Glyn Kirk/AFP/Getty ImagesOlivier Giroud netted his first Prem goal in the Gunners' winning effort.

Once again Arsenal fell behind in a game, as they did against Montpellier and Manchester City, and once again showed they have the character to deal with such setbacks.

If Mohamed Diame's goal was against the run of play, Arsenal did get away with it a little bit when both Kevin Nolan and Andy Carroll missed excellent chances to put the home side further ahead. Just after Arsenal equalised through Olivier Giroud (his first Premier league goal), Kevin Nolan fluffed a good chance after a Carroll knock-down and Carroll himself should have done better when Vito Mannone came and missed the ball, only managing to head wide.

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Arsenal were also frustrated by referee Phil Dowd who failed to issue a clear second yellow card to West Ham's goalscorer just minutes after the goal; in the second half, he waved play on when Aaron Ramsey was clearly tripped inside the box.

However, Arsenal made their quality and possession count -- they ended up with 69% of the ball overall -- and scored twice through substitute Theo Walcott and then magical Spaniard Santi Cazorla to take all three points. At 3-1 up Arsenal simply played keep ball, not allowing the home side near the ball as the fans spilled from the stadium knowing the game was well and truly over.

Once again Mikel Arteta was outstanding as Arsenal's midfield pivot, completing 106 of 111 passes and making all five of his tackles successfully. His evolution into the perfect modern midfield anchor continues apace and his impact on this Arsenal team is hugely positive. He was ably supported by Aaron Ramsey who was industry personified and his energy and movement was important for Arsenal tonight.

Yet it was Santi Cazorla who caught the eye further up the pitch. He found space and time as often as he liked and when he skewed a right footed shot wide from the edge of the box it didn't look as if his goal would come. Then with just minutes remaining, he scored an absolute beauty to seal the game for Arsenal, showing all the quality that seems to have come as a surprise to TV commentators but not anyone who has actually watched a bit of football.

Arsene Wenger and Steve Bould will have some concerns over the chances that West Ham had, but overall it was a fantastic result and the perfect way to go into another international break. With Olivier Giroud getting his first Prem goal, Theo Walcott showing Arsene Wenger exactly what he needs to to get first team starts again, and the Spanish influence growing in midfield, the positives far outweigh anything else.

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