Lukas Podolski and his role in Arsenal's victory over West Ham

Lukas Podolski celebrates after scoring Arsenal’s third against West Ham at the Emirates.

At the beginning of the game, just before Arsenal and West Ham paid tribute to the 96 of Hillsborough, Lukas Podolski was seen trying to brush aside Kim Källström and that was the first time I noticed Podolski being harsh on a team-mate. Now, that may be nothing and I might be the paranoid freak I usually am but in football, those who possess a particularly rash attitude tend to show it towards the opposition and last night, Podolski did.

Even during the first half, at a particular moment when Källström had the ball, Podolski asked for it and with little hint as to where to play it, the Swede lobbed it behind him. At this moment, the German disgruntled, having been moved into a dangerous area and not receiving the ball, looked at Källström and asked him to put it forward the next time – with the same attitude that was seen before kick-off.

There is a reason why Cristiano Ronaldo and Thomas Müller, to name a few, are so good at their game, it’s that ferocious attitude they’re always seen with; it keeps them ahead of everyone else. Glimpses of the same could be seen with Podolski yesterday and in a way, that could be a blessing for Arsenal.

On the other hand, as one of the more experienced members of the squad, that attitude could bear negative effects on the rest of them. However, if results fall like last nights’, that problem should be temporary and in the longer run, should benefit the others.

Kim Källström started his first Premier League game for the Gunners and as a 31 year old with over a 100 caps for Sweden and not fully fit, he had a good game and one that he’ll have fond memories of. As a holding-midfield player, he rotated well with Mikel Artera in the centre of the pitch and with that little extra pace that he has over the Spaniard, he found himself in attacking situations with a little more space.

Defensively, he contributed enough to the Arsenal back-line and did well to try and prevent their first goal, which in truth, was a combination of bad luck and ignorance. It’s evident that Källström isn’t the quick pass-and-go player that Arsenal need but when fully fit could contribute immensely to the midfield and that is a positive to have in these turbulent times.

Another player who I thought was excellent was Thomas Vermaelen, the Belgian had to play at left-back considering Kieran Gibbs and Nacho Monreal were both injured. Vermaelen wasn’t as effective as an attacking threat, but very rarely did I see Stewart Downing on the ball.

Vermaelen was solid at the back and contributed all the time to clearing those long diagonals heading towards Andy Caroll. A very impressive display from our Captain and I’m sure we can look forward to more of those.

Attacking wise, Arsenal were opportunistic yesterday. Podolski’s finishes speak for themselves and two outstanding goals ensured Arsenal took away all 3 points. The first one was from a beautiful driven pass by Santi Cazorla through three West Ham players that found the German, who tucked it into the right corner. The second showed us the quality and class that Aaron Ramsey possesses. The Welshman found Podolski with a great header, again through three West Ham players, who then smashed the ball into the roof of the net; incredible vision from Ramsey and a typical finish from Podolski.

Arsenal’s second goal was easily amongst the best that Olivier Giroud has scored. The Frenchman’s first touch from a very accurate Vermalen lob was exquisite and that allowed him to drive the ball through the goalkeeper’s legs with a powerful right-footer.

Santi Cazorla and Tomas Rosicky are the driving force for this Arsenal team, their quick feet and quick passes open up oppositions all the time and yesterday, they were at their best again and are beginning to form a real nice tandem in midfield.

I always thought that the combination of Mesut Özil and Cazorla would be devastating but it looks like our Little Mozart could very well be that demon for the opposition. The Czech constantly drove into the middle of their defence trying to use Giroud as a focal point and many-a-times, succeeded, only for Winston Reid to clear it with good tackles.

Overall, Arsenal moved back into fourth, at least for 24 hours or so but are now showing heavy glimpses of their early-season form, which means that a proper fight for the Champions’ League spot is very well on. Next up, away to Hull City and with a better squad than last night’s, it could again turn out to be a good game.