming a real team again. As the first half was coming to a close I remember thinking we need to make sure we go in all square. We of course failed and I feared the worse for the second half.
How wrong I was as we eradicated those defensive frailties as the whole team came together as one, something we took for granted not long ago. Walcott's goal displayed the determination, aggression and finish we know he commands but frustratingly rarely shows. The calm firm side foot from Santos was Brazilian finishing of the highest order. We have Van Persie, the striker who is literally on fire and the best all round forward in the Premiership at the moment. Some of his play is becoming reminiscent of Bergkamp in his prime. Of course Van Persie is also now in his prime and how we pray he can stay injury free.
I don't know what happened at half time but I have not seen a more organised determined Arsenal for some time. One that had the opposition worrying what we were going to do next and so nullifying their own threat. All too often teams have come to exploit our weaknesses in defence knowing we cannot hurt them at the other end as we once did. This performance will put some doubt back into the minds of future opposition. The team is gradually growing in confidence and self belief once more. If we can build on this teams will soon be granting us respect fearful of the damage we can do them.
We are losing that soft underbelly and gaining a tough spine with Koscielny, Song, Ramsey and Van Persie in the team. Vermaelen can add to this once he is back in the starting line-up and let’s not forget we have Wilshere to come back who does not give an inch and never gives up. There is still a long way to go but we beat one of our big rivals on their own manor 5-3. Lets all enjoy it. I for one am more optimistic than I was at 1.30pm on Saturday.
