Newcastle United 0-1 Arsenal: Five talking points

Arsenal, let’s just say “laboured” to all three points today away to Newcastle. An own goal from Newcastle captain Fabricio Coloccini was what it took to separate the sides at the end on 90 minutes. St. James’ Park has always been a happy hunting ground for the Gunners and today’s win stretched an undefeated streak at the stadium to more than a decade .The match was at Arsenal’s mercy right after 15 minutes when Andre Marriner decided to show Aleksander Mitrovic a straight red for a high tackle on Francis Coquelin. A decision, that came under some scrutiny on closer review but it stood nonetheless. However, none of the Gunner faithful would be too happy with the performance as, despite the great result, the lack of goals again highlighted the Gunner's lack of cutting edge in the final third.

#1 Arsenal need to hang on

Arsenal were the best team in the second half of the season last time around and yet finished third come the end of the season. This time around, Arsenal are supposedly title contenders but are not really playing like it.

If last week’s draw against Liverpool jolted their belief, this game certainly didn’t do much to inspire any confidence amongst their fans. 90 minutes at St. James’ was like an Arsenal training drill with Newcastle reduced to ten early on. However, the Gunners failed to mount any sustained period of pressure on the Magpies The own goal that they eventually scored via a deflection from Coloccini rescued a result for them so they can focus on improving.

The only silver lining that Arsenal can really take from the early kick-off today is the result. Win they did and ugly, it certainly was. All back at North London would be hoping that the ugly duckling at the moment really turns out to be a swan in the recent future. They certainly don’t need another uphill chase like last time. And if they play at the tempo and the level, another uphill is all that’s going to be left.