Three things we learned from the Arsenal game

Emphatic victory today and a perfect performance to take into next weekend’s clash with Aston Villa in the FA Cup final. The lads were all over West Brom from the first whistle, and took a commanding 4-0 lead going into half time. The Baggies never looked like recovering and if it wasn’t for a gaffe from David Ospina, they wouldn’t have grabbed a consolation. Today’s match showed us just how devastating Arsenal can be when in top form. Top quality passing and moving and combination play to create the goals and an overall sound performance from the lads.

Theo Walcott dazzled with his 34 minute hat trick, as did Jack Wilshere who was sensational from midfield. The performance of these two will surely have given Wenger something to think about it for next season. It was a good day to be an Arsenal fan and good day for the club on a whole. Let’s hope the lads can take this performance into next weekend. Have a look at three things we learned from the game today.

All hail Theo

Theo was absolutely brilliant today. Three goals in a little over 34 minutes and in superb style I may add. The first was a thumping effort that flew in off the underside of the cross bar, before adding two predatory finishes. It was more than the goals that impressed today though, he was spot on in his movement and runs into the channels, and looked a constant threat.

He could have had four or five if not for some smart stops from Myhill in the West Brom goal, and I would say Theo proved his point today. He has done enough to warrant a new contract and more importantly a more prominent role in the side. Fair play Theo

Jack is back!

Speaking of fair play, Jack was pipped to man of the match honours only by Walcott and his goal scoring heroics. Jack was superb as well, absolutely pulling the strings from midfield. He took his goal extremely well also, with a sensational strike of his own on the half volley, while also setting up plenty of opportunities. Walcott’s third actually started from Wilshere’s driving, although the assist will go to Cazorla for the shot cross hybrid.

The match day commentators said Wilshere was in “irresistible form,” and I would be inclined to agree with that. Sensational quick feet and good movement in the midfield to slice through the Albion back line.

Not so safe hands

Today’s match showed there might be some credence to the view that Arsenal need another goalkeeper. Terrible decision to come out for McAuley’s goal and nearly allowed another from Gardner’s fairly tame effort in the dying moments. Ospina has been superb this season still, but today showed there is certainly room for improvement. It will be interesting to see whether or not Wenger sticks with Ospina for next weekend’s cup final.