Steady Alex Song gives Arsenal their rhythm and exposes Birmingham

Always artful in attack, it is the forceful presence of the Cameroonian that has been at the heart of the Gunners' recent wins

Birmingham City began sharply after sticking with the same XI whose Trojan efforts had held Manchester United to a draw but faded in the second half against Arsenal's 11 victors over Chelsea. The home side started by pressing in the middle third of the field, determined to disturb Arsenal's rhythm. In doing so, however, they conceded free‑kicks which proved their early downfall when Robin van Persie fortuitously scored.

The threat of the pace of Samir Nasri down the left and Theo Walcott on the right restricted the Birmingham full‑backs' route forward. Despite Birmingham regaining their shape early when possession changed hands Arsenal were able to play from the back fairly comfortably in a below‑par first half.

In the second half Arsenal moved the ball with purposeful tempo around the front six – Walcott and Jack Wilshere, rich, improving youthful talent, and Nasri, Cesc Fábregas and Van Persie all subtlety and cunning. But this attractive quintet would struggle without the input of Alex Song.

Song has grown into the role. Originally a centre-back, he has developed into an accomplished, powerful and pacy midfielder who has flourished since receiving early criticism when asked to play there. He recognises where to challenge and is much quicker than similar Premier League players who play this way such as Mikel John Obi, Michael Carrick, Lucas Leiva and Nigel de Jong. Strong in the tackle, he can burst quickly with the ball to leave the man he dispossesses but his most important contribution is in setting the tone from the midfield third by giving his colleagues further forward the benefit of a quick pass before they get tightly marked. He rarely kicks it; he strokes it easy and early. Simplicity is genius.

In a one-sided second half Arsenal were irresistible in the attacking third, Nasri alternated positions and Walcott's pace and positioning dragged Blues defenders out of covering roles. Alex McLeish's team battled but lacked depth and the highest quality while Arsenal showed shades of the very best patterns of attacking combination play.

Source: David Pleat, The Guardian on 3 Jan 11