Newcastle vs. Arsenal: Why Gunners Should Go for Broke in Premier League Opener

The Gunners have endured a difficult time in the summer with the speculation regarding the futures of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri.

With the start of the season nearing, the situations with both midfielders have not been resolved, and Arsene Wenger will have a difficult job to do in the next season as he seeks to end this trophy drought.

Wenger has maintained his calm in the summer and will hope that his players can deliver when the season starts on Saturday against Newcastle in a fixture which is bound to evoke memories of the 4-4 draw, which shattered the confidence of the team.

According to the Mirror, Arsenal are set to lose Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona with the two clubs involved in negotiations to thrash a deal which is acceptable to both clubs.

If the Arsenal captain's heart is not with the team, the Gunners could sell him if they do get a suitable offer from the Blaugrana. Though Fabregas has been a great player for the Gunners, his protracted transfer saga has unsettled the team and the manager's plans for next season.

The Arsenal manager could also sell Samir Nasri in the summer to big-spending rivals Manchester City, considering that the France international has only one year on his contract, if he cannot agree terms with the Gunners.

It was expected by many that Nasri would play in the central role when Fabregas leaves, but if both the players do leave, it will indeed be a blow for the Gunners.

However, it is something which can be tackled if Wenger and the Arsenal board are ready to spend the money from the sales.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is interested in Valencia midfielder Juan Mata, who is regarded as one of the most talented youngsters in the world, and if he does arrive at the Emirates, it will be a huge boost for the club.

Also, if both Nasri and Fabregas do leave the club, it is also necessary to bring in a central midfielder who can provide quality depth to the team.

However, whatever happens with the situations of Fabregas and Nasri, it is extremely important that the Gunners start well in the opening fixture and the following games because it could highlight their mental strength, which is crucial to win the Premiership.

Wenger is a manager who has brought in a number of youngsters, like Jack Wilshere and Wojciech Szczesny, and many of these youngsters have adjusted to the Premiership and could be hugely influential in this season.

Arsenal have a number of injury worries ahead of the game against Newcastle, and many key players, including the likes of Robin van Persie, Thomas Vermaelen, Jack Wilshere, and Theo Walcott, are doubtful for the game.

However, injuries are not an excuse for the side because they do have the quality even without these players to win the game against the Magpies.

Szczesny established himself as the No. 1 goalkeeper for the Gunners with a string of impressive displays last season, while Kieran Gibbs is most likely to play in the left-back role if he is fit.

Wenger has been linked with moves for several defenders in the past, and it would be a boost for the Gunners if he can sign a defender before the start of the season.

Gervinho was signed in the summer. He seems to be an excellent player, with the talent to beat defenders, and his record for Lille shows that he has the end product, as well.

Arsenal have also completed the signing of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain from Southampton and, though he is one for the future, his pace and ability could be utilized by Wenger in the upcoming season.

Also, the news that Ryo Miyaichi could play for the Gunners would be welcome considering that the Japanese winger is considered to be one of the most talented prospects at the club.

Even if the manager decides not to use midfielders Nasri and Fabregas, they would still have excellent midfield and attack lines.

In midfield, Alex Song is a regular as is Jack Wilshere, who is unfortunately also doubtful for the clash against Newcastle.

However, Aaron Ramsey's performances in the preseason would put him in contention to replace Wilshere if injured, and the Welshman is regarded to be one of the most talented young midfielders in the world.

In the attacking midfield role, Tomas Rosicky could be used, though Robin Van Persie or Andrei Arshavin could be used in a second striker role for the Gunners with Marouane Chamakh or Theo Walcott upfront. Walcott is likely to be fit in time for the clash, while Gervinho is a certainty to start the game for the Gunners.

A lineup consisting of the likes of Gervinho, Ramsey, Walcott, and Song is quite capable of breaking down Newcastle's defence, but the outcome of the game is likely to be decided by the team's mental strength. The Gunners need to display the hunger to win games as well as not panic if they do concede a goal as they did in the last occasion these two clubs met at St. James' Park.

Arsenal are one of the most attacking teams in world football, but Wenger must ensure more emphasis on defence and should help them defend better especially against set-pieces.

With the loss of Thomnas Vermaelen for almost an entire season, the defense needed an established, quality defender and though Laurent Koscielny has shown signs of good progress, it is still better if Arsenal do get another centre back like Gary Cahill or Phil Jagielka, who are good in the air.

Despite the various injury problems and the transfer sagas that the Gunners have had to endure during the transfer window, they will have no excuses for not winning the first game of the season, and the players should be mentally charged for the game.

It is important that they remain focused when they are on the pitch and produce their best performance.

The Gunners have lacked urgency in the recent preseason performances, but against Newcastle, the game is not over until the final whistle is blown, and Arsenal will need to stay solid and compact throughout the game.

If there is an option for Wenger to select his best possible team including Nasri, it will inject more quality to the team, and even if Nasri does leave the club, his presence against Newcastle could be important.

If the Gunners do win their first game in the season, it will certainly provide a psychological advantage for them ahead of the important clash against Udinese in the Champions League qualifier.

If they lose or draw the game, it will only sow further seeds of doubt in their minds, and they might not go into the Udinese game with the right frame of mind.

It is important in these situations for leaders to step up and guide youngsters to achieve their goals, but with captain Fabregas most likely not to be included for the Newcastle game, it could be some youngster like Wilshere or Szczesny who drives the team to success in the near future.

If Arsenal do start the next season on a positive note, they could instill the belief that they can perform without Fabregas.

And belief is very important in the side.

Arsenal's lack of trophies for the last six years is not due to their lack of quality; it can be attributed to their inability to cope with pressure following the departure of several experienced players.

With the team's mentality currently under scrutiny, a strong performance against Newcastle could be regarded as the first development towards future success.

The Arsenal team desperately need the confidence to do well, considering they do not lack the quality, and that is exactly why the Gunners should go for broke in the Premier League opener against Newcastle.