Arsenal: 5 Things We Learned from a Solid Victory at the Emirates

Celebrating their 125th anniversary at the Emirates, Arsenal fought their hardest to secure all three points in an entertaining 1-0 win over Everton.

The Gunners dominated the first half, even though their finishing was frequently found wanting, and showed their defensive mettle in the second half, withstanding a barrage of Everton attacks and surviving numerous pressure-filled situations.

In the end, though, it was Robin van Persie who provided the moment of brilliance that Arsenal needed to win the match, hitting a brilliant first-time volley from an inch-perfect Alex Song pass to get his side all three points.

It was a great team effort to keep a clean sheet and break down a resilient Everton side, and there were several things we learned about an Arsenal side that just continues to churn out results.

Enjoy.

Theo Walcott Is Arsenal's Most Dangerous Player

While he may get criticism sometimes for relying too much on pace or lacking a footballing brain, Theo Walcott showed again today that he is the Arsenal player who defenses fear most.

He was matched up against one of the best and most complete left backs in England in Leighton Baines, and it would not be untrue to say that Walcott tore him to shreds. He used his lightening speed to constantly put pressure on Baines, and his Messi-like skill to get around him in the 56th minute was superb.

Even better, Walcott tracked back frequently to help out Johan Djourou, who is clearly uncomfortable playing out of position at right back.

Even though Theo may have his frustrating days, he can terrorize a back line like no other player on this Arsenal team.

Thomas Vermaelen Is Arsenal's Most Complete Player

Thomas Vermaelen is such an asset to Arsenal, one might even be able to make the case that he's the most valuable player on the whole team.

He is Arsenal's best center back, and his versatility is such that he excelled when forced into the left back role due to an injury to Andre Santos. The Belgian was always there to make an excellent tackle, deliver a great cross or even deliver a perfectly-weighted through ball over the top.

To have a center back with Vermaelen's technical skill, physical prowess and versatility is almost unheard of. He is also the leader of the back line, and his commanding presence is sorely missed when he cannot play.

Robin van Persie might be getting more recognition, but he should be sharing the spotlight with Vermaelen.

Alex Song Is Arsenal's Best Midfielder

Robin van Persie's finish for the winning goal was one of the best you'll see. However, many will not realize that the pass to set him up was one of the best you'll see as well.

When you consider that Alex Song is a defensive midfielder, it makes his lofted through ball all the more impressive. Because the Cameroonian is so good at his defensive duties, people often forget how great he is in attack as well.

That he has developed so much is stunning. Strong and capable in the tackle, Song possesses the rare capability to get himself up, charge down the field, sidestep a defender and unleash the perfect pass to set up a goal.

He can truly do it all. No one would have expected Alex Song to help fill the role of the creative, dynamic midfielder vacated by Cesc Fabregas, but he is somehow managing to, all while being the best defensive midfielder in the Premier League.

Robin van Persie Is Just as Amazing as We Thought He Was

If Arsenal win a trophy this year, it will be because of Robin van Persie.

All the players I have previously mentioned are outstanding in their own right, but the Dutchman is the one man who can carry the team to glory.

When Arsenal were struggling to get a goal, they needed a moment of inspiration, of pure genius. Who else to turn to but the captain himself.

His volley was just pure brilliance. Hit first-time, he managed to curl it around Tim Howard and knock it in off the post. The seeming ease with which van Persie pulled off a piece of outstanding skill belied the fact that only a few people in the world could pull off such a trick.

When Arsenal needed a bit of magic in years past, they turned to Cesc Fabregas. Now, Robin van Persie is the man who players know can will the team to victory when it seems impossible. Lifting at least one trophy would only seem fitting.

Arsenal Are More Than Capable of Qualifying for the Champions League

Only a couple months ago, Arsenal was languishing near the relegation zone. Now, they are incredibly occupying fourth place.

The Arsenal of years' past would have just wilted under pressure like that the Gunners faced against Everton, and a late goal would have probably been conceded to hand Arsenal a disappointing draw or loss.

This side is different. They are unfazed by difficult situations, the maturity to deal and cope with them is there and Arsenal can grind out results when they look to be stymied by a resilient side like the Toffees.

When the Gunners were at their worst this season, few thought Champions League qualification was possible, and many were resigned to the obscurity of cold, Europa League nights.

Now, Arsenal are at fourth place and climbing, while we Gooners can pity the likes of Manchester United and Manchester City, who will surely find playing FC Metalist Kharkiv less exciting than going head-to-head against AC Milan.

Yes, Arsenal are a team on the rise, and scrappy wins against quality teams like Everton push us further and further towards what was once an impossible goal.