Arsenal’s winning streak against West Ham continued as the Gunners dug deep to score the goals that sent them to fourth place, albeit temporarily, pending Everton’s result against Crystal Palace tonight.
However, it was a true test on the Gunners fitness bearing in mind that a considerable chunk of the squad played an exhilarating 120 minutes in Wembley just three days earlier.
Without further ado, here are a few things I learned from yesterday’s game.
The Introduction of a Fresh Kim Kallstrom Paid Dividends
It might have taken him four months to make his first start for the club, but having a fresh face in the form of Kallstrom was a welcome move that was worth its weight in gold. Due to the injury constraints at the club, Mikel Arteta and Mathieu Flamini had played a lot of football in the middle of the park but the Frenchman’s suspension coupled with more fitness concerns for Aaron Ramsey paved the way for Kallstrom to make his mark on the pitch.
His passing was great and he worked in tandem with Arteta balancing the play. Having a player of his experience in the run-in would come in handy.
I hope he goes back to Spartak Moscow with a fat shiny FA Cup medal.
Lukas Podolski’s Left Foot is the Football Definition of Pure Evil
Podolski can be a very frustrating figure, especially when he’s not with the ball. However, he’s a natural predator in the opposition box and times without number, he has proved to the world that his left foot is as strong as Thor’s Hammer.
He showed off his clinical side with two well taken goals that left the keeper with no chance in Hell. It’s games like yesterday that makes Arsenal fans wonder why he doesn’t start regularly, but then again, you know how peripheral he becomes when Arsenal is having an off day.
Nonetheless, it was an efficient performance from the German Machine and I hope he scores more goals between now and May.
Aaron Ramsey’s Cameo Showed the Fans What they had Missed
It’s so ironic to know that Ramsey’s excellent form at the start of the season was halted abruptly when the Gunners took on West Ham. That day, Podolski came on for Ramsey and directly involved in the goals that handed the Gunners all three points.
Ramsey wasn’t deemed fit to start the game but he made a cameo in the second half and he capped a good display with a lovely assist for Podolski that was finished aplomb.
With the midfielder working his way to full fitness, Arsenal fans will be hopeful that he contributes to the team’s cause before the campaign reaches its climax.
Arsenal are Still the Kings of the London Derbies
This season, Arsenal has won seven of their nine derby matches in the Premier League this season – beating Crystal Palace, Fulham and Tottenham home and away and taking 22 points from a possible 27 in capital fixtures.
The only derby defeat suffered this season was that 6-0 drubbing in the hands of Chelsea. Arsenal have had the best record among London teams 12 times in the last 18 years.
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