Arsenal Wins!

It wasn't pretty. It didn't end anxiety about our defense and will to win. It doesn't automatically qualify us for the knock-out stage of the Champions League. But it was an important win -- our third in a row -- and accomplished with all the injuries I discussed yesterday. The 2-1 win saw goals from two summer signings -- 18 year old wunderkind Oxlade-Chamberlain (who looked very impressive in spells) and defender Santos (who looks much better moving forward than playing defense). The defense still looked porous for parts of the game, too many opportunities to put the game out of reach were blown and the result was still in question down to the final moments. Yet unlike Man U and Chelsea, the team didn't wilt in this tie and held off their opponent for an important three points. 

A few thoughts from the game ... Chamberlain looks like he could challenge Walcott for the starting winger spot. That could actually open the door to put Walcott and Van Persie up front together, as many including the former believe is a more natural spot for him. Mertesacker continues to look slow, but was more stable in the back and may just work out as a good leader for the defense (but like most Gooners, I can't wait for Vermaelen to return). Arshavin and Rosicky are past their primes and this should probably be their last season with the squad. Arshavin still shows moments of great creativity, but has a tendency to try to get around defenders by kicking the ball forward and being blocked off. If I can see it, I'm sure most defenders are aware of the tired move by now. Rosicky doesn't have the shot he used to, nor from what I can tell the will to shoot. He had a clear shot on goal in the 2nd half and instead passed the ball. Chamakh appears to have woken up from the stupor he had on the pitch for most of the past 10 months or so, but has to be more forceful in finishing. Yes he finally scored recently, but should have had one or two in this game and could have helped us at least salvage a point at Blackburn a couple of weeks back.

The good news is we have won three straight and go into Tottenham with a chance to get our League season back on track. One hopes we can display the mettle we have shown in the Champions League so far this year in a critical league battle ...