Three things we've learned from Arsenal's win over Man City

Arsenal back in 3rd place: Laurent Koscielny

In an encounter which Arsenal dominated for majority of the game, the North London side grabbed all three points after Arteta’s late goal from distance in the 87th minute which took them back to 3rd; two points above Tottenham as Manchester City finished the game with 10 men after Balotelli was sent off.

Just to confirm again, Arsenal are not a one man team

van Persie.

“He scores when he wants” – the famous chant directed towards Robin van Persie who has been in scintillating form this season with 33 goals already in all competitions, leading many to believe that Arsenal can’t survive without him, and labeling them as a ‘one man team’ have been proved wrong. Van Persie hasn’t scored for Arsenal in nearly a month – in that time, players like Vermaelen, Arteta, Gibbs and Walcott have all found the back of the net. Four games without a goal is being labeled as a drought for van Persie. It just shows how electric and consistent he’s been throughout the season but Arsenal are still grinding out results without the help of the Dutchman. Barely a one man team?

Arsenal are on par with the Manchester clubs

Alex Song & Samir Nasri tussle for the ball.

Forget the dreadful start of the season – Arsenal right now are very well capable of matching both the Manchester clubs who have hogged the top two positions for majority of the season. Had the season begun after the first seven league games, Arsenal would right now be in second place with 54 points while Manchester City would be third with 49 points and Manchester United would currently be topping the table with 59 points. Had Arsenal sorted out their mess back in August, they’d be challenging for the title by now. This statistic is only motivating as for next year, with a team that has gelled and gotten to know each other better, as well as the return of Arsenal’s best midfielder in Jack Wilshere (who Arsenal have missed all season,) Arsenal can now aim for prospects higher than 3rd place. Completely dominating a team in Manchester City who were so rampant early on in the season with 58% possession is surely a sign of that.

Mikel Arteta has been the best (panic?) buy this summer

Arteta celebrates his winner.

Mikel Arteta was bought on deadline day, following Arsenal’s massive 8-2 loss to Manchester United. Many thought it was risky – Arteta was 29 and was in no way, a like for like replacement for Cesc Fabregas, leading many to believe he was a panic buy. Fast forward to the present, and majority of Arsenal fans are ecstatic with his performances. Playing in a deep role, the uncapped Spaniard has offered stability in midfield, keeping up with offensive as well as defensive duties and his presence has allowed Song to go forward in a more creative role as well. Playing a major part in Arsenal’s revival from 17th to currently, 3rd, the former Everton man has notched up six goals and three assists to show for his consistent performances all season and his winner against Man City could be pivotal in the race for 3rd. Not bad for a panic buy.

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