Arsenal came into its own with crisp, free flowing football. Cesc with a brace, Nasri with a very welcome contribution on his return, and Diaby rounded up the scoring. But Arshavin was the source having a hand in three of the goals. And Wenger singled him out.
Wenger highlighted Andrey Arshavin – who had a hand in three of the goals – for special praise, saying: “He was outstanding. He gave the ball every time a fraction of the second you wanted him to give it and that is top quality.
Arshavin’s singular trait is a short reaction time between goal and foot, which is great because Arsenal finally have a trigger man but at times, I have noticed he is not in the best position to shoot effectively or lets up an opportunity for someone else to shoot by not passing. Today, he was selfless.
Almunia made a terrific save parrying Pelle’s snapshot onto the crossbar but also did very little to stop Jeremain Lens shot which scored Alkmaar’s only goal.