By Richard Clarke at Stamford Bridge
Arsenal are back – emphatically, completely, utterly.
Arsène Wenger’s side snatched a stunning 5-3 comeback win at Stamford Bridge on Saturday with Robin van Persie grabbing a sumptuous hat-trick.
Chelsea lead at the break as goals from Frank Lampard and John Terry sandwiched a well-crafted strike by the Dutchman.
However the second half would belong to one man and one team.
Andre Santos and Theo Walcott turned the scoreline around before the hour. After Juan Mata equalised, Van Persie confirmed the points with a breakway goal after Terry slipped five minutes from time
In injury time, Van Persie completed this huge injection of confidence by thumping a fifth goal past Petr Cech. It was his 28th goal in 29 Premier League games in 2011.
This was a huge test of character for Wenger’s side and they passed with flying colours. The Emirates Stadium side have now won nine of their last 10 fixtures and, crucially, now have a marquee scalp within that run.
This was the result everyone at the Club has been waiting for.
Hopefully Arsenal's season can kick on from here.
http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/3407931/first-team/chelsea-v-arsenal?tab=report