Arsenal 1-0 over Stoke City: Podolski's Strike Gives Arsenal a Well-Deserved Win

Arsenal was well and truly involved in a battle with Stoke City on Saturday. But ice packs and ice baths are minor inconveniences after a well-deserved 1-0 win. 

There were several moments of brilliance, but only one goal. There was also plenty of chippy play and eroding attitudes between each team. 

The good thing for Arsenal is the fact that the team has a full week to recover in time for its next game at Sunderland. 

There was plenty to talk about from this clash at the Emirates Stadium. With that being said, here are five impressions from the game.

Nacho Monreal

Playing against Stoke City in your first Premier League game is like being thrown unceremoniously into a lake in Canada during the middle of winter.

But despite the trial by fire (or ice), new guy Nacho Monreal handled himself just fine. 

The Spaniard has a nice burst of quickness and does indeed deliver some nice crosses. And despite being a Gunner for all of two days, he looks to have already created chemistry with his teammates. 

There were some moments when you forgot he was playing. For a defender, that's the best compliment you can give them. That's what you want from them.

His presence at the left-back position seemed to steady the defense today. And on the few times the Potters went on the attack, they were hardly threatening. This was a welcome sight for Gooners everywhere who have come to expect totally preventable goals. 

May today's win be the beginning of a long and beautiful relationship between Arsenal and Monreal.

Thank you, Mr. Cazorla!

Shoves, Fighting Words and a Kick to the Groin

These two teams don't like each other. That's obvious. 

But things started getting chippy in the final 20 minutes of the game. Players from each team were shoving each other while referee Chris Foy and his assistant were discussing whether or not Lukas Podolski's goal should be disallowed. 

Mikel Arteta and Michael Owen got into a bit of a scrap as well. Arteta made a totally legal tackle that sent Owen crashing to the ground. As he got up, Owen threw a shot at Arteta. Unfortunately for Owen, Jack Wilshere saw the whole thing and immediately got into his face. 

But the moment that summed up the match the best involved Ryan Shawcoross, a tackle and the area of Laurent Koscielny where the sun never shines. No more description needed there.

Nevertheless, it gave the Gunner faithful even more reason to boo Shawcross, the man who left Aaron Ramsey's leg in pieces a couple seasons ago.

This game was heated, and it made for some great entertainment.  

Abou Diaby

Despite being subbed for Santi Cazorla in the 68th minute, Abou Diaby had a fine game. 

He's finally looking like he's getting back up to speed. There weren't any "I-haven't-played-for-months" moments from Diaby. He did a great job of getting the ball back in his possession and starting the Arsenal attack. 

We should cross our fingers and hope for the best for Diaby the rest of the season. If he can stay healthy for these final few months, he'll be valuable depth for the Arsenal midfield. 

If he can't stay healthy, well, that's just typical of Diaby.

Lukas Podolski

Having also been subbed on in the 68th minute, Podolski scored the match-winning goal. 

Theo Walcott drew a foul just outside the penalty area and Podolski took it from there. His shot deflected off a Stoke City player, which left goalkeeper Asmir Begovic absolutely no chance of saving the shot. 

But other than that goal, the German didn't have to do too much. You could say his 22-minute cameo was just ordinary. But that's not necessarily a bad thing, considering Arsenal played more defense than not in the final 10 minutes. 

But the only thing that matters is that he scored the only goal, just like I predicted. And for that, we should give him credit.

The Top Is Getting Crowded

With Chelsea losing to Newcastle United and Everton drawing with Aston Villa today, the jockeying for the third and fourth spots in the table is becoming tight. Only five points separates Arsenal in sixth place from Chelsea in third.

Tottenham still has a game tomorrow against West Brom. If they win, they'll tie Chelsea. But if they lose, that's a huge opening for Arsenal.

If Arsenal wants to make sure it separates itself from this pack, it has to start with a win against Sunderland next Saturday. 

No matter what happens, this season is due for an exciting ending. On to the next one!