5 Talking Points From Arsenal’s Win Against Newcastle United: John Terry Was Absolutely Right

Arsenal’s hard-fought victory over relegation-battling Newcastle United has got their fans dreaming of putting an end to their a decade long wait for Premier League glory, but the Gunners must know that luck may not choose to be by their side on another day.

1. Petr Cech deserves a statue

If Roman Abramovich ever buys a time machine, he will find his way back to the day when the media lauded him for his magnanimity as his decision has all but made Arsenal the only team to challenge Manchester City for the title this season.

Gooners’ Mesut Ozil obsession has been keeping Petr Cech bereft of the admiration, but the veteran shot-stopper keeps on producing match-winning performances at a rate that is at par with that of the German playmaker.

The 33-year-old ‘keeper added to his clean sheet tally against a resolute Steve McLaren side, making a number of crucial saves in the process. His mere presence behind the back four offers a different level of calmness, which was non-existent when a certain Pole guarded the net.

John Terry estimated before the start of the season that his former teammate would be worth 15 points to Arsenal, but he has already surpassed his valuation, with 18 more games left to be played.

2. Hector Bellerin needs rest and a real test

The Spanish right-back used to be as vibrant as anyone, who clinches the MOTM award in a game he features, but lately looks worn out. Against the Magpies, akin to the rest of the squad, he struggled going forward and also had a tough time dealing with Ayoze Perez.

For someone who used to earn plaudits for his lethality in the opponent’s half, he now runs straight into defenders and mispasses more often than he is expected to. With Mathieu Debuchy seemingly not willing to lock horns with him for a starting berth, he does not feel the urge to perform at his best every time he is thrown onto the pitch.

3. Aaron Ramsey needs Francis Coquelin back more than Arsenal

The former Cardiff City midfielder has often been censured for his lack of positional awareness, but his timely runs to score goals are often overlooked. However, without Francis Coquelin on the pitch, he should realise the necessity to sit back. Arsenal were exposed in the middle of the park with him trying to make things tick offensively, forgetting the need for acting as a shield to the back four.

4. Joel Campbell has managed a fan following

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain cannot ask for a better scenario to make an impact, given the injury crisis, but chose to squander the glorious opportunity, with a far-from-decent performance. His plight seems to have favoured Joel Campbell, with the Costa Rican suddenly becoming a fan favourite as he managed to change the rhythm of the game after coming on.

The English international now boasts the pride of not being directly involved in a Premier League goal in more than a year. Apart from his banter, he has not really improved in the past two years.

5. Arsenal needs signings and not like a new signing

Arsenal supporters branded their lucky win as a stuff of champions, but they cannot expect their lads to pull off such ‘stuff of champions’ every single week. The Gunners desperately need to make winter signings as the title is theirs to lose now.

With midfield anchormen – Francis Coquelin and Santi Cazorla – expected to be on the sidelines for decisive fixtures, squad depth has become an issue to be addressed. A stopgap answer such as a loan move for Adrien Rabiot should be wise as one cannot really find top top quality in winter.