Arsenal FC: The Good and the Bad from St. James' Park

After the first official 90 minutes of the new campaign, Arsenal fans may have seen some good and some bad things this weekend. With Cesc Fabregas finally completing his move to the Nou Camp, and Samir Nasri reportedly on his way to Manchester City, Arsenal began a new chapter at St. James' Park.

Jack Wilshere was kept out of the match due to a preseason knock he picked up, allowing Aaron Ramsey to get the start. Between the chaos with Joey Barton and the lack of creativity from the Gunners, we are going to take a look at some of the good and bad things Arsenal fans witnessed this weekend.

How easy will it be for Arsene Wenger to make the needed changes? Is he actually going to use the transfer money from the Cesc Fabregas deal? Or will he put it away and convince himself that the squad is strong enough?

Wojciech Szczesny: Young Polish Keeper Showed Maturity

Over the past season or two, Arsenal fans as well as the critics have had a lot to say about the goalkeepers at the Emirates. Between Manuel Almunia, Lukasz Fabianski and Wojciech Szczesny, the three contributed to some devastating performances. From the poor decision-making, to the incredible pressure, Arsenal's goalkeepers have had a rough few years.

Szczesny won the starting role and after his performance at St. James' Park, Arsenal fans could finally have hope. The young Polish keeper had composure and confidence throughout the whole match. The very few times he was called upon, he responded very well.

Last season Arsenal's fans would shut there eyes every time a ball was played into the 18-yard box, not knowing how the goal keeper would react. Well, this weekend, Szczesny responded very well to his critics. He did very well on set pieces as well as crosses played into the box. 

Although Szczesny is still young, the confidence Wenger has shown in him could be a good thing for his career and morale. With Vermaelen offering some confidence to the Arsenal back four, Szczesny may be more at ease this season.

Thomas Vermaelen: Much Need Confidence and Stability

Arsenal's Belgian center back made his return to the Premier League with a very good performance. With Vermaelen finally returning, the big question was who was going to be his partner in the center of the Arsenal defense. The battle for the starting spot would be between Laurent Koscielny and Johan Djourou, unless of course Arsene Wenger decided to bring in a new center back.

Vermaelen not only had a solid performance, but his command and confidence appeared to have a positive effect on Koscielny. The two center backs were consistent and strong in the air and were very good during the few times Newcastle tested them. 

Last season, Arsenal's defensive line was very insecure and vulnerable on set pieces or crosses played into the box. From watching this weekend's match, it appears that with the presence of Vermaelen, some of those issues may be under control.

It will be critical for Arsenal to have a healthy Vermaelen if they have any hopes of having success this season. It also may appear that Vermaelen may be the vice-captain of the squad in the absence of Robin Van Persie.

Kieran Gibbs: Young Englishman Put in a Solid Performance

Gael Clichy completed his transfer this summer to Eastland's to join Manchester City, leaving Arsene Wenger with a decision to make. Kieran Gibbs and Armand Traore were now on the hot seat in regards to who could fill the void left by Clichy. 

Gibbs gave Gunners fans good performances in the preseason, but they were left to see how he would perform when the pressure was on. At St. James' Park, Gibbs did very well defending as well as going forward.

On a few instances, he went charging into the Newcastle midfield with his head up and looking for options. Gibbs appears to have better defensive skills than Clichy did. With his first season as a starter, Gibbs will have to know how to deal with the pressure, as well as criticisms and compliments.

Judging by his first performance, Gibbs could be a good option to replace Clichy, but how will he respond to the pressure of a big match? Although he hasn't been fully tested, with a Champions League match Tuesday followed by Liverpool and Manchester United in the Premier League, we should have a good idea soon.

Tomas Rosicky: Still Lacking His Pace and Pre-Injury Form

Since Rosicky arrived at the Emirates, he has been injury prone and unable to show Arsenal fans why Wenger brought him to North London. Last season, Rosicky took part in a good amount of matches, but it still left Arsenal fans wanting more.

With Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri out of the squad, one would think that a healthy Tomas Rosicky could be a very important piece to Arsenal's puzzle this year. 

At times against Newcastle, Rosicky showed some of his talent that caused Wenger to bring him to Arsenal, but he still is lacking that extra flair. Before suffering constant injuries, Rosicky had quick feet and the ability to pick out the tightest of passes anywhere on the field. He was also a threat from outside the box as he was capable of beating the goalkeeper with a well-struck shot.

Against Newcastle, he went through phases where he did well on and off the ball, keeping things simple and completing passes. Then, at times he would makes things more difficult and try to take on defenders and completely throw away a possible attack for Arsenal.

It is very unfortunate that Rosicky has suffered so many setbacks since his arrival at the Emirates. If Rosicky could stay healthy and get his rhythm of the game back, he could be a very important player for Arsenal this season.

Alex Song: Getting Better at Remembering Defensive Duties

Alex Song showed last season that he matured and had become a solid choice to sit in front of the Arsenal back four. Now, with Vermaelen back in the squad, Song may have less to worry about behind him.

At times, Song gets caught out of position and tends to forget that he is a defensive midfielder. This weekend, Song showed his offensive characteristics, but he also reminded Arsenal fans of his mental lapses.

Newcastle marched right down the field a few times with Vermaelen and Koscielny exposed. Fortunately, the Arsenal center backs responded well, but Song will need to remember that he is the support for the back four. A healthy back line and having Song know what his role is on the field would be a big positive for Arsenal this season.

Let's also not forget the lack of discipline when he stomped on hot-headed Joey Barton. Last season, a costly red card to Abou Diaby for a lack of discipline contributed to a draw at St. James' Park. Song could be facing a suspension for his action this weekend.

Gervinho: Pace and Ability to Take on Defenders Is Amazing

Gervinho made his debut for Arsenal this weekend and had a great debut ruined by a red card. After a 'soft' slap to the face of Joey Barton, Gervinho was sent off, making him unavailable for the upcoming matches against Liverpool and Manchester United.

The Ivory Coast international was one of, if not the major reason for Arsenal causing any danger on the offensive end. He constantly took on defenders and proved that he will adapt and grow in the English Premier League. 

The most unfortunate thing for Gervinho was his poor service after his blistering runs. He was able to get to the end line whenever he pleased, but he was unable to get good service into the box. This will clearly come with time, but for now the Arsenal can see that they have a great new signing.