After the three o’clock kick-offs in the Premier League today, Arsenal’s trip to Swansea became more significant.  It gave us a chance to go two points clear at the top of the league and send a serious message to our rivals.

On the other hand, the points dropped by the Manchester clubs, Chelsea and Tottenham took a bit of pressure off of us, as a draw would have kept us top.

Momentum

Our win tonight means we have taken maximum points this season (other than our slip up on the opening day).  By keeping up this momentum we can build week upon week and really build up a cushion for when we have to play the top sides.

This could be a vital as it seems that in the past we have gone into games against United, City and Chelsea really needing a win, piling pressure upon ourselves.

Ridiculous Ramsey

Once again Rambo scored and it leads to the question, will it ever end?  Plenty has been said of Ramsey’s comeback from injury and criticism so I won’t delve into it now but it is truly fantastic.

Aaron’s celebration showed how his goal today had a special significance after he had to cope with a barrage of boos from the Swansea support.  Although it is easy to see why Swansea fans would take a dislike to an ex Cardiff player, it seems bizarre given that they must cheer him when he captains the Welsh side.

Power Serge

18-year-old Serge Gnabry was given another start today due to the continued absence of both Walcott and Chamberlain.  In my opinion, after tonight’s performance I would seriously question whether Walcott should be given his place back immediately once returning to fitness.

As well as scoring a tremendous goal this evening, Gnabry gave an all round superb performance for the Gunners.  He was the only player really attempting to get in behind the Swansea defence and was eventually rewarded.

However, I was most impressed with his desire to track back and help Sagna defend.  My greatest criticism of Walcott this season is how he seems to disappear for large parts of games, leaving Sagna to work too hard.  Theo then pops up and scores to avoid ridicule.

Gnabry was my man of the match this evening and will be very unlucky if he is to only grab the rare appearance this season due to Walcott’s dominance of the right wing position.

Getting the job done

The first half of tonight’s game was very much what many expected.  Two good passing teams being very careful in possession and completely cancelling each other out.  At half time I couldn’t decide whether to be pleased at our comfortable defence or irritated due to the rare nature of our attacks.

In the end our patience and perseverance shone through and we looked like cruising to a comfortable victory.  A superb Swansea goal with ten minutes to go piled on the pressure, but our defence stayed solid and we held on for a superb result.

Looking forward

As I have already said, today’s result continues a superb run of form into an important champions league tie against Napoli in the week and another important league game at The Hawthorns.

A superb performance today, Rambo powers on, Serge shines and the Arsenal stand tall whilst all those around them falter.

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