Arsene Wenger believes Arsenal are starting to hit their stride as his new-look side provided fresh evidence they will be in contention for the Premier League title at the end of the season.
Arsenal, who last won silverware in 2005, came from behind to record a 3-1 win at London rivals West Ham on Saturday and move into fifth place in the Premier League.
It was the perfect response following the setback of losing for the first time this season, against Chelsea last weekend, and Arsenal are showing signs of moving on following the traumatic pre-season sale of Robin van Persie to Manchester United.
The Gunners go into the international break on the coat-tails of the early season pacesetters after substitute Theo Walcott and new boys Olivier Giroud and Santi Cazorla all got on the scoresheet at Upton Park.
France forward Giroud, who arrived from Montpellier in the pre-season, broke his league duck with the equaliser to cancel out Mohamed Diame’s opener for West Ham.
Walcott, who has been at loggerheads with Wenger over his desire to shift from the wing to a central striker position, caught the eye with a cool 77th-minute finish before Spanish midfielder Cazorla completed the win.
“It was an important test that we came through. It was a good test for our mentality as well to come back and win this game,” Wenger said.
“It moves us up the table with the international break coming up. It’s important we responded well after our defeat against Chelsea.
“We knew a draw wouldn’t be good enough for us and we got what we wanted. I couldn’t have asked for more.”
Wenger was quick to praise the goalscoring trio’s impact and said: “With Theo he is confident now in front of goal that he will score. He scored an important one when the game was 50-50.
“He has an outstanding attitude and I don’t rule anyone out. I believe in him. I do see his position (as a striker) as a his long-term position.
“Olivier nearly scored against Olympiakos in our Champions League game recently. He provides a physical presence.
“That goal will help him adapt. That’s what you want from players. Cazorla was a delight again to watch. He was very influential. It’s fantastic to watch him play.”
