Just like 2012, Arsenal were given Newcastle as their last opponent of the year 2013. The scoreline was 7-3 to the gunners with a hattrick from Theo Walcott at the Emirates.
At the Sports Direct Arena also known as St. James Park, The Arsenal were without Ramsey and Ozil for injuries. Rosicky returned from his rest to feature in his 200th Arsenal match while Wilshere returned from his 2 match ban for that finger gesture.
Newcastle had been on a good run of form and measured up to Arsene’s men in the 1st half. Tiote was a spoiler in the midfield, breaking Arsenal’s attack. Arsenal was blunt in attack whenever they were bypassed Tiote.
In the 2nd half, Giroud scored his 1st goal in a long while. A well taken freekick by Walcott was glided in by the Frenchman. Relief for the forward who had taken a lot of stick for his recent dip in scoring form.
The gunners failed to double their tally when they had the chance. Walcott’s lob was cleared off the line towards Giroud only for him to shoot to row z. Throwing!
Szczesny almost gifted Loic Remy a goal after his clearance hit the Newcastle forward. There was immense relief on the Pole’s face as tge ball rolled out for a goal kick.
With City conquering Crystal Palace a day before, it was important for the gunners to win this tie to finish the year on top of the table.
In came Arteta and Jenkenson to lock up the midfield and defense. The last 15 minutes was tense with Newcastle bombarding. But the gunners stood strong and tall.
Nicklas Bendtner came in for a cameo role for Giroud and may have gotten a goal if Jenkenson had been quicker with a throw.
There was relief and belief in the air as the referee blew the final whistle.
3 points in the kitty. Back on top. End of 2013, a wonderful year. Arsenal amassed the largest point (82) for the year by any EPL team.
Let’s forge ahead in 2014.
SoccerGunz 