The Gunners Return

Giroud celebrates his first goal of the night after a classy finish 

In recent history a fixture against West Ham has always been a tough and well contested match both home and awa. Yesterday's match did not reflect on what the game used to be like but much more one sided. Its been a mixed season for Arsenal and we showed something that hasn't been seen before this season. 

Falling behind 1-0 is never pleasant for any team, especially in the circumstances we were in. The thought of not qualifying for the Champions League hurts. It hurts badly. As West Ham's goal went in, I could just imagine the BBC Sport  Premier League table showing that we ended our season in a 'solid' 5th position. However all was to change...

The return of Lu Lu Lu Podolski saw him bury a screamer from around 20 yards out leaving Jussi Jaaskelainen for dead. Then after a great spell of around 10 minutes Jussi had to pick 3 more out the net. The rest was history. Was this really Arsenal playing?

The Gunners came out in the second half and looked like the complete team. Surprisingly, they seemed as if they were playing for each other, they looked like they were bothered to play football and with possession they could cause a threat. Either Arsene put some sort of magical potion in their Lucozade at half time or he was correct in saying 'This team does have the potential to go far.' 

Im not a tactician but it was obvious to see that the counter attacking footballs suited us last night and proved effective. When the ball was in the middle of the park, Wilshere pushed the team forward and got everyone going. We do have pace down the flanks and much creativity in the middle and we used it to the best of out ability. Why couldn't we have started the season the same we played yesterday? 

Both Podolski and Walcott tested the West Ham full backs and used their pace to our advantage. Having played at full back for a number of years back in the day (as they say) there is nothing worse than coming across a speedy little bugger who will roast you 9 times out of 10. If they were to have started the season with this cutting edge football, the table could have looked a little more promising at this stage. 

One of the main reasons why the result went in out favour is because we werent wasteful with our chances. The most frustrating thing about being an Arsenal fan is that we create so many chances but put them all to waste. However, this wasn't the case. Giroud is a big lad and can use his head. It isnt ofter that you see a 'Big Lad' run to the near post and score two goals where inf act it is more often you see them go for the back post. There is something special in him! Giroud can use both his feet and his head as proven throughout the season and is as threat to the weaker teams but the main question is can he pose a threat against the stronger sides? 

Now we move on with the confidence every team needs and the power in our hands. Next weeks mach against Liverpool is a must win. We need to show that desire and unity that we showed in the second half against Liverpool and the three points will be our. 

Man of the Match : Lukas Podolski 

Up the Gunners 

Keep the Faith 

Arsene Wagner