Arsenal FC Full Season Review part 1

It was another top four finish for sixteenth consecutive years and it's another Champions League Football. Well, at least, play-off for Champions League, we still need to go through 180 minutes of thrilling games next season before we enter the group Stage of Champions League.

It was another season with uncertainty. We started the season after the star player(s) left the club, again, and in addition, Pat Rice retired last season, and Arsenal had two new assistant coaches : Steve Bould and Neil Banfield. . 2012 Nasri and Cesc left. 2013 van Persie left. Arsenal started with unstability after two consecutive seasons of captain leaving the team. This season, however, Wenger already prepared van Persie's departure, with three purchase : Cazorla, Giroud, and Podolski. They were already in their prime age, and it was direct replacement considered by Wenger when he bought three of them to Emirates. However, they are not van Persie, and they still need time to settle in to the Premier League.

Arsenal Season Result
Premier League : 4th Position
Champions League : 1st Knock-out Round
FA Cup : 5th Round
Carling Cup : Quarter Final

Arsenal started the league well, where we got three clean sheets in three games - two 0-0 draw and 2-0 win at Anfield, and followed by 6-1 thrasing Southampton at home, and holding defending Champions Manchester City 1-1 at Etihad, but after that, our bad habits comes : inconsistency. Few bad defendings shown by the team, like when we are beaten 1-2 home by Chelsea and 3-3 home draw against Fulham, plus 0-2 home defeat against Swansea. We were very fragile at home - we lost against Schalke at home also. In addition of those inconsistincies, Arsenal were kicked out of the League Cup by lower division Bradford in penalty shootout, as Thomas Vermaelen missed the decisive penalty. In Champions League, we made it to next round, but we were suffering in the group, and finished below Schalke, with three victories, one draw and two loses.

Despite all the poor results on the first half of the season, we still showed some of remarkable matches. We defeated Reading 7-4 in the League Cup, after being behind 0-4 - it was the best comeback Arsenal I've ever seen since I started supported Arsenal. We also did a goalfest against Reading (5-2) and Newcastle (7-3) in the Premier League. One more thing, we thrashed Tottenham Hotspurs 5-2 - like last season, where Podolski, Giroud, and Cazorla were able to score goals!

The second half of the season were better, but we started it poorly. Arsenal suffered home lost agaisnt City and Blackburn (this one made us kicked out of the FA Cup), plus some few inconsistent results, including 1-3 home defeat against Bayern Munich and 1-2 defeat against Tottentham. We did restored our pride by winning the reverse fixture in Bayern's home, 2-0 - via Giroud and Koscielny (ultimately, this is Bayern's only defeat in Knock-Out Stage). This result, however, was not enough to save the Champions League hope, as Bayern progressed - and eventually came out as winner - to the next round. Nevertheless, this result brought the squad morale up and since that time, we never take our feet off the gas pedal. 8 wins out of 10 games plus two draws - against two tough oppositions : Everton and United.

We were poor in the earlier of the season but, ultimately, we are able to bounce back - just like last season, and fortunately, Tottenham collapsed, again, and threw 7 points lead - after Andre Villas-Boas said Arsenal had been in bad spiral. We achieved fourth placed finish again, ahead of our North London rival.

In negative sides, we can't come top against three teams above us. We were beaten twice 1-2 agaisnt Chelsea, while we were defeated away by United but were able to held them 1-1 in Emirates. Against City, we were able to held them in Etihad, but toothless in Emirates, and 0-2 was in the scoreline. Secondly, there was no clinical goalscorer upfront. Giroud was a good player, and he can flick the ball well, but he is not true predator in front of goal. Time and time we saw him missed chances. Podolski and Walcott also were unconvincing while played upfront. Attacking wise, too often we can't broke the deadlock when we need to. There were no flair maker, like when the traitor can save us by scoring goal.  Well, this is partially caused by lack of predatory finish in the final third, but I feel like we can improve more in this side. We should've creating more chances - especially by delivering more accurate crossing when we have target man like Olivier Giroud.

We can't say we have been playing best football in England. I hate to admit it, but from the point of view of playing style, this is the most unattractive Arsenal I've seen. Too many times we've been playing poorly - but luckily we had a better mental strength this time and we can scrap three points despite poor game.

Another sad fact that it's another thropyless season for Wenger boys.

To conclude, it was not our best season, but there were some positives from this season. We still got European Competition, plus  we are still in above Tottenham Hotspurs. We might have finished one strip below last season where we got third place, but from another perspectives, we did improve from last season. We achieved 73 points, three points more than last season and five points more than 2010-2011. We also were able to get ugly win this season, like what we did recently, with few 1-0 victories. In addition, we are not one man team anymore. We even mostly without our number 10 Jack Wilshere and our captain Thomas Vermaelen in the winning streak in the closing stages of Premier League. And our defence improves a lot, as we conceded 12 goals less than last season. Lastly, we are now have better mentality compared to recent years, as we did few comebacks this season - most notably 7-5 away win against Reading in Carling. We were also able to avoid last minute spoilt. The 2-1 away win against West Brom is one of the best example. West Brom pushed forward but we were able hang onto result. It is a good foundation for next season - if we can keep our players next season, plus one or two world class players. We can challenge for the title next season, and also one of two domestic cups next season. Hopefully!

1-0 = Champions League - Post Match Analysis

Another 1-0 win, and it's another Champions League for us. We finished 1 point ahead Tottenham. I'd be lying to say this is a beautiful win, but ultimately, it was a very crucial three points via ugly win - I lost count how many times we did that this season.

Arsenal was poor in the first half, as they rarely create chances, and Newcastle was the better team in the first 45 minutes, although the scoreline was 0-0. Second half, Arsenal started brightly and Laurent Koscielny scored his goal - like last season - to ensure another Champions League in 16th consecutive season for Wenger. It's never easy to hang on to a slender 1-0 win and the team deserves the credit, especially the defence.

Koscielny deserved credit in this match. Undoubtedly he was man of the match for today. One acrobatic clearance, one steal in the penalty area, 90 minutes of superb defending, plus the winning - and acrobatic - goal. His partner, Per Mertesacker also deserved praise for being solid alongside Laurent. He made one crucial block inside the 6 yard box to keep the clean sheet.

Aaron Ramsey looks solid replacing Arteta in deeper role in three midfield but Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain were surprisingly playing well through the middle. I was surprised to see him playing down the middle when he came in to replace Arteta, as I expected Cazorla to play in the AMC and Chamberlain playing down the left. But he was playing quite well, and next season we might see Ramsey - Chambo - Jack in the central of the park, a very offensive midfield trio, but I would love to see Arsenal with British core next season.

Walcott was dangerous but he still lacking final product - only hitting the post today. He might have been provided the freekick causing the goal, but in open play, he still has room to improve, and I'm still hoping for more improvement from him next season, especially in the decision making.

For the negative side, I think Cazorla was not at his best today, might be because he is a bit overplayed. He was played more than any other player this season, and Wenger need to be more careful playing him next season in my opinion. Podolski, once again, was anonymous, but in the other hand, the midfield didn't supply him with good passes.

4th place means another Champions League football, and this means Arsenal would have more power to attract player - compared to non-UCL club (like Sp*rs). Arsene needs to spend this summer. I can't see this team challenging for trophy. There should be more booster this summer, and I'd expect one or two marquee signings this transfer windows.


Well, we haven't been qualified directly to the Group Stage, but we are seeded for the play-off for Champions League. We're just 180 minutes away from the Group Stage. And as we are seeded, we won't face the likes AC Milan / Olympique Lyon, should they qualify to the Champions League. Thus, Arsenal has a fairly decent chance to go to Group Stage! Or great chance if they sign one or two world class players.

PS : Happy St. Totteringham's Day!

It's Just Enough - Post Match Analysis

Arsenal just did enough to overcome Fulham in the Craven Cottage by Per Mertesacker's single goal in the first half. Fulham who played with ten men from the early of first half came close few times to equalize in the second half, and they even had one goal correctly disallowed. However, Arsenal was able to hang on until the final whistle. This win bring them up to the third place ahead of Chelsea who will play against Liverpool tomorrow in Anfield.

It was another ugly win for Arsenal. Arsenal played against 10-men since Steve Sidwell sent off in early of the first half, and this match should be a walk-in-the-park, if they could take advantage of it. Score a quick goal, force them to go out attack, and counter attack them. Could be another 7-3 scoreline. But they didn't. They didn't show too much attacking flair and beautiful through pass. Yes, they were dominating the game until one hour, but they didn't do much with the ball. What they do is just to pass the ball around, and they were lacking of penetration

In the second half, it was worse. No slight intention to built up play and try some through pass. After they reached two third of the pitch they gave it back to the defender. That's it. What kind of football is this? I was really disappointed for Wenger because of this. 

The scoreline 1-0 is one of the most dangerous scoreline. It's a lead, but not safe, and if the opposition could gain momentum, they could score one, two, or even three. Because Arsenal gave chance for Fulham to recover and regain their confidence, Fulham came out and pushed forward. Arsenal could've easily punished, had Fulham could equalize and this would cost them another two points dropped. Luckily, Fulham wasn't that clinical in this match, and Arsenal still go home with three points in the bag.

Tomas Rosicky was a standout performer today. He sent numerous of incisive passes which unfortunately wasn't capitalized by Giroud or Walcott. Looking by current form, now Rosicky is more important than Cazorla. It's seen that since the time Rosicky withdrawn, Fulham started to gain control of the game, and came close in the dying minutes to equalize. Wilshere is still yet to be in his form before he was injured, and Rosicky should start again next week against Manchester United. Jacky could come off the bench to give a difference.

Credit must also be given to Arsenal's central back duet, Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker. Koscielny was a bit shaky in early minutes but recovered well and solid afterwards. Per Mertesacker showed a great composure in the backline, and given a hard task to mark Berbatov, Per did well in this match. He even scored the winning goal in this match, receiving Laurent Koscielny's header from Theo Walcott's freekick. As Fulham threw everything forward in the final minutes, both Koscielny and Mertesacker handled the attack well, and kept another clean sheet. Well, this might be another bad sign for benched captain, Thomas Vermaelen, who seems will sit in the bench again next match.

Mertesacker scored the decisive winning goal

(pictures from Arsenal.com)

On the other hand, Giroud failed to find the net again, and he even was sent off after ferocious tackle on the second half. He was anonymous throughout the second half despite being close to score in the first half, hitting the right post of Fulham's goal. A red card means he will be suspended for next match. Wenger have three option for this : Gervinho, Podolski, and Walcott. Podolski might be given his chance as Wenger hinted earlier, Podolski could play in the middle. This might be a blessing in disguise, as Giroud was off-the-pace for last two match. Podolski might perform better than the Frenchman now.

Arsenal's next match is no easy, welcoming the Manchester side who currently on top of the table. Arsenal have potential to beat them, but not with the kind of this Fulham game. Wenger's side must improve if they want to grab another three points to secure the Champions League spot this season.

Post Norwich-match analysis

Arsenal scrapped a 3-1 victory after a hard-fought battle with Norwich in a fine afternoon in Emirates Stadium. Norwich was the one first scoring the goal, with Michael Turner headed away a goal, before Mikel Arteta equalized 5 minutes before the normal time ends. Olivier Giroud scored Arsenal's second, after a nice run from subsitute Chamberlain. Lukas Podolski scored third goal to seal third point

Arsenal player celebrates the goal.

(photos from Arsenal.com)

POSITIVE NOTES

Winning is good for morale, but coming from behind is a morale boost. I didn't remember when last time Arsenal winning after conceded first. It shows Arsenal's never say die mentality. It's never easy to score two goals in 10 minutes, but Arsenal managed to score, not two, but three. I admitted that the penalty is a bit of luck because Arsenal was in deadlock against sturdy Norwich defence. That penalty is also debatable, but in my point of view, it's a legit penalty. Shirt pulling is not a good decision in defending, so the ref had done his job well. After that goal, Norwich lost their focus and Arsenal managed to grab more goals, via Olivier Giroud and finally Lukas Podolski.

 In the other hand, this victory also gave Chelsea and Tottenham a massive pressure to keep the pace. Chelsea is one point off Arsenal with less one game played, while Tottenham is also one point off, but with the same game played. It would be a huge advantage for Wenger's boy, especially because Chelsea and Tottenham need to kill each other in the league, which means definitely one of them will drop the point. Now, it's just how Arsenal keep their winning habit till the end of season.

Right back Bacary Sagna played well in the left side and few times he sent dangerous ball into the box. None of them resulting to goal though, only Giroud hit the crossbar from his cross in the first half, but nevertheless it was nice to see old Bac is back to his usual self. He has been disappointing this season, but not in this match. He made dangerous runs before being subbed out by Chamberlain, and linked up well with Santi Cazorla. I hope Wenger would still offer him another extension contract. He would be a good mentor for Carl Jenkinson.


Olivier Giroud was nearly become the villain of this match, being unable to score goals in 85 minutes and wasn't sharp upfront, and dispossessed few times upfront, and delayed Arsenal's play, but he was the one winning that penalty, and scored the second goal for the Gunners. The third goal was also part of his contribution. He challenged Fabianski's long ball to gave to Walcott, who assisted to Podolski's third goal.

Ramsey showed much improvement, again. He might be not providing creativity in this match, but he is a dependable passer. I feel like his role is a bit similar with Arteta, but Ramsey's defence is yet as good as Arteta. Ramsey is a willing runner, and closing the ball here and then. A candidate for the most improving player this season. He could partner Wilshere in the future in Arsenal midfield trio, if he continue to improve in the coming seasons.

Wenger is also deserved a credit in this match. His substitution played integral role in this match. Walcott came off the bench, and made couple of dangerous runs, Chamberlain assisted for Giroud's goal, while Podolski was the third goal scorer with his great finishing from outside the box. I was surprised Wenger kept Giroud for 90 minutes, and instead bringing off Sagna who played well for Chamberlain. But, Arsene knows, Giroud was on the spotlight today, winning penalty and scored the second. Had Wenger substituted Giroud, Arsenal might have been dropping three points. 

Lastly, the Lady Luck finally smiled to Arsenal. We've been used to see Arsenal creating chances without maximizing it, but today it's a different story. It was almost a win for Norwich before a 'luck' came in form of penalty from the assistant referee. The rest is all known, Arsenal won 3-1

NEGATIVE NOTES

Gervinho? He is way too inconsistent. Brilliant for few games then faded. Arsenal could've taken lead in first half had he made a better decision. I'm pretty sure he will back to bench after this game, especially after Podolski and Chamberlain's great game. It's unfair to criticize player on one game, but I just can hope he can rediscover his Reading match performance, if he came off the bench.

The next thing is Arsenal need a new defender. Not because Vermaelen and Koscielny is a poor defender, it's just we need a tall-strong tower who can stand against another towering target man. They are a good ball playing defender, but not the one who can be very dominant in air. Vermaelen and Koscielny was struggling against Holt, and it was from Holt Norwich goal came in. Vermaelen was also in fault for letting Turner headed the ball in, but he was quite solid in ground. Mertesacker is aerially stronger, but his speed is nowhere suitable for Arsenal's high defence line.

Lastly, Arsenal lacked of sharpness, in 80 minutes, Arsenal barely got clear cut chances. Only Giroud's heading which hit the bar, and Podolski smashed the woodwork. Norwich defended very well, but if you wanna be a champion you need to be able to break defense-minded team like this, or otherwise you can only finish fourth. I didn't see any creativity after Wilshere subbed out and before the penalty. Norwich was sturdy at the backline, but collapsed after Arteta's spot kick.

CONCLUSION

Yes, it was an ugly win, Arsenal struggled throughout the match and could've played better and sharper, but ultimately it was three points, and that what counts. Arsenal jumped to third place with 59 points above rival Chelsea and Tottenham. Next match would be a home game against Everton on midweek.

Champions League Spots Battle? Arsenal's Advantage

Arsenal comfortably beat Reading 4-1 in Emirates, where Gervinho re-discovered his form, and opened the scoreline and provided two assists, to Cazorla, who scored a beautiful goal, and Giroud, who smashed it to make it 3-0. After Reading grabbed a goal from Robson-Kanu, Mikel Arteta finally completed the scoreline by converting a penalty, 4-1. Reading gave no resistance and let Arsenal control the game comfortably. According to ESPN soccernet, Arsenal managed to have 26 shots, and Reading only four. Arsenal could've added more goals nearing the end of the game but Ramsey was denied by Reading's goalkeeper and Rosicky miskicked the ball after getting a beautiful lob from Santi Cazorla.

It was a good day for Arsenal as they registered another win and Chelsea slipped away in Southampton, giving Arsenal boost as the point gap decreasing to two points. Spurs won the game in Swansea, but only four points difference, with Arsenal having one game in hands. Man City is mathematically within the range, but still unlikely for Mancini's team to drop that many points, so my main focus today is to compare three London teams : Arsenal, Spurs, and Chelsea

EPL Table, according to premierleague.com

	Game	Pts
Man Utd	30	77
Man City	30	62
Tottenham	31	57
Chelsea	30	55
Arsenal	30	53
Everton	29	48

Fabianski would not be satisfied to have his goal conceded once, as Arsenal, arguably, should've kept a clean sheet. Nacho Monreal might be the one to blame in this goal, but I think it was a difficult cross to far post,

With Arsenal having a slightly easier run-in, only having a home game against United, who might not needed point anymore by the time Arsenal face them. It is a managable game, if Arsenal could play like this, passing the ball around the park, and defending like when they beat Bayern and Swansea 2-0. Everton might pose a threat, but playing in Emirates would be a huge advantage for Wenger's boys. All the other games are a 3-point-possible game, in my opinion.

Remaining Fixtures:
Arsenal : WBA (A), Norwich (H), Everton (H), Fulham (A), Man Utd (H), QPR (A), Wigan (A), Newcastle (H)
Chelsea : Sunderland (H), Spurs (H), Fulham (A), Liverpool (A), Swansea (H), Man Utd (A), Aston Villa (A)

Spurs : Everton (H), Chelsea (A), Man City (H), Wigan (A), Southampton (H), Stoke (A), Sunderland (H)

In other hand, Chelsea would have a very tough game, two away games to Liverpool and United, while Spurs having Chelsea and Man City in back-to-back fixture. Anyway, Spurs and Chelsea are killing each other also in next two gameweek, so Arsenal is having a huge advantage, by looking at the schedule.

Arsenal would not have other distraction, while Spurs and Chelsea still have other competition. Chelsea still need to compete in FA Cup and Europa League, while Spurs will battle in Europa League too. So, in my opinion, 4th place is a very probable result for the Gunners. Yes, it's true that it might sounds not ambitious to only have 4th place target, but first, without Champions League, it would be much harder to attract top class player to the club, which Wenger might need to do to challenge the title again.

So, it's all about Arsenal's consistency now, whether they can continue to play well until the end of season to claim 4th or even 3rd place.

My prediction : Arsenal goes to Champions League, Spurs slipped (again).

Post Chelsea-Match Analysis

Chelsea 2 Arsenal 1, and this gave Chelsea and Spurs a very very comfortable position in the Champions League zone. Arsenal is six points behind Spurs, now. 

It was unacceptable first half, as Arsenal played very poorly and made Chelsea played like Barcelona, and dominating the game comfortably. They even have already taken the lead in the first six minutes, when Juan Mata slotted home. Things going worse as Szczesny brought Ramires down in the area, and Lampard converted the penalty to double the lead. Chelsea could've finish it in the first half with few more goals, but it stand as it was, 2-0. Arsenal were outclassed, tactically, and individually, I have to admit. Too many ball lost in own area, after some of players decided to dribble past the opposition in own area - something they shouldn't do too often.

 Jack Wilshere battled with Ramires

(photos from Arsenal.com)

Second half was Arsenal's game, despite two clear cut chances from Chelsea by Torres - saved by Szczesny, and Ba - cleared off the line by Vermaelen. Arsenal pushed forward, but only managed to find one goal from Walcott after picking Cazorla's sublime pass in the 58th minutes. Arsenal was getting numbers of corners and freekicks but no real threat from set pieces.

Recently, Arsenal has been playing very poorly in the first half, and the opposition delivered heavy blow in the first half, the Gunners started playing better. Away games to Reading and Bradford in League Cup, then home game against Newcastle. The same thing happened in this game. First half was a total disaster, and no one is playing well, except Wilshere and Coquelin, who ran everywhere to chase the ball. Second half was much better, but with Chelsea already had two goals advantage, they can just sit back to defence, and wait for chance for counter attack, a tactic that nearly paid, had Vermaelen not blocked Demba Ba's shot.

Giroud was not the striker we need. Arsenal, as long as I know, is not really friendly place for a towering striker. You can argue Adebayor was Giroud-esque, but Adebayor had more pace, compared to the Frenchman. Arsenal's success striker mostly are pacey striker, Wright or Henry; or technical striker, like Bergkamp, Kanu, and the Dutch betrayer. An old fashioned striker like Giroud, is not really suitable for Arsenal's style of play, or probably - and I hope - , he is still adapting ini his first year in England. Chamakh is already off-fire, while Bendtner only playing well for his first and second season before becoming overconfident and failed to shine.

Bacary Sagna is not the player we used to know, consistent, decisive, and solid. After last season's injury, Sagna seemed declined drastically. I could say he was one of the top right back in world two seasons back. But now, he looked like decent full back. His delivery was all wrong in this match. He got lot of space down the right, but his crossing was nowhere nearing his best. The second goal was also his fault, for playing to narrow, leaving Ramires so free on Chelsea's left side. Against City, Sagna was also poor, misplaced few passes from the start of the game. Time to try Jenkinson - despite his mistake against Swansea in the League on December, I guess.

Diaby was also another disappointment in this match. On the first half, he failed to cover the pitch well, and failed to make impact from the middle, before replaced by Arshavin in the second half.

On the other hand, there's some encouraging notes from this match. Jack Wilshere, once more showed he would be the one driving Arsenal forward this season. His passing was excellent, and some of his chips were dangerous. He should be played down the middle, even if it means to sacrifice Cazorla to either flank. Francis Coquelin looks like Chamberlain last season, a good team player who rarely got chance. He was a better performer in the first half, and he was never scared to move forward, or challenge the opposition player. If he could play consistently, I can imagine Arsenal's engine consisting of Wilshere and Coquelin in cetnral for the next few seasons.

For Wenger, he'd better another striker, to make it more competitive, as there's no central striker anymore in Arsenal beside misfiring Giroud, after Chamakh is loanned out. Buying Adrian Lopez would make sense, but we need someone who can change the game. I haven't seen Adrian a lot, so I'm still unsure of this man. Fernando Llorente is another target but it is another old fashioned target man, like Giroud. Cavani would be a coup, but Wenger said he doesn't want to splash on cash on Cavani. Demba Ba is already taken by Chelsea. So we can just wait and see who Wenger buy this transfer windows. I wish Wenger would make a big transfer for Arsenal - even if it means he is cuptied in Champions League - at least he could save us in the Premier League.

Another defensive midfielder would be a great additon. It is true that we have Coquelin and Arteta, plus Diaby - if you insist that he is a defensive midfielder. Diame from Wigan would be an excellent transfer, as he is already used to Premier League, and not Cuptied for the Champions League. He could sit deep, and giving Cazorla and Wilshere the freedom to move forward. He is a strong defensive midfielder we've been waiting for. Fellaini would be an expensive alternative, but recently he was playing as attacking midfielder, so buying him would not resolve Arsenal's problem.

There is still time for Wenger to buy players. 9 days is short, but anything still could happen in the short time, IF Wenger really wants to make a move in this winter trasnfer windows.

Well, Wenger is Wenger after all, and I'm not hoping too much for him. Few years he hasn't buy anyone in this period, except Arshavin, who helped Arsenal to climb to fourth place four years back. Let's just hope Wenger could find another Arshavin, or Arsenal could play like second half in Stamford Bridge, consistently. Otherwise, we might not seen Arsenal in Champions League - or even Europa League - next season.

Crazy Game!!

Arsenal closed 2012 by beating Newcastle 7-3 in a very entertaining, thrilling match in Emirates Stadium. Leading three times through Walcott, Chamberlain, and Podolski; Arsenal let Newcastle equalized three times via Arsenal-linked Demba Ba - twice, and Sylvain Marveaux. However, Newcastle had no way back after Theo Walcott made it 4-3, with a cool finishing receiving Kieran Gibbs cross, which was initially meant for Lukas Podolski. Olivier Giroud made a diving header to score the fifth for Arsenal - from Walcott's cross, and added the sixth, with a great footwork followed by powerful finishing to the bottom corner. Theo Walcott finished his perfect night today, by making wonderful goal, completing his hattrick, dribbling through four players - and also falling down - before chipping the ball pass Tim Krul. Olivier Giroud almost followed Theo's heroism, but his shot receiving Ramsey's cross denied by the crossbar.

 

Theo Walcott celebrated his goal.

(photo from arsenal.com)

Theo Walcott once again started upfront, and despite scoring a goal in the first half, he was anonymous in the first 45, before going crazy on the second half. He showed real confidence after scoring his second goal of tonight, but he was also guilty wasting some good opportunities, with misplaced pass to Cazorla on the counter attack, giving Newcastle's defender time to recover; or his decision to shot when it was 3 against 2, with Podolski and Cazorla unmarked. However, generally, it was a stunning performance by the Englishman, who is yet to put his sign on the contract. 

On the other hand, Olivier Giroud showed Walcott that he is not the only one deserved to play in the central forward position. He scored two goals in just twenty minutes, showing his predatory instinct. Yes, Newcastle was exhausted and desperate already when he is coming on, but scoring two goals in twenty minutes in Premier League deserved a credit. His first goal showed why Arsenal bought him - to maximize crossing from both flanks, while his second goal showed his striker instinct. 

It is good to have healthy competition in the team, rising the level of both players. In addition of competing for one place upfront, today we see that Walcott and Giroud is also compatible to each other. If Giroud plays, he brings different dimensions, while Walcott can start on the right flanks, and it is also good tactical alternative for Arsenal, not only depending on Walcott's pace, but also Giroud's aerial ability. It would be interesting to see Arsenal's line up next match, whether Wenger stick to Walcott upfront, or trying to play Giroud and Walcott together.

However, despite good attacking display, Arsenal still need to improve defensively. Laurent Koscielny and Thomas Vermaelen struggled against physical Demba Ba, and Pappis Cisse. Kieran Gibbs was dangerous marauding to opposition's box, but was clueless defending in own area, as shown on the second and third Newcastle's goal. Gibbs was nowhere to mark Sylvain Marveaux, and was nowhere to stop Demba Ba on the third. Bacary Sagna was surprisingly shaky in defence. It is true that Arsene's Arsenal never known as good defensive unit, except for 2006, but often, good defence would be the difference in the big match. Arsenal looked really shaky without Per Mertesacker, who missed the game because of unwell. 

It was a great game to end 2012 for the Gooner, but remember - without disrespecting Newcastle - it was just a match against Newcastle, who was missing a lot of first team players, plus played Man. United few days back, while Arsenal having a rest after the match against West Ham was postponed. Arsenal struggled to stamp the authority, before the last 20 minutes, Newcastle run out of gas, and Arsenal strolled to scored more goal. It won't be so easy next time, but if Arsenal showed attacking fluidity like in the last 20 mintues, plus strengthening the defense, next match against Southampton should be another win.