Cesc’s return pass to Theo was executed by the king of assists, a player who has mastered the art of finding team mates in small spaces. A delicate chip, with backspin in between Ivanovic and into

I haven’t celebrated at the final whistle as hard as I did yesterday for a long, long time. It feels like a massive weight has been lifted off my shoulders so I cannot imagine what this has done for the players.

Wenger is right in stating that the players look more mature, we saw a glimpse of it at Old Trafford, a strong defensive unit, good team shape and a more cautious attitude. Against Manchester United we did not play the football to match it but our approach was different.

We got a fantastic mix of hard work to close Chelsea down, good organisation and the quality of Cesc, Van Persie and Nasri along with Theo’s pace in the final third.

Yet, had Drogba’s early dragged effort found the bottom corner instead of flashing wide of the far post then it could have been the same story of the last few meetings. We had most of the ball, made them work much more but they managed to find the first goal.

I refuse to believe that Chelsea have been head and shoulders better than us in our games since we won at Stamford Bridge in November 2008. They have managed to defend very well and take their chances. Drogba didn’t play any worse than in recent meetings, he didn’t finish off his chances.

Credit must go to Arsene Wenger for his team selection. Squillaci and Arshavin would have been two players that you would expect Arsene to select but he opted for the power of Djourou against Drogba and the pace of Theo to stop Cole from bombing forward.

Many criticise Arsene Wenger for not making tactical changes or considering the opposition, well our whole approach and choice of players blew that theory out of the water.

Johan Djourou since he has been fit has been immense and that continued last night. As I expected, Koscielny has been bought to be a starter and complimented the physical Djourou very well. I would like to see those two become the first choice central defenders in Vermaelen’s absence. Let them develop an understanding together and provide that strong platform for the rest of the team.

Alex Song seems to have the knack of being in the right place at the right time inside the penalty area, it is no wonder why he continues to get forward. He has the instinct of a David Platt, a Frank Lampard, a Lionel Messi. The ball finds his feet inside a crowded penalty area. He may not always have the ability to finish like those players but he certainly has a fantastic return so far and more than justifies his rotation with Wilshere.

His five goals thus far are more than Scholes (15 apps, 1 goal), Fletcher (20,3), Modric (22,2)

Song has scored some very important goals as well and not just the last in high scoring games. You will not hear many complaints about his drives forward after his drilled effort last night.

The goal just before half time was perfect timing, last season Chelsea scored twice on the break just before half time and it set them up perfectly for the rest of the game. Song’s goal provided the perfect platform for the rest of the match.

The way we started the second half would have pleased Arsene Wenger no end. We didn’t sit on the one goal, we didn’t go gung-ho we were mature and efficient.

Theo had a tricky start to the game, found it hard to get into his stride but he made Cole defend. When Essien prodded the ball towards his goal area under pressure Theo was onto it like a flash, Ashley Cole was caught ball watching which left Theo was the simple task of pressing ‘x’ to Cesc to tap into an empty net.

The third goal was a thing of beauty, Chelsea attempted to play the ball out of defence and Theo was onto Malouda and won the ball. Cesc’s return pass to Theo was executed by the king of assists, a player who has mastered the art of finding team mates in small spaces. A delicate chip, with backspin in between Ivanovic and into Walcott’s path.

Walcott once again applied the natural strikers finish into the corner with power. That finish it beginning to be his trade mark.

Chelsea responded quickly, Drogba who you would expect to be in the penalty box for his aerial strength is crossing in set pieces for a reason, his thundered bending free kicks are very difficult to defend against and Ivanovic glanced in ahead of Koscielny.

At the time that goal was the worst thing that could have happened to us, the idea of Chelsea pulling the game back to 3-2 was just terrifying. But now I am glad that we did concede that goal. The players will hopefully now rid of the Tottenham ghost. Chelsea who were the top scorers last season had half an hour to get back into the game but were contained by an Arsenal team who apparently cannot defend for toffee.

I think Sky Sports must have known that it would be the end of the Chelsea hoodoo, they spent the whole game reeling out stats about our recent record against the top sides, almost felt like they had to get through the whole list otherwise the Christmas bonus wouldn’t find its way into the pay packet for this year.

This result will mean very little if a much changed side does not perform and pick up three points tomorrow evening. Denilson, Diaby, Rosicky, Chamakh and Squillaci are all likely to bring the team some fresh legs but the same intensity and commitment must now be there in every game.

I knew the boys could do it, they need and should feel proud of themselves and continue to show that we can be worthy champions.

Fabianski (7)
Sagna (7.5)
Koscielny (7.5)
Djourou (8)
Clichy (6.5)
Song (8)
Wilshere (7.5)
Cesc (8)
Walcott (8)
Van Persie (8)
Nasri (7.5)

Please note that ratings are only my interpretations of the game and that others will have differing opinions

Don’t forget to also check out DrakeGooner’s match report.