Goldi Poldi Halelujah

es gibt einen Fußballgott!

So, Lukas Podolski smashed his duck at the mugsmashers. For all of us this goal had a sense of being overdue, not necessarily for the German, but because it was the first Arsenal goal full-stop this term. The "seven years no trophies" jibe was about to be reincarnated as the "x hours no goals" klaxon. He clearly enjoyed the goal as his own first strike but also as the release valve on the pressure cooker that was building in the absence of last season's talisman after two scoreless draws.

It was also clear at Anfield that Prince Poldi is developing an understanding with Cazorla, and his goal was demonstrative of another trait that bodes well for his Arsenal future. The perfectly weighted return pass certainly helped, but it was his determination to get into the penalty area that crafted the chance. It was the same type of run he made in pre-season against Cologne to bury a Kieran Gibbs cutback, only against Liverpool he started 60 yards from goal, rather than 40. Each time he powered into space with an obvious desire to take his chance, and each time he finished it with vigor.

He'll benefit from the pass and move game Wenger has made the Arsenal trademark, but he'll also contribute to the burgeoning Bould-influenced defense with that same tenacity and drive that he has shown consistently in his first handful of appearances. Podolski is at an age where he wants to prove something and looks to be playing with that in mind. It's a very good start to his career as a Gunner, let's hope it continues in the same vein.


Follow @11cannons