A big game for Arsenal this is against Villa, although we haven’t been able to beat Villa at the Emirates surprisingly there is not a bit of nervousness in sight. Usually I’m a jittery as a teenager before his first date, but not today.

A 28 minutes cameo from Cesc Fabregas produces 2 goals to give Arsenal the win

Listening to pundits waffle away in the build up to the game, spouting rubbish about what we need. Some think we need a striker, others still go on about an English spine, generally the usual waffle but no real substance. Most think Villa will edge it, but we know better.

13:00 team news, Almunia, Sagna, Gallas, Vermaelen, Traore, Song Billong, Denilson, Nasri, Diaby, Eduardo, Arshavin.

Happy to see Traore get the nod over Silvestre, I was quite worried that the pace of vila would be too much for Silvestre. While his experience is good to have I’m sure Villa would have targeted him with some success.

Diaby looks in the mood, after lovely build up play Eduardo get the first clear cut opportunity in lots of space but only manges to hit it straight at Freidel. great start from Arsenal nonetheless, crisp passing played almost exclusively in the Villa half for the first 6 minutes.

Villa had a 10 minute spell when our defence looked shaky but we’ve recovered and are in control of the game but that opening goal seems elusive. The first half finishes 0–0 but Eduardo should have really given us the lead.

Let’s get that goal and win the second half.

Cesc warming up on the touchline, we can win this without him but it’s a great option to have.

Agbonlahor 1 on 1 vs Vermaelen and the Belgian comes out the winner, managing to keep up with the pace of Agbonlahor and having the determination to win the scrap for the ball. That on play sums up the mood of Arsenal— not willing to give anything away.

Great spell of pressure by Arsenal going close on an Eduardo freekick and on the ensuing corner Carlos Cuellar clears off the line to Keep Villa in it. We just need that finishing touch.

Fabregas comes in for Denilson and the intensity from Arsenal immediately increases, Cesc tries his luck from 40 yards, Eduardo goes close again forcing a brilliant save from Freidel. Come on guys put me out of my misery get the goal.

Theo Walcott comes in for Eduardo, that should keep Villa on their toes. Fabregas wins a freekick in a dangerous area, takes it himself scores a beautiful freekick. One of those where you could see it going in as soon as it leaves the boots. That’s 2 in 2 games, someone has been putting in the extra work on the training ground.

I’m enjoying this we are playing some really good football, just need to keep the ball, keep concentration, hit Villa on the break. Textbook football from Arsenal just we needed, Nasri Traore releases Walcott on the wing who feeds Cesc for our second. This is emotional I’m close to tears we all know how much this win means to our team.

I hope Cesc isn’t hurt to bad, what a cameo 28 minutes 2 very important goals. Get well soon Cesc.

The expected flurry from Villa comes, a third would seal the victory, but Villa is a determined bunch they won’t give up until the final whistle or another goal. Cynical play from Villa it’s to be expected 2 nil down, not much time left, and the fouls are coming in thick and fast.

Diaby who is having one of those games where you think this guy is really friggin good, Song will be missed during the ACN he has developed into a beast of a footballer, really holding our midfield together…

Suddenly the Villa midfield goes AWOL, Diaby just waltzes to the 18 yard box and places the ball low and hard to Friedel left 3–0 game over I shout at the top of my lungs with Gooners all over the world. Yes get in, 4 points off the top with a game in hand what a way to end the Christmas weekend.

P.S Very good game by the referee full marks for Phil Dowd