Newcastle United vs Arsenal: 3 Key Talking Points
Olivier Giroud scored in his fifth consecutive Premier League game, but the Gunners had to fend off a spirited Newcastle comeback to secure their sixth successive Barclays Premier League win. Following Manchester City’s win over West Brom in the earlier kick-off, Arsenal knew that nothing less than a win will do as they look to continue their pursuit of second-placed Manchester City. After a bright start from both sides, Arsenal took control of the game thanks to the Frenchman’s predatory instinct.
Giroud’s first came from a Santi Cazorla free-kick which was flicked on by Danny Welbeck. Just four minutes later, he headed home his 17th goal of the season from a corner. The Gunners failed to add any more in the half and that almost came back to bite them. Moussa Sissoko’s calm finish just three minutes in the second half started a Newcastle comeback. But a combination of good goalkeeping from David Ospina and some sturdy defending ensured that Arsene Wenger’s side came away with all three points.
Here are the three major talking points.
1. What to make of Arsenal’s season
Although they were dumped out of the Champions League, the Gunners are still in the semi-finals of the FA Cup and are running Manchester City close for second place. With Liverpool and Manchester United destined to lose some points on Sunday, it looks as though their Champions League future is secure for another year. But would this be classified as a successful season for them? If they win the FA Cup, then the answer is yes. But then what about the league and their performances in Europe?
It certainly must be frustrating for Arsenal fans that their side can remain so consistent and yet inconsistent. For large stretches of this season, the Londoners have gone on winning runs just like the one they are on now. At times, their performances have been far from convincing and yet they have managed to win. They have done well in a couple of big games but reverted back to their usual tendency of bottling it in the others. At no point in the season, have Arsene Wenger’s side looked as though they were going to win the league or even come close. While they may yet win silverware and finish in top four, is that what success is now? A FA Cup here and there, but consistently finishing in Champions League places, without ever looking like they are going to win either the Champions League or the league?