Arsenal vs Newcastle: 7 Things Arsenal Fans Learned from the Newcastle Draw

Arsenal commenced their 2011/2012 English Premier League campaign with a goalless stalemate against Newcastle United.

With captain Cesc Fabregas and key playmaker Samir Nasri both absent due to their imminent transfers to Barcelona and Manchester City respectively, naturally the Gunners' lacked their usual efficient, entertaining attacking prowess.

However, Arsene Wenger can be content with the draw.

In what was a somewhat dull encounter in which neither team deserved to win or score, notorious bad boy Joey Barton provided some "entertainment" by enraging Arsenal's £10.5 million signing Gervinho.

The Englishman manhandled the Ivorian striker after Gervinho feebly went to ground in Newcastle's box after a Chiek Tiote challenge. Barton's actions lead to a minor melee in which Gervinho tapped Barton on the head before subsequently receiving a straight red from Peter Walton.

Otherwise, an understrength Arsenal outfit did not evoke a desired response of a team set to to sufficiently challenge for the Premier League title and eradicate their notorious six-season trophy drought.

The absence of Jack Wilshere, who suffered a hamstring injury, and of course the voids left by Nasri and Fabregas were evident, and Wenger will need to enforce signings before the summer concludes.

The Gunners' encounter Italian giants Udinese mid week for the UEFA Champions League qualification play off, and the little Zebras' will provide a much stronger and more clinical test for Wenger's men.

However, there were positives to emerge from the encounter and to earn a point at St James' Park is a solid effort, particularly with a squad lacking in calibre and flair.

BleacherReport reports seven things that Arsenal fans learned from the stalemate with the Magpies.

7. Gervinho Is a Promising Talent

Despite his sending off, which many will argue was undeserved, Arsenal's marquee summer signing from French champions OSC Lille Gervinho was impressive. The 24-year-old was dangerous with the ball at his feet, conveying an array of skill and speed.

The Ivorian did have tendency to erratically tangle the ball in his feet particularly near the goal-line alongside playing some inefficient crosses in attacking situations, but Gervinho provided an added spark which the likes of Andrei Arshavin, Tomas Rosicky and Aaron Ramsey were failing to promote.

Gervinho appeared to handle the physically and pace of the English game, and the Ivory Coast international will only improve and develop.

Last season, the sharpshooter was integral as OSC Lille achieved their first Ligue 1 trophy in 57 years alongside the Coupe de France with 53 appearances, 18 goals and 10 assists. The Ivorian knows how to score, set up and better yet, win trophies.

6. Kieran Gibbs Can Thrive at Left-Back

In an encounter where the Arsenal defence was by no means peppered with attacking foray, promoted left-back Kieran Gibbs enjoyed a strong display mitigating the departure of veteran left-back Gael Clichy, who transferred to Manchester City for £7 million.

Arsene Wenger opted to decline the opportunity to purchase a big name fullback and instilled faith in the England international. The 21-year-old possesses question marks over his defensive capabilities at left-back, but in truth, Gibbs has never properly received adequate, consistent opportunities from Arsene Wenger.

However the Englishman now has a chance as the Arsenal first choice left-back, and after an impressive performance against the Magpies, it is obvious the former Wimbledon youth can thrive and emulate Ashley Cole. Although there will be tougher tests than Newcastle.

5. Alex Song Is a Commanding Presence and Will Grow With Extra Responsibility

With Cesc Fabregas soon to complete his inevitable £35 million move to Barcelona, the Arsenal midfield will not only lack a significant spark and flair, but it will also result in a diminish in direction and leadership.

However, the Spaniard's departure provides renowned defensive midfielder Alexandre Song with the chance to acquire more responsibility and leadership.

The Cameroon international was a commanding presence against Newcastle, dominating the Arsenal midfield and aiding his defenders admirably. The 23-year-old has become one of World Football's best defensive midfielders in recent years and has stated his desire to remain at the Emirates for years to come.

The opportunity to become a definite leader in the Arsenal squad will inevitably result in further growth and development for Song, who at 23 is still at a young age despite boasting over 150 Arsenal appearances.

However, his performance was marred by a reckless stamp on Joey Barton which could result in a three-match suspension.

4. Thomas Vermaelen and Laurent Koscielny Can Create a Strong Defensive Duo

One of the major positives from the stalemate was the Arsenal defensive line. Arsene Wenger promised to implement defensive signing this summer due to the frailties the back line evoked last season.

However, the Frenchman is still yet to secure a quality signing.

Nonetheless, Thomas Vermaelen and Laurent Koscielny were impressively strong, thwarting the Newcastle attacks when they arose. The duo have barely played with one another after Vermaelen only managed five games last season due to a persistent Achilles injury.

Koscielny has evidently and inevitably developed from his debut season, in which the Frenchman was one of Arsenal's best. Many expected imposing Swiss Johan Djourou to partner Vermaelen in the central defence, however, Koscielny was the favoured choice by Wenger.

The duo appeared to possess impressive communication in both the air and the ground, and one can expect both the form a credible partnership if given the chance to consistently partner one another.

3. Arsene Wenger Must Sign New Players

The Arsenal attack is in need of a rejuvenation which can arise from Arsene Wenger implementing his promise of enforcing big name signings to the squad.

With Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri both departing the Gunners, Wenger's attack is creatively starved and quality lacking.

Aaron Ramsey and Tomas Rosicky failed to ignite hope that internally Arsenal can cope as the midfield duo were relatively unimpressive on the ball.

Wenger is set to acquire £60 million from the Fabregas and Nasri sales, and alongside currently possessing £20 million which was implemented by the Arsenal board, the Frenchman has the funds to secure high octane signings.

Realistically, the Gunners' are only one or two signings away of boasting a formidable side capable of triumphing in the Premier League. However, it is up to Wenger to ensure it happens.

2. It Is Still Early Days

Although it was not the most impressive or inspiring performance from the Gunners, a draw against a doughty Newcastle United at St James Park with at one point only 10 men is by no means a poor result.

The squad is lacking genuine match fitness and is still in disarray following the summers' domination of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri's transfer sagas.

However, all will be sorted in the coming days and Arsenal can adequately focus on the tasks at hand and begin to progress towards the desired goals.

Changes will be made, and transfers will arise, and with Wenger's managerial ability at hand, the North London giants will significanlty improve.

1. Arsenal Fans HATE Joey Barton

It is not easy to like Joey Barton. The Englishman's antics on and off the field, his unnecessary comments and his general arrogance ensure the talented midfielder has acquired a number of haters.

However, it is even harder to like the former England international as an Arsenal fan.

Every time Barton encounters Arsenal, the Englishman tackles recklessly, infuriates the Arsenal players and ignites melee's in which the former Manchester City midfield always seems to escape unpunished.

Last season's notorious 4-4 draw was tainted with Barton's antics of provoking Abou Diaby to wrestling Wojciech Szczesny and almost breaking Andrei Arshavin's leg.

Barton's unnecessary, aggressive handling of Gervinho before falling to ground when the Ivorian tapped him epitomized the occasional disgrace of the highly talented playmaker.