(Picture: Reuters)
So there you have it. A convincing win at the Emirates against a well-drilled Newcastle side, that were buoyed with the privilege of ending Chelsea’s unbeaten run. Amid the crises between the #WengerIn and #WengerOut group, this victory was, particularly, important in calming an already tensed atmosphere.
A dominant display, complimented with decisiveness in the final third. Identical to the performance at Istanbul on Tuesday.
The talking points are below, in a victory that puts us in a good shape for our battle for Champions League berth, and leaves Tiote sad in the end. And who doesn’t like the fact that Tiote is unhappy?
1) Top four is achievable– We haven’t been consistent this season and it has seen us drop points in games we shouldn’t. The loss against United at home goes to mind. After dominating the entire encounter, we had nothing to show for it. Injuries to key players, especially defensively, have affected the balance of team. Yet, there is light down the tunnel. Attacking wise, we are a force to reckon with. The summer signing of Alexis Sanchez was a masterstroke and Arsene should be given much credit for such a top, top acquisition.
It was no new story the Chilean was involved in our first goal. A well measured cross from the right flank was graciously directed into the far corner by Olivier Giroud.
We were expected to fumble defensively especially with the makeshift thing, but much of why we didn’t should be our efforts in the final third. It ostensibly helped in making sure Newcastle stayed a bit quiet. But of course, we aren’t going to play Newcastle every weekend. There would be better oppositions that will have joy exploiting our defensive fragility.
When the boss was asked after the game if he fancied the idea of a new defender in the January transfer, his answer was at least quite comforting. Koscienly’s setback means we must spend to bring in a defender.
It is a priority. Expecting Mertesacker to play week in and out is hahahaha. If the threadbare situation in defense can be ameliorated in January, we would have a team that can have a go for the remainder of the season.
2) Hector Bellerin is a future prospect- Had a nightmare against Stoke, you can’t blame him. But he has shown he will continue to improve. His pace was difficult for Newcastle to cope with, especially when they had to worry about Alexis Sanchez.
If he continues to work on consistency and his defensive duties, his future at the club looks bright.
3) Wenger still reluctant to use Podolski– If a decent performance at Turkey wasn’t enough to earn him a start; I honestly don’t know what will. His lethal nature was in full glare against Besikats. Scored a stunning goal and tracked back to win balls to instigate the attack. His overall contributions for me, was a ticket to a starting place against Newcastle. Instead, Wenger trusted Welbeck on the left flank.
He came on in the second half but that was just it. From the manager’s actions, it seems the German would have to deal with the fact that he is more of an impact sub, unless some injury unveils or something.
What is next
We visit Anfield in 8 days and we can only hope there are no new setbacks at the back, or Jesus himself would have to deputize.
Alan Pardew recently won the coach of the month award for December, and it really illustrates the tremendous work he is doing over there at Newcastle. They recently ended Chelsea Invincibles quest, so it was joy watching the boys spank four goals against a good team, with no disrespect a better one to team we had for Turkey in Turkey.
Liverpool at home would be a daunting task. Last season’s nightmare can’t go away anytime soon, but they have been a shadow of themselves since Luis Suarez left. Frankly, it’s a game we should be thinking about getting a positive result. We would see what they are made of against Manchester United later today.
Till then.
