Arsenal vs. Fulham: Take a Bow, Samir Nasri

How can you not be impressed with Samir Nasri?

He took the reins in a match that alternately spun in both Arsenal and Fulham's favour. Nasri was easily the man of the match against Fulham, his performance and goals are nothing short of quality.

The game as usual starts with Arsenal being on the offensive and outplaying Fulham in every department. A nervy Fulham defence and a moment of quality led to the inevitable first goal by Arsenal. Nasri picked the ball up from the right wing and glided past two defenders who were over-committed before lashing the ball beyond Mark Schwarzer from close range.

His ball control was brilliant and the finish was perfect.

Arsenal was dominant in the early exchanges and maintained the pressure for the majority of the first half. Their possession however, didn't translate into goals and they only maintained a one goal lead for the first 30 minutes.

Then the unthinkable happened when Diomansy Kamara was put through by Clint Dempsey and equalised.

It's the same story time and time again where Arsenal fails to make their possession and dominance count, much to the frustration of the fans with every missed opportunity. Fulham started taking the game to Arsenal and threatened with every move to score.

Their best opportunity fell to Dickson Etuhu, who squandered a free header from a Simon Davies corner. It seemed Arsenal was on the way to another home draw. Nasri was having none of it.

He started a move at the halfway line which eventually fell to Robin Van Persie who returned him the ball. Facing the whole back line, he left two defenders in his wake and rounded the goalkeeper before slotting home on the half turn from a tight angle.

It was a goal of supreme quality and skill and an early contender for goal of the season. Suddenly Arsenal was rejuvenated and in control. Fulham pushed for a late equaliser but it was not to be and Arsenal took the three points.

That's 11 goals for Narsi in his last 13 games, and if he maintains his rich vein of form, then Arsenal can certainly push Chelsea and Manchester United to the wire for the Premier League title.

An honourable mention goes out to Bacary Sagna who was outstanding as always at right back. Always explosive and effective going forward, he created a few chances for the Arsenal front line, including a picture perfect cross for Marouane Chamakh who headed straight at Schwarzer.

It was still a nervy encounter for Arsenal but the three points are theirs. They will go to the top of the table, briefly if Manchester United wins against Blackpool. Nevertheless, it was a good day for Arsenal fans with the image of Nasri's goals firmly embedded in their minds and an air of optimism rising in the Arsenal camp.

Could this be their year?