Arsenal 3-0 Newcastle

By: travis | September 1st, 2008

Another game, another easy win at the Emirates. It was at times a pleasure to watch, and at other times, agonizing (ok, to an extent) to see the opportunities missed. The final score should have been 6-0. At least. Undue pessimism aside, it was a very good result for Wenger’s kids. Important to note that it was Cesc’s 200th Arsenal appearance - rather amazing for a 21 year old. He is amazing himself though, so no surprise there.

The win came quite easily. Newcastle hardly put up a fight - although they didn’t their best to start one with the insertion of Joey Barton near the end of the match. The biggest point of pessimism lay in the lack of finishing prowess: Gallas had an easy chance in the 3rd minute that he hoofed over the bar, while Adebayor seems to be missing all of his chances as opposed to most of them.

Samir Nasri played very well, and the boss seems quite keen on him, as are most supporters - especially after his trip of Barton. That was high comedy. Props also should go to Emmanuel Eboue for his cheeky backheel to Van Persie that set up the second goal. What is funny is the fact that if Van Persie wasn’t there, it would have been a horrible play. Instead, a thing of beauty and by that point the game was out of reach. Newcastle did little to threaten Almunia, who was called into action only a few times through out the match. I was a little bit gutted to see Van Persie just miss out on a hattrick, crashing a ferocious shot into the bar, and then to go off injured after that. Quite unsurprising. It was a classy finish by Denilson, who grabbed his first top flight goal, which came off a lovely move that spelled the saw an end of any sort of Newcastle hope.

It’s interesting to see how much of a difference (and how a positive result) can change views on the squad. I still think there is a need for one purchase - although the closing transfer window looks rather empty at the moment - to bolster the squad. However, they have proved that they can beat the midlevel teams. It will boil down to how the team responds away from the Emirates that will dictate their quest for silverware. That and finding players who can finish on a consistent basis. Adebayor will come around, there’s little doubt in that, but what if he doesn’t? Bottom line, great to be back in the top four, and while there are issues that can be sorted out, the one game panic induced by Fulham can end. For now. Back later after the transfer window is sorted out.