Top man Arshavin changes the game for Arsenal

Top man Arshavin changes the game for Arsenal

Everton were as tough as I expected. They took the lead controversially though, with a goal that was miles offside.

In the second half, I thought that Arshavin’s introduction galvanised the side.

He made some clever runs and great passes. Two superb lobs set up Van Persie and Walcott for chances.

Diaby also had a big impact on the game for me. He unsettled Everton with his mazy runs and this man has a lot of potential if he stays fit.

Arshavin’s goal was excellent as he kept his composure. Let us remind ourselves that a confident Arshavin is a deadly finisher and we need him right now as we will be without Nasri’s goals for the next few games.

I  have always believed that most centre-backs who score on set-pieces are those at the top of their game - Campbell, Adams, Terry, Vermaelen or Vidic spring to mind. Koscielny did that twice in two weeks and it could be a measure of his growing importance to the side.

Elsewhere, I was hoping for Houllier’s rejuvenated side to get something at Old Trafford but Ferguson’s men are really not letting this go. Chelsea also kept in touch despite being unable to play Luiz and Torres. More importantly, they moved seven points ahead of Dirty Harry’s Spurs.