Arsenal v Newcastle Utd. - Player Ratings

A hard fought win for Arsenal, and a lucky win for Chelsea sums up the first weekend of the Premiership season. Kicking off with the visit of Newcastle was never going to be easy, and in many respects the game actually got harder once they went down to ten as the employed extra defensive tactics and sat behind the ball, rarely venturing forward. They can have no complaints with the red card in my opinion. The new directives came from FIFA weeks ago, which outlined new harder punishments for such challenges, and if they can't act upon these at a time when referees are looking to impose themselves for the coming season then they can't put up an argument, and I can have no sympathy. While Jenas took some of the ball, the new directive states that if it is a “Dangerous tackle which uses excessive force” then a red card should be issued. Ticks all the boxes for me! We offered little in the first half, and only a few glimpses of what we can do in the second until nine minutes from time to make the breakthrough. A penalty from Thierry (Leaving him just four short of being our all time record goal scorer) followed shortly after by a well taken second from Van Persie wrapped up a 2-0 win. In truth, the team as a whole looked a few yards off the pace today, and our passing was far slower than that which we have come to expect, but this is only natural at this early stage of the season. I opted to watch the Chelsea game after ours, and found myself decidedly pleased despite the result. (This was undeserved to say the least!) Having now seen them in the flesh in Cardiff and in this match, I have seen enough to know that this side is not as strong as most make out. Physical tactics tore them apart, and they couldn't cope with the direct play that Wigan put forward. While it would be foolish to make too many assumptions at this stage, I feel that this title race will be far closer than predicted by the media. So to the Bridge next weekend, and if we can raise our game and make up those few yards, then I have high hopes for us securing a positive result.

Arsenal Man of The Match – Freddie Ljungberg

Player Ratings:

Jens Lehmann (6) Very little to do, as Newcastle were clearly playing for a 0-0 from the off.

Ashley Cole (7) I was pleased to see that he only received abuse from a small section of the Newcastle fans, which he shrugged off with a yawn. (Literally!) Accurate passing and linking play made this a good overall performance.

Philippe Senderos (6) He dealt well with the physical presence of Shearer early on, but was rarely troubled once Newcastle went down to ten. He did get forward occasionally to good effect.

Kolo Toure (6) Again, played more as a defensive midfield player for most of the second half, as the backline pushed forward in an attempt to help us find a goal.

Lauren (7) A fine display of how to attack from the back. Overlapping runs caused the Toon backline problems and he was a constant threat. His final ball failed him once or twice, but overall, easily worth the 7.

Robert Pires (6) Looked somewhat out of sorts. He drifted in and out of the game, brilliant in some spells, off the pace in others. Hopefully he'll be back on form for next Sunday. (Replaced by Flamini - 84)

Cesc Fabregas (7) Dealt well with the blockade of players in front of him. His tackling was good and strong without being strong enough to concede free kicks. Getting forward seems to be coming to him more naturally now, and I would like to see that continue. (Replaced by Hleb – 72)

Gilberto (6) Didn't look the same after that tackle from Jenas. He wasn't as physical as usual, but his distribution helped spread the play.

Freddie Ljungberg (8) He seemed to be involved in everything we created going forward. He was unlucky to see two chances go begging, before eventually winning the penalty that gave us that much needed goal. His darting runs in from the right combined with Lauren on the overlap gave Newcastle a headache for the entire second half.

Thierry Henry (6) Not a classic by his high standards, but he wanted to be involved with everything. I think those who doubted him as a choice for captain should have had their fears laid to rest, as he frequently dropped deep to bark out the orders, and even had a friendly word him Mr Souness!

Dennis Bergkamp (6) Much the same as Pires. In and out of the game, but the passes he made while in the game were for the most part excellent. (Replaced by Van Persie – 72)
 
Subs:

Alexander Hleb (7) He was full of flicks and tricks which come off. Arsene said that he “Will fit right in with our style of play” and it is clear that this will be the case. A short yet impressive premiership debut.

Robin Van Persie (7) Got into the game quickly, and looked lively from the off. The foolish abuse that he took from the Toon following was blocked out and soon he had the final say, adding the late second.

Mathieu Flamini (6) The sensible option to help see us through.