Walcott’s goal after 20 seconds caught me out, it was almost too early to celebrate properly as I couldn’t quite work out what had happened and how it was possible so quickly after kick off. It was in fact wonderful build up play by many Arsenal players, especially Rosicky who drove the team forward on the right, jinking his way past the QPR defence and to my surprise he opted for a left foot cross to Podolski rather than the usual outside of the right. Mikel Arteta had disguised his shot which allowed Theo to sneak away

We have morphed into a weird hybrid Graham and Wenger side in the last few months. A well organised side who are fully committed to protecting Szczesny’s goal but with players like Santi Cazorla and Tomas Rosicky we have the craft to keep the ball and in theory, break teams down.

Walcott’s goal after 20 seconds caught me out, it was almost too early to celebrate properly as I couldn’t quite work out what had happened and how it was possible so quickly after kick off. It was in fact wonderful build up play by many Arsenal players, especially Rosicky who drove the team forward on the right, jinking his way past the QPR defence and to my surprise he opted for a left foot cross to Podolski rather than the usual outside of the right. Mikel Arteta had disguised his shot which allowed Theo to sneak away from any markers and just like he did against Manchester United last weekend his side foot shot found the back of the net.

Theo Walcott’s game has frustrated in the last few months but what nobody can argue with is 20 league goals this season, those goals have been irreplaceable.

I thought we had controlled the game very well after that, restricting the home side to very little and on a rather disturbingly poor pitch had coped pretty well by moving the ball very well in midfield. Tomas Rosicky, Aaron Ramsey, Mikel Arteta and Santi Cazorla drifting inside were all dominant in possession but as has been the case in the last few weeks such as against Fulham after the red card, we ended up having plenty of the ball outside of the opposition penalty area only to find the movement and contribution of the two ahead (Walcott & Podolski) was minimal.

Arsene was correct in a recent press conference or interview that Podolski and Walcott are his two finishers but without presented with chances to finish, both players can be somewhat limited and when they are both on the pitch our technique in the final third suffers badly.

Lukas Podolski has been praised for his improved link up play but in truth he isn’t actually doing much special, just controlling a pass played to him and then laying it off to the nearest available player. That is pretty much a basic requirement of any player at the highest level. What I have found disappointing is his lack of movement in the box, and if you think back over games such as Sunderland, Manchester United, QPR and Swansea at home for the most part, how many chances has he had inside the penalty area? How many times has he spun away from his defender to face the goalkeeper? I cannot think of many at all.

Giroud for all his lack of pace and mobility keeps getting chances because he is constantly on the move and his link up play is far better whilst taking fewer touches of the ball thus speeding up our moves. I don’t want to sound overly harsh on the German but it is frustrating having a left foot with that accuracy and power to be nullified so regularly.

QPR grew into the game and started to pose a threat as the game went on. Tottenham wide man Andros Townsend posed problems for Nacho Monreal with his pace. Szczesny made a fine outstretched save to deny Loric Remy but that apart, I cannot remember too many clear cut chances for the home side, largely down to the defensive spine of the side. Koscielny, Mertesacker, Arteta and Ramsey were all excellent defensively and if we continue winning games like this then it will be our defending that has pushed us into the top four when it looked as if we didn’t have a chance after we lost 2-1 to Tottenham a few months ago.

It wasn’t a good offensive performance from us but at this stage I do not care too much, what is important is that we win the game and secondly that the team are providing an excellent solid platform. Keeping the ball very well, tigerish off the ball and showing great concentration. I expect the manager to improve our forward line in the summer so as long as we keep working hard on the rest of our game then it is a big thumbs up from me.

Three more juicy points and now let us hope for a favour from the champions against Chelsea.