Before the game some people were saying this was a game that could define Arsenal's season and say a lot about their title credentials.
Fast forward 90 minutes and the Gunners have just beaten Manchester City 2-1 and, although they had to endure a tense final 10 minutes, the win was fully deserved.
Arsenal had barely mustered a shot on goal before Theo Walcott's wonder strike but Olivier Giroud's effort gave the hosts some breathing space.
Manchester City, who have been really struggling on their travels this season, pulled one back eight minutes from time to ensure a first away goal in nearly three months and a tense finish at the Emirates.
Arsene Wenger's men managed to hold on for a huge three points to give them a lot of reasons to be cheerful in their final game before Christmas. I certainly won't be getting carried away and know how quickly things can change in the Premier League, but that is definitely a win I'm going to enjoy.
Although Arsenal controlled large spells of the game it was in fact City who had the better of the early chances. David Silva and Fernandinho both sent efforts over the bar inside the opening 10 minutes.
Kevin De Bruyne then twice wasted the chance to open the scoring for City. The Belgian saw his driven strike parried behind for a corner by Cech before spurning another effort later in the half when he raced into the box and dragged a shot wide.
Arsenal took the lead with their first meaningful shot on goal after 33 minutes. Mesut Ozil set up Walcott, who turned on the edge of the box before curling a delightful shot beyond Joe Hart and into the bottom corner.
The Gunners doubled their advantage on the stroke of half-time after capitalising on a poor back-pass from Eliaquim Mangala. Arsenal stole possession and pushed forward before Ozil set up Giroud, who worked tirelessly and performed excellently throughout, to score with a low finish.
Arsenal were in dreamland but I was still fully aware that there was still a long way to go and not to get too over excited, despite the amazing scoreline. But the Gunners didn't disappoint and continued to grow in confidence in the second half and the defensive work-rate on show was second to none, with Per Mertesacker particularly impressing me at the back.
Arsenal maybe should've put the game beyond doubt in the second half but Hart spread himself well to block shots from both Joel Campbell and Aaron Ramsey.
At the other end, Sergio Aguero's header was straight at Cech, while substitutes Raheem Sterling and Wilfried Bony failed to trouble the Arsenal shot-stopper with their efforts.
City really should have reduced the deficit 11 minutes from time when Navas raced clear on goal. But instead of shooting the Spaniard opted to cut the ball back to Bony, allowing Mertsacker time to get back and clear the danger. But the visitors made no mistake three minutes later as Toure's goal gave them hope. The midfielder played a one-two on the edge of the box before bending a wonderful shot into the top corner.
Arsenal went from being in control to now having to face a nervy end to the game. I was genuinely nervous that our hard work might get undone late on and the goal really did seem to galvanise City, who now had the bit between their teeth. Bony sent a shot off target before Toure very nearly grabbed his second of the game but, fortunately for Arsenal, he poked the ball wide after having got behind the Gunners' defence.
There was a brief worry for Arsenal in the final minutes as Giroud went down injured but fortunately the French striker was able to continue and the Gunners held on for a huge three points.
OPPOSITION VIEW
Manchester City fan Joe Barnes admitted Arsenal were worthy winners, but he doesn't believe either side has what it takes to win the Premier League title this season.
"Arsenal were clinical," said Barnes. "City were wasteful and carrying a player who goes from a Lada to Rolls Royce far too infrequently in Toure
"It's Leicester's to lose because neither team look good enough to get over the line!"
MY FINAL THOUGHTS
That was certainly the perfect Christmas present for Arsenal fans but what we need to make sure now is that we maintain the same level of performance in other games as well. To make all this hard work count we need to make sure we get another three points against Southampton on Boxing Day and there are certainly enough positive signs at the moment to suggest we can do just that, providing we don't get complacent.
I still think no matter what happens we need to buy in January to add some extra depth to the squad but, after beating the likes of the two Manchester clubs already this season, we have proved we may just have what it takes this time around.
There's a long way to go but things are certainly looking up for us!
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
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