Arsenal vs. Chelsea: 5 Star Performers in the Gunners Huge Win

Arsenal pulled off a stunning 5-3 victory away to London rivals Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.  The Gunners were irresistible going forward and displayed the kind of quick counter, attacking flair that is at the core of Arsene Wenger's footballing philosophy.

Arsenal also demonstrated further evidence of their new found resilience and determination, twice coming back from a goal down, as well as breaking a late 3-3 deadlock with two well-taken goals to seal the win.

Here are the Gunners five best performers from their historic victory.

5. Laurent Koscielny

It seems strange to single out a defender for praise after Arsenal concede three goals in a wide open game, but much maligned Frenchman Laurent Koscielny stayed strong and kept a ragged Gunners back four together at crucial times.

Koscielny was excellent, stepping in to break up play, and he timed his interceptions very well.  He is developing a real knack for providing cover, sweeping up any loose balls and filling gaps as they appear.

On this form, Koscielny will be hard to replace once Thomas Vermaelen is again ready to take on 90 minutes in the league.

4. Alex Song

Cameroon anchor man Alex Song ensured Arsenal were never seriously overrun in midfield.  Song's tackling was sharper than usual and his instincts and concentration were excellent.

After some shaky moments at the start of the first half, Song settled into the game nicely and become more efficient with the ball.

When Arsenal did get on the ball in midfield, Song ensured that the Gunners were always moving forward and showed his value in advanced areas by providing a nice assist, setting up a crucial goal for Andre Santos.

Song demonstrated better discipline and tactical awareness than usual and gave Arsenal a secure base to launch attacks.

3. Aaron Ramsey

Aaron Ramsey continued his recent improvement and is beginning to look as though he could offer a lot in the most advanced position in Arsenal's midfield trio.

Ramsey displayed keen creative instincts throughout the game and was always looking to free Arsenal runners and play incisive passes in between the Chelsea defense.

Ramsey showcased his technique and guile when he played a smart pass to release Gervinho, leading to Arsenal's first goal.

The young Welshman has picked up his game considerably in recent weeks and is demonstrating the touch and flair needed to deliver a consistent end product for the Gunners' attack.

2. Mikel Arteta

Mikel Arteta passed the ball better than anybody on the field and was Arsenal's most consistent and efficient performer.

The former Everton star retained possession for Arsenal and kept numerous attacks alive thanks to his varied and intelligent delivery.

There were a few defensive lapses from Arteta, but the Spaniard worked hard and was tireless at both ends of the pitch.

The highlight of Arteta's accomplished display was his simple but effective pass that positioned Robin van Persie to claim his hat trick.

1. Robin Van Persie

Arsenal's captain was magnificent today.  Robin van Persie was combative and tenacious and always posed a threat to the Chelsea defense. Van Persie took each of his three goals with the kind of calm and clinical efficiency that has become his trademark.

The Dutchman is playing as well as any forward in the game right now, and he is fast becoming a guaranteed performer for the Gunners, no matter how big the game.

Today's 5-3 win ranks as one of Arsenal finest moments under Arsene Wenger and provided the heavily criticised Gunners boss with his 500th victory with the club.

It also offered further proof that Arsenal could well be close to a remarkable recovery.  Defensive lapses will still be identified, but the team has regained its attacking flair and is looking sharper in front of goal, with every game.

Just as important, the squad seems to have found a way to scrap much harder than before.  They were deadlocked 1-1 with both Sunderland and Stoke and won.  They were down by a goal to Bolton and came back to win.

Chelsea led 1-0 and 2-1, but Arsenal simply wouldn't fold.  The signs are beginning to look very encouraging for the rest of the campaign.