The two midfielder’s ahead of the central defenders had changed from our current starting duo. Mikel Arteta out through injury and Jack Wilshere being deployed further forward allowed the returning Abou Diaby to be partnered with the tenacious high energy Francis Coquelin. It is only one game and it is very difficult to come to any definite conclusions but the balance of those two looked much better than previously. Coquelin’s running, hassling, tackling and pressing was great it always has been. Abou Diaby provided power

Last season our noisy neighbours were double digit points ahead of us in the table, our form was not very good and our team was struggling for consistency. The balance wasn’t quite correct with Theo Walcott on one side and Gervinho on the other. The north London derby came around and for once our rivals were the favourites. Arsene sprang something of a surprise that made me frown somewhat. Arsene had plumped for Yossi Benayoun in a wide attacking position. At the time, it struck me as a negative move when we should be imposing our game on them and attacking them. In fact ‘Arsene knew best’ and we went on to spank them 5-2 after going two goals down.

Arsene spoke glowingly about the balance of the side post match and that really showed as the game went on. It was the turning point for that team, for many of the players we are playing today and we went on a winning run.

When the line ups were announced yesterday my initial thoughts on the new balance was somewhat different to last February. I was excited this time round to see Santi Cazorla on the left, Jack Wilshere using his driving runs further forward and the double pivot of Abou Diaby and Francis Coquelin.

The first half was an even contest, both teams creating chances to go ahead but none being taken. Bartley headed against the bar while Giroud failed to score with two attempts. Vermaelen should have scored on the stroke of half time but his left footed shot was blocked by the legs of Vorm in the Swans goal.

It was the second half that has excited all us Gooners. The gear stick had been shifted up, the tempo of the team was raised and we saw arguably our best spell of football of the season so far. Partnerships were appearing all over the pitch, partnerships that had looked dysfunctional in this same fixture but in league competition.

The two midfielder’s ahead of the central defenders had changed from our current starting duo. Mikel Arteta out through injury and Jack Wilshere being deployed further forward allowed the returning Abou Diaby to be partnered with the tenacious high energy Francis Coquelin. It is only one game and it is very difficult to come to any definite conclusions but the balance of those two looked much better than previously. Coquelin’s running, hassling, tackling and pressing was great it always has been. Abou Diaby provided power and the ability to get away from players. We already know about Abou Diaby, about what he can do when he is playing well but Francis Coquelin is one who interests me.

Since he made his debut at Barnet at 17 years of age, his game intrigued. He has been undeservedly written off, not down to his displays because they haven’t been consistent but because of his lack of game time. I am of the belief that you cannot write a player off until he has had a run in the team and I cannot think of a time when Francis has had five games in a row in center midfield. Probably not even three.

He doesn’t have the passing and keep ball qualities of Mikel Arteta although I think he is capable of close when on form but what I am hoping for is an improved pressing game with him in the team. He reminds me of a more technical Mathieu Flamini, quick to the ball, loves a tackle along with a fantastic engine. Mikel Arteta cannot cover ground like Coquelin can.

Cazorla who has been off the pace since his hat trick at Reading came to life in the second half drifting in from the left, allowing Kieran Gibbs to use the whole left side of the pitch. Gibbs has been remarkably consistent this season with only a couple of off displays. Cazorla was able to roam where he wanted, exchanging passes with Wilshere who I will come to. Cazorla’s technique still amazes me even months after joining us. The ball just sticks to his foot and his dummies fool even the supporters in the stands or watching on television let alone the opposition players who continuously end up on their backsides.

Theo Walcott wasn’t at his best on the right but he gives us that balance on the other side of the pitch. We do not have many who run away from the ball and he was found on a few occasions but he was not able to take those chances. On another day he could have scored a hat trick. The quicker he signs the better.

It was a great team display and many players played well but there was one player who stood out above the rest. Even before banging in the winner, Jack Wilshere was the best player on the pitch. Playing the same role as his shirt for the first time this season he drove the team forward time and time again. All left foot, running in between opposition midfielder’s and flicking passes left and right. When Jack is playing like that, he is difficult to stop.

He was shooting far more than I have ever seen and I assume that was a consequence of playing further forward and getting to the edge of the area a lot more regularly. He had one shot that stung the palms of the inspired Vorm. With four minutes of normal time to go Cazorla played a pass into Giroud and the Frenchman has this wonderful habit of setting up his team mates with lovely touches, his cushioned flick allowed Wilshere to run on and drive in for the winner.

Jack was amazing but his final delivery, final defence splitting pass needs to improve for him to really become a great but he is only 21 years of age. We have seen the likes of Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri and Mathieu Flamini take giant steps at 23 years of age so that is something to look forward to. Wilshere is fast becoming our best player in the second half of the season and has been consistently pushing the team on even when we are not clicking as well.

We created a host of chances in the second half and that was pleasing to see from this team. Wenger’s teams have always been able to create and earlier on in the season we found that difficult but hopefully now with Arsene shifting the weights on the scales, he may have found the right balance.

I really like Oliver Giroud, his fight and what he brings the team but I would love to see a striker a level above him signed. Someone who could get away from their marker and a proven finisher. That could take this team to another level but we shall see what Arsene has in store this transfer window.

We face Brighton away in the next round of the cup, if we produce that second half display from the beginning then we will have a good chance of going further in the FA cup. Next up Chelsea at the Bridge who drew at home to Southampton. It is not just us that can slip up to weaker opposition at home then.

Hopefully our victory and Chelsea slip up can see us continue where we left off last night.