John Scott
After seemingly the longest pre-season in history and having now taken to reading every gossip column because fantasy is better than the reality, the season was finally here.
Last season this was the scene of our most embarrassing capitulation. A game which, after 25 minutes looked like ending in double figures, descended after a rash moment from Diaby.
Despite a few changes to the personnel with our captain seemingly in Catalonia and our second choice playmaker also looking to pastures new, it was a typical Arsenal first half. Possession was kept easily and when Newcastle did win the ball back they dealt with it like a hot potato and we regained the momentum very quickly. But, for all the passes and all the midfield play, we only managed one attempt on target – a blocked effort from RVP, which slipped off for a corner.
Gervinho looked lively throughout the first half, easily switching between right and left – with the largely invisible Arshavin doing the opposite in an attempt to avoid the ball it seems. I don’t like to see players dive to win free kicks and with the benefit of replays, the “divine forehead” did appear guilty of just that (maybe it’s the number 27 shirt that brings it out in you) and this potentially created the ‘straw that broke the camel’s back’ moment when he tried to win a penalty in the second half.
I am not going to get into a debate over Gervinho’s red card. The fact is that he raised his hands to the head of Joey Barton and so gives the referee no choice but to send him for an early bath. I did however find it puzzling (like we all did) that Barton was allowed to manhandle Gervinho and get away with a yellow.
Unfortunately, the sending off was again a catalyst for a turning of the tide and Newcastle threatened for the first time in the match. Walcott had looked lively since coming on (although I think Pat Rice could have looked more lively than our frustratingly lazy little Russian) but now was a time for shoring up the midfield. Djourou and Frimpong – who incidentally looks like he could run through a brick wall - came on and the home side were once again kept at bay and we even looked like conjuring up one last trick ourselves.
Although it could have been worse, the result was still disappointing and with the next 18 days defining our season (not just the four tough games but the closing of the transfer window!), it could be a long 2011-12.
