He can shoot!! (Arsenal 2 - 1 Fulham)

It's a new season and already there's plenty of excitement and plenty to talk about! For me, yesterday's display epitomizes everything that is Arsenal this season. The 90 minute non-stop effort put in by the boys is going to be a constant all year, and don't be surprised if we manage to snatch more points right at the death. In fact, it is this that worries me the most as I'm sure most of you will agree. Okay, all that effort is great to watch and coming from behind to grab an amazing victory always generates that rush and excitement (albeit after some nerve-wracking moments), but surely we can't depend on that all season?! Fatigue is bound to catch up sooner or later, and of course we can always have one of those days where the ball just won't go in (i.e. Man U v Reading). Simply put, champions often win games with minimum effort. Just look over the past few seasons and you'll notice that the likes of Man U, Chelsea, and the unforgettable 'Invincibles' of 2003-04 all had those games where the full-time scoreline was a forgone conclusion even before kick-off. Now if Arsenal can cruise past a few teams over the season, it'll not only provide some much needed respite and help keep our young guns fresh, but also enhance our chances of maintaining that push for the title.

As for yesterday's game, well one thing is official, Alex Hleb can shoot ladies and gents! Yes, the man often accused of passing when instead he should shoot, showed signs that the message has finally gotten across with that late goal (for anyone who needs video evidence, we've got the goal over on the sidebar!). It was a great performance by Hleb, certainly the best player on the pitch for me. He's come a long way and count on him to be one of our key players this season, maybe he's found his best position in that supporting role (he said it was his preferred position when he first signed for us). Other top performers for me were the two full backs. We've gotten used to Clichy's menacing runs upfield and although his crosses were below par he still showed what tremendous energy levels he has. Sagna showed great confidence too, not afraid to advance beyond the halfway line, the kid can only get better. Van persie is certainly our main goal threat this season and yesterday wasn't his best showing, still, expect 20+ league goals from him hopefully. Fabregas didn't have the best of games either but managed to chip in with that important assist. It was the same story for our two centre-backs who seem more adept at going forward than defending. I rate both Kolo and Gallas very very highly, individually that is, it seems when put together the communication is not always there as we saw with some blatant defending that almost gifted Fulham another goal on a number of occasions. I still think they will get it right sooner or later though. Lehmann for me, contrary to what many might think, is a top keeper with very safe hands. He is certainly prone to some costly occasional errors and is not the best when dealing with high balls but be that as it may, the guy is immense in goal and unless we can come up with a super-class replacement then I think he should stay on. Bendtner deserves a mention as he showed promise in his brief appearance, but although he showed why Arsene rates him, he still has ways to go before we can have any degree of dependence on him.

To sum up, it was an important win for us, one that'll give not only the players but also fans the confidence that this team is capable of more than the press claim they are. It was good to see the return of the huddle after the game (reminiscent of the huddle the 'Invincibles' squad used to do before and after each game) when all the players converged in the center circle, showing just how high team spirit is within the Arsenal camp. Here's to hoping we'll see more from this squad that will remind us of that unforgettable season! Have your say fellow gooners!