Could this be the season? Can Arsenal really win the Premier League title? Well, the answer to those questions might take a few more months but Arsenal surely seems like the only team at the moment that can challenge Manchester City for the Premier League crown.
Arsenal were to face one of their toughest opponents, especially since the Gunners had been abject in the 3-0 loss in the Carling Cup. Swansea had been pretty good at the start of the season but had tailed off with a six-match winless run before their crucial victory over Aston Villa. Arsenal had lost the last three ties against Swansea and Gary Monk had set out to ensure that he could claim another three points.
A stalemate at the half and then Arsenal explode into life
One of the biggest shocks was Arsene Wenger giving a start to Joel Campbell, who seems to be more out on loan than playing for Arsenal. The Costa Rican did get his first goal for Arsenal in his first start of the season but more than that the performance of the team was excellent.
After a first half which never really saw either team dominate, Arsenal came into life; Olivier Giroud scored the first goal thanks to the delivery from Mesut Ozil. The German notched up yet another assist and now has the most assists in the Premier League since he signed for the Gunners in 2013.
Laurent Koscielny made it two thanks to a blunder by ex-Arsenal keeper Fabianski before Campbell wrapped up the three points, but the most important aspect of the game was how well Arsenal tore into the Swansea defence in the second half.
Just like a lion wakes up to tear into a carcass, Arsenal in the second half were a different beast. The Gunners were brilliant and just like the games against Manchester United and Leicester, Swansea were not able to deal with the pace and movement of Arsenal’s wide men and also of Mesut Ozil’s creativity.
Olivier Giroud also deserves a special mention as he won more aerial duels than expected and gave Arsenal a different outlet, something which they have used to a great extent this season. Giroud scored, once again and set Arsenal off on their way.
Gunners for the title?
The way Arsenal are playing at the moment, not many can doubt their title credentials, but they do have a very important tie in the Champions League against Bayern Munich in Germany. If they can avoid defeat, they would have a great chance of qualifying but more than the Champions League, the Gunners should concentrate on the league, and this is the best chance they will get off getting over the line.