Another memorable victory keeps Arsenal in the hunt.
This has been one of the most gripping seasons for years and it is very satisfying to see Arsenal in the mix after the pessimism that has dogged the club since the move to the Grove.
We are winning games with quality football but the most encouraging feature of recent performances has been the total commitment to the Arsenal cause. We now have a team to be proud of rather than be divided by and whatever happens between now and the end of the season there will be an overwhelming sense of optimism regarding the club’s future after some inspirational victories.
When Denilson planted the ball in the bottom corner after only five minutes there was a sense that Saturday would finally bring a comfortable Premier League victory but just before half time we were given yet another piece of adversity to overcome. Franco and Vermaelen collided in our penalty area and the linesman immediately flagged to signal a penalty for West Ham. It was an understandable penalty in spite of the accidental nature of the collision but the referee deemed that Vermaelen had denied a clear goal scoring opportunity even though Franco had no control over the ball, and sent him off. It was a potentially season defining decision.
However, Almunia produced a fantastic penalty save, Wenger moved Song to centre back, and we were dominant in the second half, particularly when the manager made an unusually proactive move and brought Bendtner off in the 58th minute, pushing Arshavin forward and bringing Diaby on to dominate the midfield area. It worked perfectly and Diaby’s value to the team goes up with every appearance at the moment. He steps away from challenges with ease and when he is on top form the opposition can’t get near him. Another positive was the performance of Denilson who appears to have benefited from his short break from the first team and his display may give Wenger the confidence to keep Song at centre back for the match at Birmingham next week rather than risk playing the sub-standard Silvestre.
There is now another welcome week of rest after a mentally testing game and the news that Ramsey is already walking unaided and that van Persie could play before the end of the season can only add to the air of positivity that is surrounding the club.