Vela: Arsenal's True Match Winner Today

Nasri in the middle alongside Denilson with Arshavin on the wing with either Vela or Eboue on the other (left/right side) is the way forward for us this season. I would also like to see a central defender signed because I am still unsure of Djourou and Toure. But it is not vital.

I agree, but I am still not sure that he is the guy that will deal with everything thrown at us.

Speaking purely on form, I wouldn't mind starting with Vela on the left now, Nasri in the middle alongside Den, Eboue on the right, Diaby either in the hole when we play with one striker or on the bench when we have two strikers. Bottomline, I'd rather start Carlos than Diaby (he hasn't been good except when he's in the hole, where Nasri also shines though).

You could really see Arshaving making a big impact on this side. We're in dire need of something different creatively and someone who can be direct (with skill). For me, Nasri is wasted on the wing and he has to start playing more centrally, certainly in Cesc's absence.

Vela will probably be more of a striker because of his awesome finishing ability. We used to play with a midfield of Rosicky-Cesc-Flamini-Hleb - so three quite attack-minded players. i guess we could play with Vela/Arshavin/Nasri/Walcott on the wings but we'd need a Flamini/Gilberto type midfielder alongside.

Wholly agree with this article, Vela made the difference. With Diaby the defence could sit back a little and if he made a good move he held the ball too long and got it taken away. Vela stretched the Bolton defence and we shouldve scored more. More playing time for him please. Please Ade be more focused in front of goal and dont wait for the defence to come - less talking and more scoring please.

I would actually like to see Vela up front if we sign Arshavin rather than Adebayor for a few games.

Prits took the words right out of my mouth. Vela will be like Theo on the wings (probably, could be wrong though) in that he will be a complete defensive liability. I think it was more important that Nasri moved to the center than that Vela came on. Although I feel that he could be an 'impact sub' if he came on to play as a winger when we are struggling.

what worries me is that the luck seems to be with Villa every week .. 5 own goals in their last 6 wins in the league ,4 of them won by 1 goal. Thats an incredible run .. cant continue .. can it?

Don't you still have to play them also gunnerchi?

bendtner first touch was to put his header in the goalies arms...his next two passes were misplaced......then he scored....he should always be our suppersub

not too concerned about Villa. i won't be suprised if Everton beat them to 5th spot. we just have to go on now every week and take every game as a cup final. we have quite a few tough away fixtures coming up in the league, so it's vital to come out with maximum points from it, nevermind the performances..

That's a good point LD - overlooked by those considering individual performances. Vela brought a change to 4-3-3 from 4-4-1-1. Bendtner a change to 4-2-4. Either of these changes used from the start would probably not have had the same effect against a fresh side.

Vela isn't ready yet for ninety minutes and coming on as a sub is probably the best way to use him at the moment. I would like to see Nasri start in central midfield alongside Denilson who continues to mature and improve in an impressive fashion. I think RVP should get a mention, he is just about back to his best - maybe better than before - he even uses his right foot now. I thought Robin was brilliant today, he worked hard and helped set-up the goal. Bendtner did well to and took his chance well, he may make it yet as a top player. Diaby continues to worry me; flashes of brilliance but plenty of misplaced passes, confusion and mediocrity. The defence also gives cause for concern and nearly cost us two points against a side who hardly threatened at all. I've said it many times - this side has got to start taking a pride in clean sheets and needs a player or two who relish defending in the way that Arsenal teams of the past have. Whilst we continue to struggle to score against teams who park the bus in front of their goal and at the same time always look likely to concede from set pieces, long balls and quick counter attacks we will win very little if anything. Having said all that a good three points today - we remain in touch with the leaders - and surely Villa's luck will run out soon?

I quite agree about Senderos.

Diaby is just another player at Arsenal who will never be considered a first choice player. He may be a respectable substitute or a player who plays a lot of games through injuries, but he will never become a first choice player.

I bet if you put Diaby in another side he would be awesome, though. I don't know what's wrong with him, sometimes he's sublime, and the way he can move with the ball is, at times, breathtaking. But he is too prone to making the wrong decision at the end of said move. I won't give up on him just yet, but I agree, he's had a LOT of chances this season, and he's got to prove it now, while he can.

*express it