Un-Song Hero

Reminiscent of John Coffee's walk down the green mile towards an awaiting electric chair, Avram Grant showed an understandable amount of distress as the jeers of the Upton Park "faithful" greeted him on Saturday evening. The Israeli manager was kindly led to the front line by Arsene Wenger while the all seeing eye of the media hovered with malicious intent. The events that would unfold failed to provide Grant with any form of shelter from the storm of uncertainty that rages in East London. Arsenal romped to a 3-0 victory, upon contemplation of such an emphatic win it is either the deficiencies of the loser or the prowess of the victor that grabs the headlines. I opt for the latter.

West Ham's problems are well documented. A tale of despair, with an all too familiar cast of injury, mismanagement and financial crisis. Scott Parker's absence left the hammers without their talisman, a plucky terrier willing to scrap and snap at the heels of his opponents, how he was missed. Arsenal's play makers were left with the luxuries of time and space at their disposal, conditions in which they thrive. Cesc Fabregas had more touches of the ball than the entire West Ham team combined in the first half. Grant's charges were out of touch, pace and without answer, to put it bluntly woeful.

Yet the manner in which Arsenal prevented any hint of an upset must be commended. These are my thoughts on Saturdays showing.

1. Robin Van Persie must perform consistently to keep title aspirations alive.

From the opening whistle the Dutchman was up for it and eager to impress. Scoring two and creating the other, Robin showed glimpses of his elegant and exquisite two footed best. He is such an important member of an extremely talented but potentially fragile squad. Now aged 27 he can no longer rely on the excuses of youth or inexperience to justify a lack of goals. The striker has been dealt a cruel hand of injuries and setbacks, but one has to hope for Arsenal's sake that a sunnier forecast is ahead. Goals from the front as well as the fringe are required to win titles. I believe that R.V.P can provide them; you feel that after a quiet world cup and spate of injuries he is only beginning to discover match fitness. Sharpness, a product of fitness paves the way for goals., R.V.P needs to fire consistently and lead from the front, providing a strong finish to a troubled season. His impact on Saturday (and last night at Leeds) showed just how essential a component he can be in an attacking Arsenal setup. Only the post denied him a deserved first hat-trick of the campaign. It was his grit together with the sublime creative display that impressed. He made his presence felt beating the likes of Upson to the high ball as well as tracking back and retrieving in midfield. A massive performance, long may it continue.

2. Jack Wilshere has risen above the label of an "exciting prospect"

Wilshere was superb, efficient and composed. Jack the lad has now cemented his place in the starting line-up, reward for Wenger's decision to recall him from Bolton. The young Englishman has shown that he is comfortable with the weight of defensive duties, allowing Song to venture forward on fruitful raids. His spacial awareness is truly something to behold. Wee Jack enrolled at the Arsenal academy at the age of nine, great football is an integral part of his genetic material and it shows. If you didn't know it already, Wenger's home grown boy has come of age.

3. Sagna was missed

Eboue's tendency to venture forward is at times commendable; however his dazzling runs frequently leave our goal exposed, as the commentator took great pleasure in pointing out. (I use the term "our" loosely as an Arsenal supporter) Sagna is now eligible to return after serving a three match ban for very nearly pulling in to Zabaleta. The Frenchman offers an attacking threat without Eboue's tactical naivety. Fortunately West Ham didn't have the guile or personnel to punish us, upcoming opponents will, welcome back Monsieur Bacary.

4. Alex Song continues to evolve

At Upton Park Song more than earned his wage as a defensive midfielder, he has become so much more than that. The hard man, enforcer and driving force from the rear, the Cameroonian ace is flying. His contribution this season has been unmatched, scoring vital goals ( against Chelsea) while consistently putting in a massive shift in the engine room. He may lack the regal presence of the celebrated Patrick Viera, but his determination and strength have set him apart. Song has brought the crucial element of physicality to the table week in week out. All of this whilst looking more and more like Abel Xavier by the day.

With victory last night over Leeds (I won't bore you with further analysis) Arsenal are the only English club competing in The Carling Cup. FA Cup, Champions league and title race of the Premiership. The gunners resume business against Wigan at the Emirates on Saturday, eyes on the prizes boys, all four of them.