A superb first half performance saw Arsenal sweep aside Premier League new boys Southampton stretching their unbeaten run in the league to four games.

Wojciech Szczesny – 5 – made a howler at the end of the first half giving Southampton the goal which ended Arsenal’s run of clean sheets. Wasn’t himself today looking shaky at times.

Carl Jenkinson – 7 – another solid performance from the 20 year old. Made some good tackles and offered some good runs going forward.

Per Mertesacker – 7 – strong, disciplined performance from the German. He didn’t give Lambert a chance today.

Thomas Vermaelen – 7 – a captain’s performance. Didn’t really have much to do but made some good interceptions when called upon. He saw his shot parried at the end straight into the path of Theo Walcott to make it 6-1.

After two stalemates, Arsenal had a tough test against Brendan Rodgers' new look Liverpool side at Anfield, however it was the Gunners who came out on top with a confident 2-0 win.

Player Ratings:

Vito Mannone - 7 - Despite not having an awful lot to do, was solid when called upon and handled Liverpool's attacks well.

Carl Jenkinson - 6 - had a poor first half with numerous mistakes, struggling to handle Sterling but improved second half and was better.

Expect many people to state that the spectre of the departed Robin Van Persie will continue to loom over Arsenal, as they failed to score for the second successive game.

The 0-0 draw against Stoke may frustrate Gooners, but there was enough from the game to suggest that this latest squad possesses a quality not seen at the club for a good few seasons.

1st Half

Arsenal's problem in dealing with Stoke in previous seasons, has been finding a way to handle the physicality of the Potters, especially with their set-pieces and long throw-ins. However, Tony Pulis left both Ryan Shotton and Rory Delap on the bench, giving Arsenal one less form of aerial bombardment to worry about.

Another week and another frustrating draw to start the season. Tony Pulis’ side were instructed to try and disrupt Arsenal’s fluid passing movement, especially in the final third, and they were successful for the most part.

Chances were created, most by the fantastic Santi Cazorla, but a lack of clinical finishing meant that Arsenal have not scored in the opening 180 minutes of the season.

Conversely, the back four were very impressive, Jenkinson in particular, as Stoke were reduced to sending long balls up to their forwards which Mertesacker and Vermaelen dealt with well.

Arsenal’s Premier League campaign got off to a solid start with a 0-0 draw at home to Sunderland. Arsenal dominated the possession but some staunch Sunderland defending ensured that the spoils were shared at the Emirates Stadium.

Much of the media attention this week was focused upon the departure of former captain Robin Van Persie but Arsenal showed enough to suggest that the future is not quite as grim as the fiasco that defined the beginning of last year’s season.

Promising signs

Once again Arsenal have seen their brightest star depart and the hollow excuse that Van Persie has offered will do little to assuage the considerable anger that the fans will have towards the prolific Dutchman.