though arsenal are still there at the top of the premiership table, looking at their small physiques (by and large) and the way that they can be dispossesed off the ball, it is a wonder that they still stayed on top with half the season behind them. what's the reason for this? brains over brawn?

The game has become more physical without a doubt, and we have seen clubs and countries react to this in different ways. Balletic diving seems to be the chosen form on the continent. I have not seen Arsenal overpowered too much this season. I would not attribute this to brains. Speed and touch have served them well along with decisive finishing when it matters - few, if any, other teams in the Premiership this season have taken their chances like Arsenal.

you are right about speed and touch, though when teams get in your face, teams such as arsenal seem to lose a some of their verve. if they had a few more physical players such as Viera was, then they may be able to cope better with the physically minded opponents. however, they seem to overcome this problem too of late