Watching Arsenal play Southampton, in a free-flowing style you expect from Arsene Wenger's side, but also in such a disciplined manner, that when Wojciech Szczesny spilled a regulation catch, allowing Southampton their consolation goal, Wenger, with Steve Bould, alongside him could be seen absolutely seething, even if Arsenal had already put four goals past the Saints, was the most interesting aspect of Saturday's game.

That mentality, of never allowing cheap goals, and always expecting the best from every player was what was missing with the "young" sides of the past. Who or what has changed that mentality is up for debate, but what cannot be questioned is the visible desire in every Arsenal player to win every game, and not ever take the foot off the pedal, even if they are leading by a considerable amount of goals.

For instance, even when Southampton scored the goal to make it 4-1, you knew instinctively that this Arsenal side was never going to capitulate like they did against Newcastle United a couple of seasons ago.

With Mikel Arteta and Santi Cazorla in the side, there is a sense of assurance in midfield. Francis Coquelin looked the part, and showed he has the technical ability as well as discipline - the most important word for Arsenal this season -- to become successful.

Gervinho will face tougher opposition than the Saints defense, but playing as a central striker for the first time in a competitive game for the Gunners, the Ivory Coast international looked every bit the great player that Eden Hazard said he was and Arsenal fans have been hoping for over a season.

Arsenal have options on the right, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain can play there as well as the center; Walcott came on as a substitute and scored, Gervinho is adept at playing in that position.

On the left, however, Lukas Podolski seems to have made it his own, and how! The German international's signing was met with surprising scepticism among Arsenal fans, with many looking at his club record, particularly during his time with Bayern Munich and writing off his chances of making a huge impact. Everyone believed he would contribute, but not in the scale that he has done over the past four matches.

The German international has looked the part going forward, but what cannot be underestimated is the importance of the work that he does while needing to defend. Against Liverpool, Podolski was equally effective on both fronts, and the willingness to help out the defenders, has permeated throughout the club.

There is no player, just hanging back and waiting for the team to move forward, to get into gear, everyone is helping out, whenever and wherever necessary. What is also great going forward, is that the front three and Cazorla, who had another brilliant game, can switch their places at will. With Robin Van Persie in the side, that would not have been possible. Everything went to him eventually, allowing him to score the goals with great regularity.

Now there is a bit more fluidity to the Arsenal team that has been missing since the time of Robert Pires and Freddie Ljungberg, coupled with the deadly duo of Dennis Bergkamp and Thierry Henry.

Now don't get me wrong, I'm not saying this Arsenal team is anywhere near that level; it is not. But the match against Southampton reminded me a little of the times when the Arsenal team of old have carved out defences time after time, and yet looked suitably strong at the back.

Also, let's get this out. Steve Bould has arguably been the best signing of the summer. The former Arsenal defender has brought in a system where everyone knows their role while defending. There are no more calamitous high lines; if the defense steps up, it is done as one, with all the back four - Kieran Gibbs included - on the same page.

It is still too early to tell how far the defense has come; the Champions League opener against Montpellier and the match against Manchester City will reveal a lot more. What cannot be denied, though, is that the signs point to one thing, a marked improvement in both forward and defensive play at the Emirates.