West Brom comprehensively outclassed with defensive duo excelling and a Champions League place is now firmly achievable for our improving squad.

The most complete performance of Arsenal’s season on Saturday sent the squad off to international duty in high spirits and we can only hope that at least our main protagonists survive the fortnight unscathed.

Robin van Persie once again led the line like no other striker in the world can at the Grove but he is now finding a greater depth of support from his teammates. Theo Walcott and Gervinho are giving him the ammunition, Aaron Ramsey is providing the spark, Mikel Arteta is pulling the strings, Alex Song is clearing the decks and Vermaelen, Koscielny and Szczesny proved that they can give a steely base from which we can build.

Our first goal came after Aaron Ramsey weighted a Cesctacular pass into Theo’s path. Walcott couldn’t quite squeeze the ball past the ‘keeper but Robin van Persie was on hand to slam home the rebound with unnecessary power.

The second came after a corner eventually fell to Thomas Vermaelen just inside the area and the Belgian, rivalling van Persie’s ability to strike the ball, planted his strike low into the far corner. He is a superb competitor and if he can stay fit, will rival Vidic and King for the position of best defender in the league.

We put some gloss on the win with a glorious third goal. Rosicky played the ball in to van Persie from the right, the captain turned away from goal before laying the ball into Arteta’s path and the Spaniard arrowed the ball into the far corner with consummate ease. Our new number 8 has had a quietly impressive start to his Arsenal career and now, along with the team, is becoming more confident and willing to express himself on the pitch.

If we can continue building momentum at Carrow Road on 19^th November, we may even be able to make our mid-December visit to the Etihad Stadium a springboard for an improbable title push.

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