EPL Review: 8 Arsenal Positives from the Gunners' Win Against Swansea City

Arsene Wenger had admitted the Gunners' season began against Swansea City after their horrendous summer, which included the departures of Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas and an 8-2 humiliation by reigning Premier League champions Manchester United.

Fortunately for Wenger his young squad failed to show the United trauma hangover as the North London giants secured their first Premier League win of the 2011/2012 campaign with a 1-0 victory against promoted Swansea City.

Courtesy of a bizarre Andrei Arshavin goal in which Dutch keeper Michael Vorm will long to forget quickly, Arsenal can begin to focus properly on their campaign with the Summer gone and a strong squad at Wenger's disposal.

The Gunners' face a tough task regaining their status at the penthouse of the Premier League table but with players returning from suspensions and injuries and Wenger's large deadline day buys, confidence is returning to the Emirates.

Arsenal are in the UEFA Champions League and have the depth and stability to maintain a top four place, achieving the Premier League story appears just out of reach for 2011/2012. A win, albeit an unconvincing display, does wonders for any team and Wenger will be relieved the focus has returned to football rather than transfers and departures.

BleacherReport establishes eight positives from the 1-0 victory over Swansea City.

8. It Is Nice for Arsenal Fans to Wtiness an Opposition Goalkeeping Error

The many seasons that Arsenal fans were forced to endure an unnecessary almost inconceivable goalkeeper error by Manuel Almunia or Lukasz Fabianski, takes it toll.

The amount of times opponents were allowed back into encounters, giving points or even secured a victory because the shot stopper was unable to deal with a meagre shot or high ball effected all of the Arsenal faithful.

However this time around fortune favoured the brave as Swansea City keeper Michael Vorm gifted Arsenal the lead shortly before half time and ultimately provided the difference.

The Dutchman, who was a £1.5 million arrival from FC Utrecht this summer, chased an erratic Theo Walcott shot before surprisingly offloading it to defender Angel Rangel. However, the Spaniard was clueless to the pass and the ball rebounded against his heel to Andrei Arshavin, who finished impressively from a tight angle.

Whether it signifies that luck may for once be with Arsenal for a season or that it symbolises the Gunners' goalkeeper conundrum has officially ended, either way it was a nice change for the Arsenal fans.

7. Robin Van Persie Should Be Played in a More Midfield Role

Arsenal captain Robin van Persie can score goals. There is no denying this theory, the Dutchman has 97 goals in 237 appearances for the Gunners' and has twice recorded 20 or more goals during a campaign. Last season the 28-year-old boasted 18 goals in 17 Premier League appearances from 2011.

However van Persie is also a creative dynamo who provides a large number of assists. Unfortunately when played in Wenger's formation that only accommodates a lone striker, the Holland international has a tendency to become anonymous and is unable to unleash his dynamic creativity. Furthermore van Persie fails to provide impact aerially.

With Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri both Summer departures, Arsenal are lacking serious flair and fluency in their attack and van Persie needs to provide an outlet. With Marouane Chamakh and South Korean captain and recent acquisition Park Chu-Young at Wenger's disposal, partnering van Persie or giving the midfield a more midfield attacking role appear like strong options.

6. Andrei Arshavin Has the Ability to Be Such a Lethal Attacking Force

Arsenal fans do not dislike Andrei Arshaivn but at times the Russian dynamo has not been the most loved figure in North London. Since arriving in January 2009 for £15 million from Russian giants Zenit Saint Petersburg, Arshavin has shone and darkened.

At times the 30-year-old is an attacking dynamo with blistering speed and skillful moves however too often the Russia captain appears lazy and lacklustre, barely aiding his defenders and often giving the ball away cheaply.

However Arshavin reminded the Arsenal fans of his ability and why Wenger kept him this summer with an energetic display against Swansea. Scintillating passes, incisive movement and general flair at times gave the Gunners' attack a needed lift.

With Gervinho, Ryo Miyaichi and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all awaiting opportunities it is clear Arshavin needs to perform or risk demotion and that conundrum might just do wonders for the Russian and Arsenal.

5. Per Mertesacker Will Be a Huge Defensive Force for the Gunners'

Arguably the strongest summer signing. Wenger's late acquisition of German giant Per Mertesacker for £8 million from Werder Bremen ensured positivity from the Arsenal fans after seasons of defensive frailties. Mertesacker is a renowned defender who at 6'6'' implements security defensively and threat in set piece attacks.

The 26-year-old was not outstanding on his debut but looked composed and stable in the centre. The Germany international provided confidence from set pieces and as experience materialized for Mertesacker, the giant will only improve and become a huge defensive force, literally and figuratively.

4. Alexandre Song and Gervinho's Return Will Provide Great Spark for Arsenal

There was no denying it was a weakened team that encountered Swansea, despite the influx of summer signings.

Defensive leader Thomas Vermaelen is not expected to return until November whilst teenage sensation Jack Wilshere could also be absent until the end of October. Furthermore African duo Alexandre Song and Gervinho were enduring their final game in their respective three match bans.

The two latter will be welcome returns. The duo have been sourly missed since receiving suspensions during the first day of the 2011/2012 season. Renowned defensive midfielder Alexandre Song is now the clear leader of the midfield and his assuring midfield tenacity will strengthen the Gunners' considerably.

Gervinho, the £10.5 million marquee summer signing from French champions OSC Lille, has proven in his short opportunities that he has the ability to become an attacking force for the Gunners' and provide that lacking clinical edge.

Their respective returns will place more pressure on squad members to perform at their peak or risk demotion.

3. Lauren Koscielny Is One of the Most Underrated Players in the Premier League

The Frenchman Laurent Koscielny, the £10 million signing from Lorient FC last summer, was criticized heavily last season despite in truth enjoying a stellar season with 43 appearances and three goals.

Koscielny was forced to take up huge responsibility in the Arsenal defence still in the embryonic stages of his Arsenal and Premier League career with Thomas Vermaelen sustaining a severe Achilles injury during the opening month of 2010/2011.

Yet despite the criticism and inability of Sebastien Squillaci, the 26-year-old prevailed and during the winter months, formed a emphatic partnership with Johan Djourou which became one of the best in the Premier League and thwarted a Barcelona attack containing Lionel Messi, Xavi, David Villa and Pedro.

The Frenchman has been forced to constantly adapt to different central defensive partnerships as he constantly maintains fitness yet the other defenders endure injury blows. Furthermore Koscielny is a tremendous worker who constantly enforces tough challenges.

His surge up the field during the first half highlighted his work rate yet without ever evoking an outstanding performance, the defender rarely receives this accolades he deserves.

2. Mikel Arteta Can Thrive at Arsenal

Another strong deadline day signing was Mikel Arteta from Everton for £10 million. With Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas both departing, Wenger needed to find a player to refill the lost creativity, flair and skill in the midfield. Arteta was a strong option.

The Spaniard, who had always been touted as a future Arsenal player, looked strong and confident on his debut, gelling well with the likes of Aaron Ramsey, Robin van Persie and Andrei Arshavin. He provided some Fabregas esque passes which cut open the Swansea defence but failed to be converted.

As the 28-year-old becomes more familiar with Wenger's style and gains more insight to his teammates, the former Everton ace is certain to be a big hit at the Emirates.

1. There Is Still Time for the Gunners'

Arsenal have had a poor start to the season. However the Gunners' boast a win and now possess a strong squad that can compete with the dominance of Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea.

Securing the Premier League title does appear slightly ambitious but there is no denying Wenger and his men can return to their rightful place in the Premier League top four.

Players are returning and if the North London giants can achieve consecutive wins, confidence will ignite and Arsenal will be on fire.