I was expecting more from Middlesbrough today, but if this was typical, it would appear that what success they've had this season is down largely to the central defensive partnership of Southgate and Ehiogu. The pair were solid enough that through long periods of dominance, most of Arsenal's goal attempts seemed to be snatched shots from outside the box.

The goals came just before half-time and just before full-time. First an unstoppable diving header by Sol Campbell from a corner (one of very few of many corners and crosses that made it into the danger area), and then a low drive by Pires at the death.

Boro could consider themselves a bit unlucky, in that the sending off of Aussie Luke Wilkshire with 15 minutes to go was for 2 bookings neither of which looked certain cards (not as bad as the clumsy challenge which earned on for Ashley Cole, that's for sure). The free-kick which led to the second goal may have been a trifle dodgy too, and losing Boateng to injury can't have helped either (it seemed a fairly innocuous challenge which led to him beging stretchered off, but it turns out that he'd been "feeling a niggly knee" for a couple of weeks). But hey, we were at home, we're supposed to get the breaks.

And there's no question that Arsenal deserved the win. Even before the sending off, Seaman had had virtually nothing to do after the interval.

For the record, Keown Sol Ashley and Lauren lined up in front of Seaman, with Gio partnering Gilberto in the centre of midfield and Pires and Freddie on the wings. Wiltord and Henry were up front, so you had the usual situation of everyone playing on the wing and not enough getting into the box.

But we did make a few more close range chances. Sol had a header come off the post from an earlier corner, but this was from well beyond the far post and a tricky angle whereas the one he scored was from right in the middle of the box. Freddie was unlucky with a half-chance which he had to hit first time from a low cross along the edge of the box. It just went too close to Schwarzer. In the second half Henry did well to miss one chance, getting his foot to a cross but somehow managing not to turn hit goalwards, and Schwarzer made a decent save or 2.

Arsenal will be top of the Premiership table at christmas for the first time. Chelsea are 2 points behind, having also won 2-0 today (over Villa). Man Utd are 4 points back, and play tomorrow.