Kevin Whitcher
One change from the dreadful display at West Ham saw Olivier Giroud dropped to the bench with Alexandre Lacazette coming in. I think it’s fair to say Arsenal didn’t exactly play to the HFB’s strengths on Wednesday evening.
It was a cold, damp squib of a Saturday afternoon, and between 10 and 15% of those who had tickets for this game chose to stay home or go Christmas shopping. Newcastle took their full allocation (except in the director’s box, where their two rows were almost entirely empty), so credit to their fans for making the long journey and plenty of noise, in spite of the poverty of their team’s performance.
Arsenal dominated, and played some very nice football. However, in spite of excellent chances being produced, they were profligate in front of goal. The solitary goal of the game came early enough, good play by Wilshere leading to an Iwobi cross. Sanchez had the resulting shot blocked, but as the ball looped into the air, the Chilean showed enough determination to ensure the clearing header didn’t go far, and Mesut Ozil struck a sweet left foot volley into the top corner. A sublime goal. Interesting to note that three of the four players involved will probably be departing on free transfers next summer. We are about to enter a period of transition.
The goal should have provided the platform for more, but in spite of continuing to dominate, excellent chances were missed or hit at the keeper. Lacazette and Wilshere both had gilt edged chances to double the lead in the second half. Newcastle didn't give up, and forced a good save from Cech as well as going close with a deflected shot which fortunately went the right side of the post for the Gunners. The closing moments reminded of the era when Arsenal used to get the collywobbles as games they had a narrow lead entered their final moments. We don't see that so much these days, but it seems not to have been totally eradicated.
Certainly, Arsenal’s finishing will need to be better at home to Liverpool and Chelsea, games that sandwich Christmas, New Year and trips to Palace and West Brom. Still, a win’s a win, and for a team that have taken two points from the previous nine, the result was paramount.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles kept his place at left back and it will be interesting to see who starts in the League Cup against West Ham on Tuesday night. If it is Kolasinac, then Maitland-Niles will start against Liverpool. Now the youngster has done ok in the games against West Ham and Newcastle, but it would be fair to say he hasn’t exactly been tested by those two sides. Remembering he is right-footed, I am not certain this is going to have a happy ending. Still, who knows. He may be a very talented footballer who can adapt and do a job, even against more testing opposition. It is certainly great to see youngsters break through and be given a chance.
Which brings us to Jack Wilshere. The one bright spot at the Olympic Stadium, his forward forays were in evidence again yesterday afternoon. He seems to be back to fitness and with what he adds to the team, there's no reason to drop him once Aaron Ramsey is fit. Logically, Granit Xhaka should give way, but one does also fear the danger of a Ramsey-Wilshere combination in terms of defensive positioning. Both like to get involved with the attack, so can one be disciplined to sit deep to cover against counter-attacks when his partner is further upfield? We watch and wait.
The games are coming thick and fast at the Emirates at the moment, even if not all the fans are coming. Let’s hope Tuesday and Friday are drier, not so chilly, and that Arsenal’s players find their shooting boots.
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