Arsenal returned to winning ways against Stoke on the weekend. Even though the 2-0 win wasn't a typical free-flowing Gunners win, a win's a win. Especially when it comes after 3 consecutive domestic losses versus Sunderland, Chelsea and Manchester City. We needed a win on Saturday by all means necessary and I'll take a scrappy 2-0 anytime over a free-flowing 4-0 if it's what is going to work on that day, and boost our confidence.

Andrey Arshavin has come out in the public saying that he's been disappointed with his up and down form this season and that he knows he's much much better than how he's played so far. This is a very good sign because it's true and Arshavin in pristine form would definitely help Arsenal's cause for silverware. The Man of the Match however was definitely the best player for the Gunners at the Emirates on Saturday and led from the front in the absence of Robin Van Persie and Eduardo. The diminutive Russian who had to play as a make-shift striker could have easily got 5 goals on a much different day. But as it turned out he didn't really need more than a goal (some lovely passing there between him and Fabregas) and an assist to create his team's second, to help the Gunners to victory.

There is not really more to write about if you consider the game. Arsenal started the game brightly, created plenty of chances and should have got more goals but nobody's complaining at the moment. More importantly we didn't let Stoke intimidate us physically, especially on set-pieces and dealt with Rory Delap's long throws really well (remember last year at the Britannia stadium?) even though the defense and Almunia were a bit unconvincing at times. Stoke had a brief period of intense activity where they threatened us the most in the first half and at 1-0 up they were always going to be in the game. That is why Arsenal's 2nd goal which effectively put the game to rest, was crucial. It also came at a good time, when Stoke were just starting to show intentions of imposing their attack on the Arsenal back-line. Ramsey was very composed in front of goal, especially for one so young. This was his 3rd goal for the club and Wenger and Arsenal fans will be hoping he keeps adding to the tally regularly!
Though it also has to be said that Stoke were really lucky not to concede more goals (Sorenson was top-notch most of the afternoon) and funnily but frustratingly enough Eboue was unwittingly responsible for blocking Fabregas's shot right after Arshavin scored the first! It was reminiscent of Nicklas Bendtner in the quarter-final second leg versus Liverpool in the Champions League a couple of years ago, and another funny fact is that it was Cesc again whose goal-bound effort was blocked on that occasion!

But all in all a much needed win to celebrate the Emirates Stadium's 100th game, Arsene Wenger's 500th game in charge and Cesc Fabregas' 250th game for the Gunners (Though I guess he is going to be disappointed he missed the spot-kick ... it was well and strongly hit but as the old cliche goes, it was just the right height for Sorenson to tip over for a corner.)

Good as that win was, we need to keep at it and the road's not going to be easy at all. The main problem we do have at the moment is injuries. We have always been unlucky with injuries to say the least but this time around it has reached a whole new level with about 12 players out on the sidelines at the moment! (Only RVP and Kieran Gibbs are the real long-term injuries but the 'minor' injuries include Eduardo, Rosicky, Abou Diaby, Clichy, Bendtner etc and guys like William Gallas, Armand Traore, Andrey Arshavin, Eboue etc have apparently got tiny knocks, muscle strains or niggles) So it is definitely going to be an interesting few weeks leading up to the transfer window, especially with us playing Liverpool at Anfield this weekend. (Wenger's put his faith in the youngsters for the away match versus Olympiakos and after getting comprehensively beaten by Manchester City at Eastlands, all eyes will definitely be on the young Gunners as they try to overcome the Greek champions on their home turf)

Transfer window wishes? Watch this space for more, but as Wenger said, we need Santa Claus to be really generous with us this time around!