Arsenal Wins!!!

Well, it has gotten to the point where a 3-0 win over Bolton at home is big news. And really it is. But for two freak goals and too many missed opportunities last week, this would be our third league win in a row. We can build on the clean sheet and the control of the game. What we still need to do is be more ruthless in front of the goal. Van Persie has become one of the best finishers in football today, but we need others to score. At the top of the list is Walcott, who played an up and down game but should have scored at least one goal. His decision-making and finishing touch continue to trouble me, as a couple results this year could have gone the other way but for his inability to put it in the net.

Now onto the abbreviated report card (I'm going to play myself in a few minutes):

Alex Song: really played well today and is growing into a great holding midfielder. Also has an important third goal as we try to get on the right side of the goal differential again.

Van Persie: we need to do enough this year to keep this top striker who finds ways to score in almost every game.

Arshavin: really looked good and creative in his short time on the pitch. Really think the little Russian might have something to contribute this year.

Gervinho: I'm still a little troubled by his tendency to give the ball away and his finishing touch, but after the goal last week, am just waiting for him to begin to gel completely with the rest of the team.

Ramsey: really growing into the midfield role and not much to complain about.

Arteta: good, strong game. No goals but certainly had some great outlet passes and didn't give the ball away at all.

Mertesacker: starting to look more comfortable, but still has some work to do to be a top defender in the premiership.

Koscielny: looked much better today, though there were some possibilities for Bolton (not necessarily his fault).