5 things we've learned about Arsenal so far this season

As I mentioned in my last post, this is the point in the season where we can finally analyse players signed over the summer, but it's also a time for us to analyse how well our clubs are doing and if there's anything new about them. A lot of new things have happened over at Arsenal, things that may have flown under the radar but have been picked up upon by me. Anyway, down to business.

1. We can finally beat teams who we are meant to beat! And convincingly!

Over the past few years, whenever we've come up against a weaker team me and the whole Arsenal fan base have been incredibly nervous that they'll lose and the embarrassment that follows will be unbearable. But this season feels different, like we can go and beat the teams we are meant to and at least give the teams on our level or above us a good game.

Quite a few times this season we've been in positions that at in previous seasons we would have just imploded, but we haven't, and actually won the game convincingly. Norwich for example.

2. Olivier Giroud is essential to our attacking game.

That's a phrase I bet you didn't think you'd be hearing at certain points in his debut season. The simple fact is, he is as equally as important to our attacking play as Mesut Ozil or Aaron Ramsey is. He's really demonstrated his amazing technical ability, his physical strength and confidence in front of goal. That Jack Wilshere goal just proved that his incredible technique combined with awareness and link up play makes for a perfect striker in many ways - 9 goals and 4 assists in 15 games for club and country so far this season.

3. Aaron Ramsey has finally overcome his injury.

Overcome is actually an understatement when you consider the grand scheme of things. He's totally blown away all critics and has shocked those who questioned his ability - even those who believed in him didn't expect this from him. He is possibly the most in-form midfielder in Europe at the moment. 13 games, 9 goals and 4 assists proves exactly why I say that.

4. Mathieu Flamini is more important to Arsenal than we think.

He's an absolute warrior of a player that has been happy to do everyone's dirty work. His contribution to the team is underrated. When he went off injured against Norwich at the weekend, Arsenal fell apart until they reached the comfort of the half time whistle. He was also sorely missed against Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday evening.

5. The defence is shipping far too many goals.

We have conceded 9 goals so far this season in the Premier League. Joint highest in the top 6. We have conceded in all but 4 games, which means we have conceded in 10 games. Our defence, last season, finished as the second best in the league. Something tells me that won't be the case this season.

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