Post Match Reaction: Aston Villa (H)

A remarkable comeback saw us book our place in the 5th round of the FA Cup, despite trailing 2-0 at half-time.

Positives:
We've been known for our comebacks in recent years, but even by our standards, this turnaround was truly special! With backs to the wall and our FA Cup dream in tatters, a stunning fightback, led by the one and only Robin van Persie saw us safely through to the next round, 3-2 victors.

Negatives:
To go two down at home to Villa really put us in a position we shouldn't have had to fight our way out of. Defending was sloppy and we were caught on the break by Darren Bent.

Conclusion:
A terrific fightback, and with Man City and Man United now both out of the competition, this could be our year in the cup!

Post Match Reaction: Man Utd (H)

A disappointing home defeat against our great rivals saw Wenger bear the fans brunt for a substitution that made no sense.

Positives:
Our fightback was rousing and after RVP's equaliser, we looked like the only side capable of going on to win it. Alex Oxlade Chamberlain's full debut was a breath of fresh air and every time the youngster got the ball, he ran at United and scared their defence. You always felt like he was capable of making something happen.

Negatives:
With the score at 1-1 and Oxlade Chamberlain by far our best player, Wenger's decision to replace him with the lazy Arshavin proved a calamity just minutes later as the Russian railed to track back, makign a half hearted challenge on Antonio Valencia, who slid the ball across to Danny Welbeck for United's last gasp winner.

Conclusion:
What could have been three points turned out to be a home defeat thanks to Wenger's inept tactics. The pressure is on the Frenchman like never before as a chorus of boo's rang out from the home fans as Oxlade Chamberlain was subbed off for Andrey Arshavin.

Post Match Reaction: Swansea (A)

A dismal display in Wales saw us squander two leads on a miserable Sunday afternoon against Brendan Rodgers' side.

Positives:
Despite losing the game, there was some real attacking intent all afternoon. We looked dangerous going forward and could - and should - have added to our tally.

Negatives:
A few years ago, the thought of losing to Swansea would have been laughable. Our fall from grace has only been highlighted today, outpassed and outpossessed by Leon Britton and co. It just goes to show our fall from grace.

Conclusion:
With Fabregas gone, our midfield has struggled to control possession in games like we used to. Aaron Ramsey looks fatigued and our grip on 4th is loosening.

Post Match Reaction: Leeds United (H)

Well, the script was written wasn't it? And for the first time in almost five years exactly, it gives me great pleasure to say... Thierry Henry scored the winner for Arsenal.

Positives:
Thierry Henry is back! On a night fans are labelling 'Return of the King' it was the Frenchman who stepped off the bench to dramatically net our winner 12 minutes from time. It was typical Henry from our all-time leading goalscorer and former captain, taking Alex Song's pass with instant control before cutting in from the left flank and curling a trademark finish into the far corner.

Negatives:
This was one of the most glorious night in Emirates history, though if I am being picky, it must be questioned why it took the introduction of our former talisman to break down a Championship defence.

Conclusion:
Arsene Wenger labelled it "a night to tell any youngster about" whilst Henry himself was highly emotional, asking journalists not to wake him up from this dream.
Thierry, we're glad to have you back!

Post Match Reaction: Fulham (A)

A new year heralds new beginnings but it was the same old lapse in concentration from the Gunners defence as they threw away a lead at Craven Cottage.

Positives:
With so many defensive injuries, it looked for large periods as though a victory was on the cards. To dominate at Craven Cottage is never easy but for a good hour or so, Fulham were well and truly under the thumb.

Negatives:
After recent dropped points against Manchester City and Wolves, this was a poor result. To go from winners just 5 minutes from time, to conceding a last minute clincher had real echoes of last season's capitulations about it.

Conclusion:
Johan Djourou's sending off really turned this tie in this one and Wenger's men will no doubt be gutted to have conceded so late on. Wojciech Sczesney, who has been fantastic this season, was at fault for the equaliser, flapping wildly at a corner, and later apologised to fans on Twitter.

Post Match Reaction: QPR (H)

Robin Van Persie fell one short of Alan Shearer's all time record for Premiership goals scored in a calendar year, yet broke Thierry Henry's club record as the Dutchman scored yet another crucial winner.

Positives:
3 more points as we overtook Vilas Boas' stuttering Chelsea side in the race for 4th. Van Persie was clinical once more, whilst our injury ravenged defence stood strong in the face of adversity.

Negatives:
Despite growing in confidence and ability season after season, Theo Walcott's miss when clean through on goal early in the second half was evidence that the Newbury born winger is not yet the finished article.

Conclusion:
Just three months ago, we were 18th. Now, we have finally gatecrashed the top four! Let's hope it stays that way from now until May.