FA Cup 2012: 'You Saw the Real Arsenal for About 25 Minutes'-Graham Taylor

Arsenal came back from two nil down to win an absolute thriller of a match at the Emirates and progress through to the next round of the FA Cup.

The cup and Arsenal is like a romance affair. The last trophy that a Gunners captain lifted in 2005 was that special cup that Arsene Wenger has managed to win so many times before.

Yet Arsenal's home game against Aston Villa may have proved fairly straightforward to most people, but not judging by the halftime score. Villa were two nil up. A shocker for the home fans and for the players.

Arsenal started the game brightly and created many chances, but various players were all guilty of wasting chances. Vermaelen saw his fizzing shot tipped over by Given. Rosicky tested the Irish keeper before Aston Villa won a corner.

From the resulting set piece, Arsenal's defence went to sleep, and a cross by Keane was met by David Dunn. The defender rose highest to head past Fabianski. The marking in the box was an absolute shambols. Nobody really taking responsibility, desire and real guts to clear the ball out.

Arsenal tried to respond. They pushed Villa back and kept pressing. And just before the break, the much-loved Chamberlain crossed into the box, ball cleared. Villa countered with pace and precision in their passing. All of a sudden, the home defence were sprinting to cover, and Ireland passed through to Darren Bent. The England striker shot at Fabianski, but tucked in the rebound from an acute angle.

The silence was deafening at the Emirates. The crowd could not believe it, and everyone knew what was coming as the referee blew his whistle. A chorus of boos from the home fans.

But something happened in that Arsenal dressing room. Something was said. Wenger remains coy about it. His smile at the end of the game proved it worked.

After the break, Arsenal came out guns blazing. Ramsey and Rosicky were running the show. Walcott had an injected pace about him and a more willingness to drive past defenders. Arsenal bossed the midfield, pressing Villa all the time. Ramsey won the ball, combined with Song before being chopped down in the box. Penalty!

Robin Van Persie stepped up and expertly slotted the ball in the opposite direction of Shay Given's dive. Game on!

A minute later, and Rosicky and Ramsey combined before the latter found Walcott. The winger drove past defenders into the byline, cut back towards goal and tried to cheekily flick in through Given. The shot was saved, but the ball bounced and Hutton's attempted clearance deflected off Walcott into the net. All level now!

At 2-2, the home crowd were buoyant, and so were the home team. Koscielny tackled and drove forward. He showed pace and heart to burst into the box. Bent tackled him, but brought him down illegally. Penalty again!

Van Persie for round two against Given. The Dutchman smashed home the ball to an erupting stadium. Much relief around the place, and delight for the players.

The game ended with Arsenal through, and Graham Taylor summarised it perfectly on Radio Five Live. He stated how the real Arsenal was seen for about 25 minutes of the opening second half. He was right.

That is the team the fans want to see more often. One that plays with no fear. One where the midfielders take on more responsibility and make things happen. Rosicky, Ramsey and Walcott were outstanding. But despite the much-needed win, there are still cracks in the defence for Wenger to fix up.