A win! A real, live, actual win!

And goals! Actual, sweet, sweet goals.

By scoring their first two goals of the season, and keeping their third clean sheet, Arsenal finally secured their first win. Some of the passing was excellent, and I was particularly impressed with the midfield trio. I think the defensive midfielder is overhyped. Having one would be good, but if you've got Arteta and Diaby, both of whom showed great defensive awareness, screening the back four, then having one isn't essential. Besides, you've got the added advantage of Arteta acting as a deep-lying playmaker.

While I was similarly impressed with Podolski's goal, I also found his work rate incredible. I think he made more tackles than Gibbs on the left hand side, and I almost always saw him pop up when needed at the back.

Podolski!

Credit: The Telegraph

Santi Cazorla looks more and more a bargain. Pace, passing, shooting, intelligence, two-footedness. Can't ask for much more.

It's pleasing to see the whole team look much more cohesive and organised, especially defensively.

Our lack of a back up striker is a bit of a worry though. I think Giroud will come good - his movement is exceptional - but should anything, touch wood, happen to him, we're relying on Podolski being drafted into the centre, or Chamakh. With the latter, 'relying' is used in the loosest sense of the word.

Anyway, good stuff. More of the same after the international break please.

Word of the Day: Pop

We actually won!

And this time, the football failed to disappoint.

It's not very often that we get completely outplayed and still manage a win. Unlike Man United, we oftentimes seem to lack that particular capability.

But this was one of those magnificent times. Up against the ropes for the entire first half, and most of the second, two magical, sublime van Persie goals once again won the game.

And my, how important this win could be.

Chelsea managed to lose to West Brom, which means they're now three points behind in fifth. Spurs are only four points ahead of us now with a game in hand, and play Man United tonight.

Things are looking a little bit better now.

Hopefully Arteta's injury isn't too serious. Looked bad, with the oxygen mask and all.

Let's hope that this win heralds a good week coming up.

Word of the Day: Oftentimes

Emo rant #5,098,412.33

Sometimes I get the feeling I'm not very important in peoples' lives.

It's not a cry for sympathy, it's just a fact.

See, I contemplated disappearing for about a month a while back. I don't think many people would notice that I'm gone. Or even if they did, it wouldn't be much more than a "Oh. Haven't seen Andrew around in a while."

Okay, maybe during uni, people would notice more. But during holidays, nah. Doubt it very much. Except my family, perhaps.

It's just an observation. Maybe it's the way I am. You know, I don't really insert myself into the minds of people. Very forgettable, in other words. I hope people prove me wrong.

On a less emo note, this week should be good. Arsenal beat Liverpool. It's usually a good week in prospect when Arsenal beat a difficult team, and Liverpool, at a time like this, should result in a spectacular week. Optimism/superstition, please don't let me down.

Word of the Day: Missed

Football fest

I spent a whole 30 minutes laughing at this clip. You'll need to turn on the sound though. It's the aural stimulation more than the visual stimulation which makes this clip exciting.

GOLAZOOOO! GOLAZOOOOO! GOLAZOGOLAZOGOLAZO! RONALDINHO GAUCHO GOLAAAAZZZZZZOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

Man, those Portuguese/Spanish commentators get so worked up. It's funny as hell though.

Some actual awesome football in this morning's match: Arsenal vs Liverpool. Or more correctly, Liverpool vs Arsenal, as Liverpool were AT HOME:



Arshavin: 4. Makes me happy.