Arsenal v Newcastle Review

Arsenal v Newcastle Review

Arsenal put in another defensively sound and competent performance on Saturday against Newcastle.
It’s the type of performance we’re getting used to under Mikel Arteta, with the Spaniard proving time and time again that he knows how to win games against the sides outside the top six.
Goals from Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli put the Geordies to the sword, but it was the defence who will take the plaudits after keeping an attacking Newcastle side out for 90 minutes.
The Gunners had 24 shots on goals, so they will be looking to be more lethal in that area moving forward, but it’s hard to complain after bouncing back so quickly from the loss against Liverpool last time out.

Positives

Firstly, another awe-inspiring performance from Aaron Ramsdale.
After being Arsenal’s best player last week against Liverpool, the keeper took it upon himself to make another bid for Arsenal’s man of the match.
Secondly, it was an impressive performance from the back four, both in attack and defence.
Takehiro Tomiyasu got an assist to continue his fantastic start to life in North London after Nuno Tavares had already set up Saka just after half-time.
Both full-backs have been brilliant despite Kieran Tierney’s absence, and the Scottish international will now have to work that little bit harder just to get back in the side.
Finally, Saka’s goal shows that he is back to his best, getting goals and assists, influencing games, and generally being the best young player in the league.
With him back to his best, Emile Smith Rowe hitting new levels and a top-quality back five at The Emirates, there is no telling how far this side could go.

Negatives

It’s time to admit it; this isn’t the Arsenal way.
It can be challenging to watch Arteta’s Arsenal at times, and the traditionalists at the Emirates probably want to see a more swashbuckling style in the months and years to come.
Another negative is that today’s result shows once again that the Gunners can beat the struggling sides but not the big boys.
If Arsenal want to return to the top, they will need to start beating Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea and Manchester United.
Another negative is that despite going level on points with West Ham, Arsenal remain behind them in the league.
This highlights for the first time just how poor our goal difference is compared to the teams around us after big losses against City and Liverpool.
However, those minor nitpicks aside; this is a very impressive result for Arteta and his team.
The result against Liverpool was incredibly disappointing.
But this win sets Arsenal up to go on another winning run that will hopefully.

Where are we going from here?

Despite the disappointment of a 4-0 defeat raining on everyone’s parade last week, it still feels like times are changing at Arsenal.
In the past, the Gunners would have lost Saturday’s game against Newcastle.
Defeats would have avalanched, and Arteta would have come under even more pressure.
Instead, we’ve seen an Arsenal side bounce back quickly for the first time in a while, and that suggests that this site has a new spirit to it.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

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