Thomas Vermaelen scored a last-minute winner for the Gunners as they completed yet another come-from-behind victory, this time over Newcastle. Arsenal also set a Premier League record on Monday night for the most comeback wins in a row with four. Resilient.
Arsenal have exhibited a ‘never give up’ mentality recently, and nothing represented that motto more than Thomas Vermaelen’s effort in the dying moments of this match. The Belgian centre-back sprinted from Arsenal’s penalty area to join the last attack of the game. Perhaps Vermaelen was fortunate that the ball fell to him, but luck tends to descend upon those who work hard. In fact, the Verminator almost ran past the ball and had to reach his leg back to knock the ball past Tim Krul.
Even in the 95th minute of the contest, Vermaelen still had the energy and desire to race up the pitch from a defensive position, and he was not the only one. When the break began, waves and waves of Arsenal players flooded into the Newcastle box. In stark contrast to earlier in the season, Arsene Wenger’s side are now showing a terrific amount of urgency. They just would not settle for a draw.
On the other side, Alan Pardew’s team looked happy to settle for the point. Before Vermaelen scored our second, Newcastle were even trying waste the clock by holding the ball near the corner flag. Personally, I was surprised by their tactics because I had previously respected the Magpies as a side with high ambition. Fortunately, Alan Pardew and his players paid the price for their decisions.
Tim Krul and Robin van Persie may have been arguing about the Newcastle’s time-wasting. The Holland team-mates confronted each other at different times during both the first half and the second half. As expected, the morning papers are blowing this incident out of proportion; van Persie and Krul just exchanged a few words and light shoves. Both players received a yellow card for their actions, and Wenger was just relieved that van Persie didn’t see red:
“I’m happy Robin stayed yellow and not red. I don’t know if it is history from Holland with Krul or just today’s story. They looked a bit nervous during the game.” (Source: Daily Mirror)
Robin van Persie did not have his best performance against Newcastle. There were several different times throughout the match where he should have tried to cross instead of firing at goal. I guess we expect more than just one goal from the Dutchman, as mad as it sounds. His goal was very crucial because it halted any momentum Newcastle could have gained from Hatem Ben Arfa’s goal. Less than a minute after the Magpies took the lead, van Persie wiped away their advantage.
Tomas Rosicky has surprised quite a few with his recent good form, and he was awarded by the club with a new contract before the game on Monday. Against Newcastle, Rosicky again served as the focal point of the attack. Alex Song and Mikel Arteta sat back while Rosicky was allowed the freedom to move forward and create chances from an advanced position. His only bad moment came when he had an easy opportunity to score, but his shot was so wide that it went out for a throw-in.
Another impressive performer at the Emirates Stadium on Monday night was Theo Walcott. The English winger seems to experience many peaks and dips in his form, and he is currently at the top of his game. Theo used his pace and even a few skill moves to beat defenders down the right flank. At least for the moment, he has solidified his spot in Arsene Wenger’s starting eleven. Now, Walcott is focusing on helping the Gunners catch Tottenham:
“Tottenham have got to be watching over their shoulders now. With the squad of players we’ve got – and we’ve got a lot of players coming back to fitness now – we believe that we can go much further. It’s been an up-and-down season but it’s the way you finish that’s the most important thing.” (Source: The Guardian)
With the victory, we have moved to within one point of ‘Arry Redknapp’s side, who are struggling for air after losing to West Brom. Spurs no longer have to look over their shoulders because, by now, they can surely feel our breaths on their neck.
Most importantly, Arsene Wenger’s side were able to extend that precious momentum. The Gunners will not play at the weekend; their next match is not until next Wednesday against Everton. If the effort and fight the players have shown in recent weeks continues, we should have no problem finishing the season on a high note.
