Arsenal vs. Newcastle United: Gunners Test Title Chances, Blow 4-Goal Lead

Within the first minute it seemed Arsenal had already won the game.  At 4-0 within the first 26 minutes, it seemed that Arsenal would further humiliate the Magpies, rest key players and play possession for the majority of the game.  Arsenal appeared to have the chance to use this momentum and apply pressure to league leaders Manchester United, but starting in the 48th minute, things appeared to be unraveling for the title hopefuls.

Arsenal's pace and movement were phenomenal, and at times the Magpies looked like they were a practice squad for the Gunners to demolish.  With Carrol gone to Liverpool and Ameobi injured, Newcastle looked as though they understood and accepted the realization that the ball would likely be in their end for the majority of the match.

Djourou, Walcott and a Robin van Persie double-settled the St. James' Park faithful down for what looked certain to be an agonizing hour of play.  At times Arsenal were unplayable, Fabregas and Diaby were dominating the middle of the pitch, freeing up space for Arshavin, Walcott and Wilshere to repeatedly pressure and run at Newcastle's already wounded back four.

A foolish and immature retaliation by Abou Diaby on Joey Barton, and then on Kevin Nolan proved that Diaby lacks discipline and maturity.  A 10-man advantage might have freed up space on the pitch, but at 4-0 even the most loyal and staunch supporter seemed to accept that defeat was inevitable.  Diaby's 48th-minute challenge proved that the cracks Arsenal had tried to patch up from missing key players, were begging to appear.

With influential players Song and Nasri injured, Arsenal had to dig deep to find quality to replace the pair.  Wenger's squad appeared to function without the Arsenal talisman and the 4-0 routing further emphasized that claim.

The 68th minute saw Koscielny bring down Best inside the box, with Joey Barton converting the spot kick.  4-1 made it easier on the fans, but a comeback seemed still out of the question.  The alarm bells started ringing for Arsenal when Best struck the back of the net with 15 minutes remaining, followed by a second penalty conversion by Joey Barton.  Cheik Tiote saved the best for last when the Ivory Coast international rocketed an 87th-minute volley to bring the score level.  Kevin Nolan came close to winning the match in what would have been one of the most spectacular comebacks of all time, but failed to do so.

If Arsenal are serious title contenders, these are the types of games that have to be won.  Arsenal effectively killed off the match within the first half hour, but due to their naive nature and immaturity, they lost a valuable three points.  For years people bemoaned the lack of killer instinct Arsenal have.  Arsenal are beginning to look more like killers, but blowing a four-goal lead proves that Arsenal either don't have the depth to compete in the grueling EPL season, or don't have the mentality to win the league.