Arsenal vs. Newcastle: 5 Things We Learned from the Premiership Opener

Arsenal opened its Premier League campaign at Newcastle in underwhelming fashion.

The last time those two teams met they thrilled the fans, mostly Newcastle ones, with a high-scoring 4-4 game.

It was unlikely that such a feat could repeated, especially considering how both teams have changed; and so it proved.

In a game that neither team really deserved to win, there were few talking points in terms of football but there were some eventful moments.

Though it is only one game into a very long season, and Arsenal still have four very important games to really state their claim, there is no harm in looking at what we have seen.

Click through to find out more.

Keiran Gibbs Was Solid at Left-Back

This is not really an approval of Kieran Gibbs to continue as first choice left-back. However, he did make a good claim.

He had some good moments going forward, especially in the first half, and he provided some solid defensive moments.

One moment of note was his important recovery run midway through the second half, which prevented Shola Ameobi from being put through on goal and allowed Wojciech Szczesny to clear the danger.

Some Work Has Been Done on Defense During Preseason

Whether it was the return of Thomas Vermaelen, the preseason work mentioned by Arsene Wenger, or both, it was evident that the defensive line was more solid than usual, especially on set pieces.

Not to take away all the credit from the Arsenal men, but the set piece deliveries were lacking, and against better teams the jury is still out.

If the improvement continues to show in future matches however, a job well done to Wenger and staff.

Again, this doesn't mean Arsenal fans should believe all is well in the back, but unfortunately this will probably mean that no new signings will be acquired.

Wenger has already stated as such and will be even more confident after this display.

It is a decision that will come back to haunt him.

Gervinho Looks to Be an Important Player for the Season

Some excellent preseason showings aside, this was Gervinho's first game against a real Premiership opponent; and an away game at that.

Before his dismissal (more on that later), he was arguably Arsenal's best attacking player.

His end product was lacking at times but his willingness to run at players provided a few good moments for the Gunners.

Less Attacking Threats: Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas Will Be Missed

This statement is an obvious one but it still needs to be said.

These two players could undoubtedly have unlocked the Newcastle defense and the game could have very well turned out differently.

Add Jack Wilshere to the list of creative players and it was evident that Newcastle would have a chance in this game.

Whether or not Wilshere's return alone can fix this problem is up for debate.

Despite all their talent, he and Aaron Ramsey are probably still not ready take over from the soon-to-be-departed duo.

Apart from the aforementioned Gervinho, the attacking force was not there today.

Neither Ramsey, Tomas Rosicky nor Andrei Arshavin threatened the Newcastle goal, and even Robin van Persie was a peripheral figure at times.

Theo Walcott was not fully able to get in to the game once the red card was issued. New signing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was on the bench and Ryo Miyaichi will likely join him there.

If Wenger plans only to put his faith in these two and replacements aren't found, Arsenal could find it a tough time in front of goal this season.

Joey Barton Will Never Play for Arsenal

Barton probably should have left the field the same time Gervinho did, but that is beside the point.

Gervinho should not have raised his hand in such a manner, and his decision to go down rather easily deserved some retribution—though not in the manner Barton decided upon.

Barton was probably still seething from being stomped by Alex Song, who was another player lucky to not end up with an early shower.

All that aside, this is another incident that will reduce Barton's image, however possible, in Arsenal fans' eyes.

He might have some good qualities with the ball, and his fiery character may be akin to that of Gennaro Gattuso, but his many actions in the past, and the fact that he can still rile the opposition, means the chances of seeing him in an Arsenal jersey are zero.

Both fans and players alike, and surely Wenger himself, would not invite Barton into the Emirates with welcome arms.