Arsenal v. Newcastle 3-0 30/Aug/08

The Magpies suffered a massive defeat today at the Grove when the Arsenal FC smashed their aspirations of earning an away win. The Gunners showed a far more better display after the horrid Fulham defeat. This response was hailed by the media but if we take a more deeper consideration this can cause a tricky series of expectations. Even though an overwhelming superiority was proven in the pitch, the visiting team was able to scare more than one in the home stands. There were three breve times when the Magpies had the chance to score but the solid defense by the Arsenal proved that the Newcastle will not be able to produce an effective performance in the following games. The problem was not that the Gunners could recover themselves, the problem was how often can the team produce performances of that quality in a more regular basis or even as often as weekly, as the last season.




The good news for the home side were the reappearance of Cesc and the tie in the Carling Cup against Sheffield United. The first half began with an uncontrollable pace by the home side. The touching and the intention became clear as early as the 2' when van Persie was clearly fouled in the box by Coloccini. Gallas incredibly missed a clear chance (ie. Rosicky against Hamburg last season) in the open box, sending the ball to the last row of the stadium. The Gunners attacked with six players, inflicting damage through the left side and having the overwhelming statistic of 65% of possession. The home side could have been easily one nil up on the score sheet due to the strength of the attacks.
The goal came after a cross from the right that derived in the hand of a Toon defender. Styles awarded the home side a Penalty kick which was converted nicely by Robin van Persie. By the 30' the Tyneside regained control of the ball in the midfield which was actually diminished in each stance. The home side could have widened the difference due to the absence of play by the Northern team. Michael Owen was invisible throughout the whole match and Rob Styles' doubtful decisions put the game in contrast. Robin van Persie's contribution to the match was outstanding, producing two goals and a wide varied array of chances. His role as supportive striker or the "European link" style according to Cruyff, was the finishing touch to a memorable performance. But as usual and following his tradition as the leader of the "Crystal Dutch Club" he left injured in the late second half. The second goal came after a fine play by Denilson and Eboué which was finished by the Dutchman. This definition proved again what the Gunners are capable regarding touch. The first half ended with the picture of a defeated Tyneside against a renewed London one.





The second half was merely a bureaucratic tramit. The Arsenal defense was enough tough to make all types of rebounds and clears towards an undecided and childish away effort. Diego Latorre, as always, clearly depicted the lack of possession of the home side before the third goal arrived: "[El Arsenal] No sabe defender sin la pelota"[The Arsenal does not know how to defend without the ball]. Although this point is apparently easy to grasp, the fact that a team philosophy is completely based in the possession issue clearly reveals the lack of defensive training and basic defending concepts. In the Cruyffean sense everybody should fight for the ball, thus regaining possesion but the Arsenal did not pressure the away side when needed.
Denilson scored the third goal to sum a good overall performance at the Grove. This goal proved Nasri's ability to be when needed, and Adebayor's support. This talks, at least good of him as any other Gooner would not believe after the transfer saga. Then at 62' the Mexican media dream finally capitalized when fellow countryman Carlos Vela made his first appearance with the Red and White shirt. Also Song entered and since the game was finished the youngsters were given an opportunity. Vela proved to be a good supportive striker and connected with Theo Walcott the promising run is put. The final minutes of the match obliged Newcastle to attack but nothing happened. The game finalized with Joey Barton rambles which are so futile and dull that I will not trouble to comment.

In other news I am thrilled to the fact that earlier today the Spurs signed Roman Pavlyuchenko from Spartak Moskva. The talented Russian striker was scouted by Mr. Wenger and it is a shame that the talented European will dress the awful white. The international WC qualifier break should rest some players until the 13th. Some of these encounters will be reviewed according to TV schedules.

Rodrigo has returned to give us a full insight of Italian football. It was indeed a good wait regarding the update that took more than three months. That is something that we are used to here at "Deviations." Good luck to him again.

Finally, courtesy of Carlos Vela news, a picture of the Mexican EPL debutant in action at the grove.