There are goals of all varieties in this wonderful game: long-range howitzers and shin-first tap-ins; headers, volleys, handballs; goals that matter and goals that don’t.
And then there is a team-defining goal, one that embodies everything about the players who provided it. Consider Stoke and Rory Delap, throwing the ball towards a mass of hulking humanity until it illogically rolls into the net; consider England, circa 2002, and David Beckham’s arching crosses from the right-hand side finding a well-placed forehead.
Jack Wilshere’s goal against Norwich – officially bestowed the title ofgolazo within seconds of finding the net – felt like an epochal moment for this Arsenal side. It was quick, intelligent and masterful. It contained (as the Telegraph’s Jeremy Wilson stated) two back-heels, three one-twos, four first-time passes and a volleyed finish. It was Fever Pitch, Dennis Bergkamp, that badge with the stars that looked like snowflakes. It was Arsenal.
At least, it was the Arsenal that everybody has now been expecting for years. The cliché was always of how Wenger’s side would try to walk the ball into the net, of how they were brilliant until reaching the opposition’s penalty box but blunt thereafter.
No more. Arsenal have recovered almost perfectly from their opening day defeat to Aston Villa. More attention was given to that sole setback – Wenger is finished and they’re a spent force! came the cry - than their subsequent six wins and a draw. But Wilshere’s opener will have alerted all to what this Arsenal team can do.
It’s too early to talk title challenges. But Arsenal have been more impressive than any other side in the first eight games - it’s hard not to with Olivier Giroud looking like a complete forward, Aaron Ramsey looking like finally fulfilling his potential and Mesut Ozil looking like Real Madrid's biggest transfer mistake since signing Thomas Gravesen.
Wilshere’s goal confirmed it. The three Arsenal goals that followed strengthened it further. For now, substance and style have found a fine balance in north London.
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