Any win over Tottenham is one to be treasured, but ones in the FA Cup have an extra dimension, as the Gunners remain in contention for three separate trophies.
The fact that Tottenham are left with the Europa League is an added bonus for many of us.
Lukasz Fabianski - 7 – He wasn't needed to do much, but he was neat & tidy whenever he was called into action. Looks a reliable back-up to Szczesny.
Bacary Sagna – 7 – Yet another solid display from Sagna. He defended with his customary aplomb, and was always a willing out-ball for his teammates when going forward.
Laurent Koscielny – 7 – He spent most of his afternoon dealing with Emmanuel Adebayor, and shrewdly eschewed his normal game of trying to nick the ball off the attacker, instead making himself a barrier between Adebayor and the goal. Covered Thomas Vermaelen well on a couple of occasions.
Thomas Vermaelen – 7 – The captain was on a tightrope with an early yellow card, but he deserves credit for a fine tackle on Roberto Soldado, as mistiming it would have resulted in him being sent-off. A pity he had to depart with injury at half-time.
Nacho Monreal – 7 – This was a much better performance than some of his recent displays. He has his hands full dealing with Aaron Lennon, but managed to keep the winger on a tight leash. He also augmented the attack nicely, and could have had a penalty in the second-half.
Mikel Arteta – 7 – Arsenal's midfield dominance was largely in part to Arteta's strong passing display. The extra man meant Arteta had plenty of time to control the centre of the pitch. The Spaniard also gave a solid defensive performance.
Jack Wilshere – 7 – He was involved in an unseemly spat with Moussa Dembele in the first-half, and was caught in possession at times. However, he was much improved after the break, passing the ball excellently. He appears to be approaching his best form.
Serge Gnabry – 8 – A very impressive performance from the young German. His application was exemplary, and he showed remarkable maturity when in possession, best exemplified by his part in creating the opening goal for Santi Cazorla.
Tomas Rosicky – 8 – This felt like the right type of fixture to play Rosicky in. His energy and ebullience meant he functioned as a first line of defence, as he often pressed the Tottenham midfield, winning the ball back to start counter-attacks. However, he probably didn't plan to start a counter-attack that he finished himself to unerringly make it 2-0.
Santi Cazorla – 7 – The past month has seen an improvement in Cazorla's form, and he was his usual sparky self in the final third. Don't underestimate how easy he made what was a difficult finish to give Arsenal the lead. His defensive work was also noteworthy, making sure Monreal wasn't left isolated at the back.
Theo Walcott – 7 – His finishing wasn't at its usual ruthlessness, but the very threat of his pace is an inherent worry for any defence, and he should be credited for an impressive run off the ball in the build-up to the first goal. His injury will be a worry for an Arsenal squad lacking in forward options.
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Per Mertesacker – 7 – Slotted in seamlessly at the back to preserve the clean sheet.
Mathieu Flamini – N/A – Came on to keep the midfield solid.
Mesut Ozil – N/A – Nearly scored with a late effort that was well saved.
This felt like a game that was more important not to lose then to win. While there's a long way to go before Gooners can start thinking of Wembley, it's key for the momentum that Arsenal continue to attain positive results.
Recent contests against Tottenham have been nerve-racking affairs, but this was a well-earned – and relatively comfortable – victory.
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