Moving on...

Well, that was nerve-wracking! A hard fought win over an Everton side that is improving at the same rate as Arsenal are.

And there are, as always, both positives and negatives to take from the performance. On the positive side; another (exquisite) assist from Bukayo Saka, the cross turned in sublimely by Nketiah; an Henry-like run and finish (on the end of a Bergkamp-like pass from David Luiz) from the free-scoring Aubameyang; and some resilience as the team tired against a pretty good Everton forward line (in particular Richarlison, who is not only strong and tricky on the ball, but possesses electric pace).

On the negative side, an unfortunate injury for the returning Kolasinac, and some horrendous defending at set pieces that must be addressed were the lowlights.

For Arsenal fans' delectation, here are two photos that will assuredly appeal - kudos to the man who put these together:

And so to the match. Firstly, Arteta's team selections never fail to surprise (but not in the worrying way that Emery's used to), but it's difficult to argue with the inclusion of Eddie Nketiah as whilst he has some way to go to become as useful to the side as Lacazette, whose role as first line of defence should not be understated, he did well enough in general play and scored a beauty. As for the other changes - well, the game in Athens did much to influence that as players were judiciously rested.

On the whole, it would be difficult to single out too many players for particular praise; with the exception of Aubameyang, who as we all know and as the rest of the football is starting to realise is world-class. And on top of his movement and finishing ability, he works very hard. Admirable. 

I did have concerns during the match that with Xhaka continually splitting out to the left into an auxiliary left back position, thus giving first Kolasinac and then Saka the opportunity to bomb forward, that Ceballos was being left isolated two or even three to one in central midfield. But the latter got to grips with this as the match wore on, and his ability on the ball made this less of an issue than it may have been.

Anyway, it was something of a strange game with goals scored so early and late in each half, and Arsenal looked to manage their 3-2 lead for what felt like an eternity instead of perhaps looking to exploit Everton on the break. However, if we attribute that to Everton's greater reserves of energy having not played for a fortnight, then that is perhaps understandable. Suffice to say that Arsenal rode their luck to claim three precious points.

And so, with more winnable games to follow, it looks like the gap to the Top 4/5 is going to narrow over the next month. On to Europa League (following a decent performance result away from home), a tricky-looking FA Cup tie at what will be a vibrant Fratton Park, and then three eminently winnable League games. Things are looking up under Mikel Arteta.

Sweet Caroline!

I’m on holiday (bad timing, some may say, with two home Premier League games in a week), but hey; I’m sitting in a beach front cafe in the West Indies and you’re not!

What that did mean, however, is that I struggled for a feed for the Newcastle game and only found one 10 minutes before half time. As it turns out, following the @Arseblog Live Blog as I was, it would appear that having no feed was a blessing in disguise.

So following a very slow start - against a rather poor side - during which Arsenal Twitter were wondering if the players were still metaphorically in Dubai - Arsenal finally started to click into gear in those 10 or so minutes leading up to half time. Whether it was the team selection - which nobody could have predicted - or just the need to get to grips with a low block, a big centre forward and swift wingers looking to hit you on the break when the onus is absolutely on you to make the running I don’t know. But it’s something that must be addressed; top sides are capable of hitting the ground running from the first minute. Arsenal could certainly have been behind after half an hour.

But from then on there was only going to be one winner. Even before the goals came, they looked inevitable as Arsenal’s superior class took over. And this despite giving up two very decent chances to the opposition. We saw excellent performances all over the pitch, and I will single out Saka, Caballos and Pépé for extra praise. Although - and I have said this before - the quality of the opposition has to be borne in mind.

And so to Mesut Ozil. Now here’s a thought; he had a particularly influential game, and that may be down to having Ceballos behind him instead of either of the more defensive duo of Torreira and Guendouzi in tandem with Xhaka. Ceballos is the nearest we have had to Santi Cazorla (and Cesc before him), and I wonder if it’s his extra ability to create space for himself with a sharp turn that helped Ozil exploit the space that he invariably finds? Food for thought; but alongside that this may not work against stronger opposition.

Four lovely goals. A clean sheet. Goals and assists for Pepe and substitute Lacazette. Another goal for Aubameyang. Another assist - with gratuitous nutmeg - from Saka. And of course the 35-pass move that led to Ozil’s goal. A perfect day and result.

Now Arsenal must exploit the relatively easy run of fixtures they have for the next month. The Manchester City ban opens up a wealth of possibilities.

I’m still waiting for somebody to beat Liverpool, by the way... the anxiety is growing.

Right, I’m back off to the pool. See you next week.