Newcastle vs Arsenal: 8 Things the Gunners Learned from Premier League Opener

Arsenal played out a rather drab 0-0 draw away to Newcastle United to begin the new season. A point from a tricky looking away fixture is a reasonable way for Arsenal to open their Premier League campaign.

But the game showed that Arsene Wenger faces a tough challenge to make Arsenal legitimate contenders this season.

It was a pedestrian performance from the Gunners. The absence of Samir Nasri, and particularly Cesc Fabregas, made Arsenal look ordinary for large patches of the contest.

Here are eight things that were evident in Arsenal's first Premier League game.

8. Aaron Ramsey Has a Long Way to Go to Replace Cesc Fabregas

Aaron Ramsey struggled throughout the game to provide the degree of creativity Arsenal's style of play demands.

The Welsh star appeared to be off the pace and lacked any real strength in midfield. Having picked up a slight knock on international duty, Ramsey still looks as though he needs time to adjust to the pace of the league season.

Worryingly Ramsey too often failed to connect with his attempted through passes. He still has the troubling habit of looking for a Hollywood pass when a simple, more efficient delivery would be best.

If Arsene Wenger chooses to keep faith with Ramsey to fill the void left by Cesc Fabregas, then Arsenal need the former Cardiff City prodigy to quickly sharpen his overall game.

7. Alex Song Is Showing Some Improvement as a Holding Midfielder

Alex Song was probably Arsenal's best player on the day. Song demonstrated real improvement as the defensive shield in Arsenal's midfield.

He was powerful and determined and improved his distribution of the ball, particularly in the second half.  Song's strong opening day showing was slightly marred by an ugly stamp on Joey Barton in the second half.

His indiscipline is still a concern, as is his tendency to take bad angles in the tackle. But based on this performance, Song appears ready to add consistent strength and tenacity to the Gunners' midfield.

6. Gervinho Has to Improve His Delivery

Gervinho's Premier League debut was soured by his sending off, incited by some disgraceful antics from Joey Barton.

While he looked impressive with plenty of pace and tricks prior to his red card, Gervinho displayed the frustrating habit of delaying his final ball.

The Ivory Coast forward is perfectly capable of beating his man. His quick feet and powerful turn will make him a challenge for any defender.

But once he has gotten around or past his marker, Gervinho seems to hesitate at the crucial moment. If he is to provide the necessary support for Robin Van Persie, Gervinho must become more decisive in and around the box.

Arsene Wenger will also want to admonish Gervinho concerning his willingness to take a dive.

5. Robin Van Persie Will Need More Support from Midfield

Robin Van Persie cut a forlorn figure for much of the afternoon. Without the well-timed late runs and incisive probing of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri, Van Persie was too isolated to effectively influence the game.

Tomas Rosicky and Aaron Ramsey struggled to get around the Dutchman and offer the necessary support.

Van Persie needs regular supply from Arsenal's attacking midfielders. The inventive forward also needs to be supplemented by players making runs into the box.

Arsene Wenger will soon have to make a decision about which of his players are best able to assist Van Persie.

4. Thomas Vermaelen's Return Has Made a Big Difference to the Defense

Along with Alex Song, Thomas Vermaelen was a standout performer for Arsenal. The Belgian central defender resolute and composed for 90 minutes.

Many Arsenal fans may still be baffled by the club's failure to have secured reinforcements for central defense, but Vermaelen's first game helped ease some of the fears concerning the back four.

Vermaelen was quick to the ball and decisive in the tackle. He was also commanding in the air.  Vermaelen played the ball out of defense with efficiency and precision.

A strong, aggressive and composed game from Vermaelen was the chief reason Arsenal manged to keep a clean sheet.

3. Wojciech Szczesny Has Greater Command of His Penalty Area

Wojciech Szczesny ably commanded his penalty area and comfortably claimed every high delivery into the Arsenal box.

Szczesny's assurance in dealing with crosses is a positive sign for an Arsenal side too often victimised by aerial assaults last season.

As much as arsenal may need greater aerial prowess from their central defenders, they also require a goalkeeper confident and firm enough to come and claim high balls. Szczesny offered plenty of indication that he is ready to be that player.

2. Without More Creativity Arsenal Will Struggle This Campaign

While an away draw is always a creditable result, Arsenal's performance highlights the desperate need to replace the creativity of Cesc Fabregas.

Arsenal had lots and lots of neat possession but lacked any real cutting edge. Without Cesc Fabregas' ability to spot a defense opening pass, the Gunners lacked a potent threat.

Based on today's performance Arsenal may be a little more solid without Fabregas, but the team will struggle to score the number of goals needed for a title challenge.

1. Pressure to Spend Could Be the Beginning of the End for Arsene Wenger

As painful as it is to consider this nightmare scenario, the pressure on Arsene Wenger is mounting, and if he chooses not to strengthen the existing playing squad, his position may become untenable.

The sound of Arsenal fans jeering the Gunners boss and angrily demanding that he spend some money is a sad reality of the times.

But the fact remains that this Arsenal team needs upgrading if they are to compete for major honours.  An opening day point has some merit, but today's game shows Arsenal still need to do more, on and off the pitch.