Arsenal colours Forget about Giroud’s goals for a second, as impressive as the return has been. His all round game has been a joy this season. His awareness of others, his ability to flick the ball perfectly into the smallest of areas is fantastic. I am sure that side of his game is a big reason why Arsene went for him. Is there a better passer with his head in the Premier League than Giroud? When watching long kicks heading towards him you wonder what is going to happen next then the next second he has flicked the ball off to a player in space that I hadn’t seen a second ago.

Wow!

Ever since the full time whistle blew last night I find myself out the blue spurting out that word every now and then. We have done just enough to win football matches this season, in fact as far back as March when we lost at White Hart Lane from last season. We know we can play more attacking football but we’ve put that to the back burner for the most part just so we can guarantee us three points. That has worked out well so far.

Well my friends, that first half of football was a sneak peak of what this squad can produce against a very good side. A side that I may add were full of confidence after an unbeaten start to the season.

From the first whistle we rolled up our sleeves and said to the world, ‘let’s show everyone what we are about’

Fluid, rotating, one touch interchanging football. The type of football that justifies Arsene’s ‘let them worry about you’ approach to the game.

Arteta had replaced Wilshere and had started alongside Flamini for the very first time a ploy later explained by Arsene to stop the danger that Marek Hamšík provides. Those who think Arsene does not have a tactical brain better think again.

Having those two experienced players in the double pivot was also a way of saying ‘Aaron? go on son, we’ve got this, go and play’ And did the boy go and play.

Only eight minutes on the clock and the majestic Giroud had controlled Sagna’s ball down the line, his control and flick down the line was sublime. Aaron Ramsey in that wide position that he gained valuable experience in last season drove into the space, the movement in the box after that was a joy to watch. Ramsey’s driven pass caught the Napoli defence totally unaware and new boy Mesut Özil finished first time with his side foot into the corner of Reina’s net. A Bergkamp level of quality finish. It looked effortless. I’ve watched it over and over again and it is still wonderful.

Hopefully Özil continues amongst the goals because playing in this team in this system, he will continue to get scoring opportunities.

The movement from the front players was exceptional, the best I’ve seen in a while. Even our focal point Oliver Giroud was turning up all over the pitch with other players taking his place. Our fluidity is why it seems as if young players are played ‘out of position’ when in fact they are simply learning a part of their job, because our attacking play requires no pigeon holes.

Oliver Giroud who in my opinion was the man of the match got his goal after yet more great work from Özil. The German bursting into the box down the right and with a flick of his left foot he gave Giroud the chance to slam in from close range. 2-0

Like everyone when Özil signed for us, we all watched the Real Madrid YouTube clips and his outside of the foot cut backs where a regular feature. It is nice to see it in Arsenal colours and I would like to see more.

Forget about Giroud’s goals for a second, as impressive as the return has been. His all round game has been a joy this season. His awareness of others, his ability to flick the ball perfectly into the smallest of areas is fantastic. I am sure that side of his game is a big reason why Arsene went for him. Is there a better passer with his head in the Premier League than Giroud? When watching long kicks heading towards him you wonder what is going to happen next then the next second he has flicked the ball off to a player in space that I hadn’t seen a second ago.

I thought we lacked perhaps a little calm after that, almost like a boxer watching his opponent stagger around the ring and when trying to knock him out forgetting to concentrate on our technique. A few of our players were trying to end the game a little too hastily by rushing shots or ignoring chances to pass to better placed team mates.

It didn’t matter one jot because when we want to kill a game we can. Who would have believed a couple seasons ago that this Arsenal could be Tough, organised, professional, gritty and were able to hold leads with relative ease. Praise must go to Wenger and his coaching staff because this has improved tenfold from this time last season.

Napoli were allowed to have some of the ball back but our red wall in front of them just said no. They were reduced to pointless long range shots that only troubled the poor fans behind the goal.

Szczesny did another one of those race out and catch a big high ball. He has done that a few times of late and I love it. Szczesny did not have to make one big save on the night and credit goes to the whole team for that.

I know I keep saying it but we still have 3 out of 4 of the top scorers and assist makers from last season to come back (Cazorla, Theo & Podolski) as well as Oxlade-Chamberlain who has the potential to be a massive player for us given game time as well as Abou Diaby who will not be relied upon to over do it so you never know, we may be able to manage him better this time.

It is early in the season and I have been a football supporter long enough to know how quickly things change but I don’t care about further down the line, I am living this Arsenal team right now and right now I think we can beat most in European football. Luckily I don’t have to be cautious because I can’t affect the team negatively. Celebrating a goal doesn’t mean you’ve won a trophy yet we all do it so my advice to you is enjoy the moment. Enjoy our league position both domestically and in Europe. Enjoy our outstanding players.

Right now I am feeling on top of the world. Thank you Arsenal FC.