Our midfield

The midfield combination of Diaby-Arteta-Cazorla has looked fantastic in all three games so far. Shockingly, we haven't been overrun yet and our defence hasn't been exposed like it was in almost every game last season. We have controlled all 3 matches and never looked out of ideas.

Despite our opening two games ending in 0-0 draws, you have to admit that the performances were not unconvincing. I think this is mainly due to the fluidity and solidarity of our midfield. It looks like the whole squad has finally been told to help the defenders rather than just concentrate on attacking.

The last time Diaby was properly fit, I remember how he wandered around the pitch and never looked disciplined off the ball. This time, he knows his responsibilities and acts like a proper box-to-box midfielder. Of course huge credit goes to Steve Bould for sorting out the mess we were in.

I was one of the very few people on this board who supported Alex Song and wanted him to stay. Now I realise how clumsy he was and what a liability he had become. Just look at our 2-1 win at Anfield last year. Although Song played an exquisite through ball to RVP which won us the game, he was part of the midfield which was overrun and dominated throughout the whole match. We were very lucky to come away with a win on that occasion. Looking at the recent match, our midfield had everything under control and we never looked 'desperate'.

Very encouraging signs.

Wilshere and Rosicky are almost ready to resume full-training (fingers crossed) so that will only add to the excellent options we have available. I think Cazorla's long term future maybe on the wing because when fully match fit, Wilshere is too good to leave out.

Szczesny
Sagna Per Verm Gibbs
Wilshere Arteta
Cazorla Diaby Podolski
Giroud

Very exciting team.