Arsenal vs. Newcastle: 5 Conclusions That Can Be Drawn from the Match
Over the last few years, Arsenal has perfected the art of throwing away leads from seemingly impossible positions. But on Saturday, they went one better.
Arsenal threw away a four goal lead against Newcastle United. They were 4-0 up at half time and were cruising to another victory. But following Diaby’s 52nd minute sending off, things started to go horribly wrong for the Gunners.
For Arsenal, Walcott, Djourou and Van Persie scored the goals, while for Newcastle, Joey Barton, Tiote and Leon Best scored the goals.
Newcastle scored four goals, including two penalties, to complete one of the most improbable comebacks of all time.
Here is a look at five conclusions that can be drawn from the game at St James Park.
If Arsenal Keeps Playing Like They Did in the First Half, the Title Is Theirs
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In the first half of Saturday’s game, Arsenal was on a rampage. They were simply unstoppable. They were 1-0 up after one minute, 2-0 up after four minutes and 3-0 up after 11 minutes. They scored their fourth goal after just 27 minutes.
Throughout the first half, Arsenal was rampant and blew Newcastle out of the park. Arsenal totally dominated Newcastle and at one point they looked like they would even score plenty more goals. The likes of Van Persie, Theo Walcott and Cesc Fabregas were having a field day and Arsenal was playing football that was an absolute joy to watch.
Arsenal’s defense was rarely troubled and even when Newcastle ventured forward, they closed down all attacks with consummate ease.
Arsenal’s football was not only a visual treat, but it was also extremely effective. Arsenal is contending for the title this season and the first half performances proved that they have a fighting chance at lifting the trophy.
Although the second half horror show might have dampened the spirits, there is no denying that if Arsenal keeps up their first half performances, they can lift the trophy come May.
Cesc Fabregas Is Not the Leader Arsenal Needs Right Now
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Cesc Fabregas may be one of the world’s best midfielders and may be extremely talented, but he is just not the leader Arsenal so desperately requires.
Ever since the departure of Patrick Vieira, the Gunners have lacked a leader who will take up responsibility and take Arsenal across the finish line.
I’m by no means trying to state that Fabregas is a bad leader, but right now he lacks that bit of leadership that can lead Arsenal to glory. Fabregas is immensely committed to the their cause and is Arsenal’s midfield orchestrator and leads many of their attacks.
But what Arsenal requires is a person who can help them weather the storm. When they were down to 10 men and 4-0 up, they should have still attempted to keep the ball and keep possession. But they ended up thumping the ball aimlessly up field, which allowed Newcastle to continue to attack.
Fabregas should have taken up responsibility and inspired the Gunners. He fails to assert authority to the squad. Arsenal is an exceptionally young team and requires a more assertive and authoritative person to lead them.
Arsenal lack the likes of a Vieira, Adams player, who can bring a sense of calm and assurance to the team.
But that does not mean that he is an absolutely bad leader. Not at all. Like he showed against Stoke last year, he is a capable of leader. But he is not the complete package right now and in a few years, he can lead Arsenal to glory.
But if Arsenal lifts the trophy come May, then he may just be the right man after all.
Arsenal Are Not Mentally Strong Enough to Win the Title
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No team, despite being down to ten men, is supposed to concede a four goal lead. It is an absolute disgrace and just highlights the mental weaknesses of the team.
To win the league, playing good football is just not enough. One also needs to have the mental toughness and ability to weather the storm. Arsenal gave away the ball easily and was willing to simply sit back.
They never made an attempt to string together a set of passes and seemed to be psychologically affected following the dismissal of Abou Diaby.
Arsenal is a team fighting for the title and Newcastle on Saturday was a team that didn’t even have Ameobi. Despite all this, Arsenal was meek and did not show any fighting spirit.
Sure, the referee had a truly pathetic and disgusting outing, but Arsenal should never have given them any hope of a comeback in the first place.
For several years now, they have been throwing away leads, which has been a sign of their weak mental strength.
Arsenal has improved this season with respect to that, but such performances show that they still have a long way to go. They have to learn to soak up the pressure without collapsing.
This side can still win the league because of the weaknesses in the other teams, but if Arsenal wants to win bigger trophies, like the Champions League, they have to develop that mental strength that winning teams have.
Arsenal Needs Djourou and Vermaelen in the Defense
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Arsenal was 4-0 up after 48 minutes when Johan Djourou limped off with a knee injury. Sebastian Squillaci came on in his place.
Following this, Diaby got himself sent off and Arsenal imploded. Although Squillaci couldn’t be faulted for any of the goals, it was evident that without Djourou, the defense looked spineless and was all over the place.
Djourou adds a sense of calm and is extremely assured at the back. His heading is good, his composure with the ball in his feet is great and his anticipation has been top class.
This season, he has been Arsenal’s best defender and one of their top players. Arsenal has rarely conceded with him in the back line and he is capable of bringing out the best in both Squillaci and Koscielny.
Another reason why Djourou has become so important is because of the injury to Thomas Vermaelen. Ever since Vermaelen has been injured, Arsenal has been missing their defensive leader and in his absence, Djourou has risen to the occasion and has become the defensive leader.
Both the players add some much needed composure and steel to the back four, which is going to be essential if Arsenal is to win the title.
With both these players injured, Squillaci and Koscielny will both have to step up and take up responsibility.
Diaby's Constant Injuries Have Affected Him Mentally
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Over the last few years, Abou Diaby has been plagued by many injuries. He is immensely talented and is assured with the ball on his feet and would be featuring for the team on a consistent basis had it not been for the injuries he picks up so regularly.
Ever since the horrific injury he picked up against Sunderland, he has been hit by injuries regularly. This season, he was injured thanks to a tackle against Bolton Wanderers. After returning, he was once again injured and once again missed action.
He recently made a return against Huddersfield. The injury to Alex Song meant that he had a great chance to get an extended run in the team. But throughout the match, he was the victim of some rash challenges by Newcastle players.
Finally, in the 52nd minute, Joey Barton made an extremely rash challenge on him that could have injured him again. Luckily he escaped, but the force and intention of the challenge was there for all to see.
This time Diaby snapped. He reacted angrily and he got himself sent off.
His sending off sparked Newcastle’s comeback and Arsenal’s downfall. Many Arsenal fans have blamed him for the wretched performance.
But I actually feel sorry for him. No player likes to be injured and that Barton tackle could have easily resulted in an injury.
His action was immature, but it's high time referees take some action and protect players. Barton deserved to be sent off, but escaped without a card. Even Nolan escaped with a yellow card when he committed an offense similarly to Diaby’s.
