This. Such a criminally under rated player on here and I'd take him over Flamini who runs about a lot but loses his discipline and can be too reckless (see Southampton).
However he is getting on in years and there's no question that we need to look for a long term replacement this summer. Lars Bender is that man. Sign him up Arsene.
As for the game, good solid win. Glad to see that other players are prepared to step up when there's an injury crisis.
And personally delighted for The Ox. Didn't have the best of seasons last year and missed the first half of the season but his directness was a breath of joy today. None of the over wrought passing stuff which is ineffective against "park the bus" teams like Pulis' Palace.