Arshavin's return is a huge boost; ESPN commentator Jon Champion shares his thoughts...

Byline: JON CHAMPION 

WE got a glimpse of what Arsenal were like on the opening day of the season on ESPN when they beat Everton 6-1.

They played some breathtaking football on that day and have done since. Whereas Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea can play badly and win, Arsenal can play well but end up losing.

Arsenal are a work in progress and I understand what manager Arsene Wenger means when he says this team is capable of something special. I just don't think we'll see it consecutively for a while.

I must admit, I did fear for their top-four place before the start of this season but I see few reasons to fear it now.

The return of Andrey Arshavin (left) is a big plus. He is the Artful Dodger and gives them the extra dimension; someone who can lift the team.

I am also looking forward to seeing Thomas Vermaelen (right). There was a question mark over him at the start because he was only just sixfoot but he seems to grow when he walks out on the pitch.

I have been really impressed with him and when you consider he had a better start to his Arsenal career than Thierry Henry, there is not too much wrong with him.

Fulham have had to contend with the Europa League this season. They have played more football than any other club in the top flight.

This will be their 12th game of the season and they started two and a half weeks before everybody else.

I would bet that the final whistle at the end of last season was the sweetest and sourest of times for Roy Hodgson.

He took the club to the highest finish in their history against all expectations, but with that goes the Europa League.

Inevitably, this rush of games is going to have an affect on the team. While I can't see them finishing in seventh place again, I don't think they'll be in a relegation battle.

ESPN www.espn.co.uk