1 point behind spuds

The late Monday night game did not stop me from staying up to watch Arsenal v Newcastle. Kickoff was at 10:00pm and I sat till 12:00pm. Arsenal have been haunted with resent results v Newcastle and it looked like all my fears will come to life in the first 10 minutes. Newcastle generated all of the action before Hatem Ben Arfa popped up and smacked a shot on the inside post past Wojciech Szczsny. Luckily v.Persie made sure of an equaliser 54 seconds later. The game lulled into Arsenal dominance but attack after attack yielded nothing. The second half was once again dominated by Arsenal, however there was a rare Newcastle attack every now and then. The clock ticked, Arsenal attacked and came close to securing the victory. Then the 5minutes of extra time was announced, I have to admit I thought it would end in another draw. But the Gunners kept their cool, the last chance of the match came with 1 minute of extra time left on the clock. Vermaelen received the ball inside the area and slotted it home with his 10th goal in 50 appearances. 2-1 isn't a very convincing win, but it could just as easy have been 8-3, hence our massive amount of shots on target. I was very impressed with Rosicky. He played like a new player and I hope his brilliant form continues. Tottenham have only twice ended higher than the Gunners at the end of a season. I am confident that we can brush that 1 point deficit aside and secure a surprising 3d place. Arsenal had their worst start to a premier league in 50 years but with our brilliant come back attitude we're now on the hunt for big scalps.

Here are the player ratings of both teams Arsenal

Wojciech Sczesny - 5

Committed a goalkeeping sin when he was beaten at his near post by Hatem Ben Arfa. Had little more to deal with through the remainder of the evening.

Bacary Sagna- 7

Nullified the threat of Gutierrez and constantly galloped up the right hand side proving a constant threat.

Thomas Vermaelen - 8

Shrugged off an early injury to provide assurance at the back. The unlikely source of the late winner.

Laurent Koscielny - 8

As convincing an Arsenal performance during his two seasons at the club. Keeping Newcastle's top marksman Demba Ba quiet throughout.

Keiran Gibbs- 6

Inexplicably allowed Ben Arfa onto his deadly left foot in the penalty area for the opener, but shepherded the Frenchman out of the game thereafter.

Tomas Rosicky - 7

Defined Arsenal's energy in the second period, continually driving from midfield. Showed a desire on the ball many of his opponents lacked.

Mikel Arteta- 7

Kept things ticking over in his withdrawn midfield role, allowing Rosicky to take control. How Arsenal could have done with him against Milan.

Theo Walcott- 8

Perhaps his most rounded performance of the season. Created problems for Santon in the first half, while with two assists, he banished those final ball critics.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain - 6

On the periphery of the game throughout. Was shadowed well when he did receive the ball, but cut a frustrated figure when substituted.

Alex Song -7

Part of the midfield trio that spearheaded the late win. Moved the ball effectively around Newcastle's two-man central midfield.

Robin van Persie - 7

Struck decisively, as ever, to draw the hosts level but a second half missed chance was the highlight from then on. Clashes with Tim Krul undermined his evenings work.

SUBS

Gervinho - 6

Aaron Ramsey- 6

Newcastle United

Tim Krul - 7

Made an excellent save from Vermaelen's header, but was helpless for both goals. Good service from the ground.

Fabricio Coloccini - 8

Didn't deserve to be on the losing side. Put his body on the line when it mattered, and made a crucial block from Walcott's effort.

Davide Santon - 6

Santon took the fall for Newcastle's failure to cut the service to Walcott. Out of position for the equaliser however.

Danny Simpson - 8

The strength of his positioning showed as Arsenal continued to attack down Newcastle's left. Marked Chamberlain and Gervinho out of the game.

Mike Williamson - 7

Immense in the air as always, but his lack of mobility allowed Van Persie to equalise. Missed header led to the winner.

Yohan Cabaye- 6

An overall quiet evening, with defencive duties dominating his workload. Often a sitting duck among Arsenal's quick passing.

Hatem Ben Arfa - 6

Struck brilliantly to give The Toon the lead, but made few contributions afterwards. Too often tempted to take on players.

Jonas Gutierrez - 6

Spent most of the evening in his own half, toiling against Sagna and Walcott. Wasteful when possession did come his way.

Cheich Tiote- 8

Dominant in the middle of the park, and Newcastle notably faded after his substitution. Quickly becoming the Premier League's best holding midfielder.

Gabriel Obertan - 5

Laid the ball on for Ben Arfa, but like too many of his teammates, found getting involves afterwards difficult. Horribly careless with the ball.

Demba Ba - 5

Really only thrived when Ameobi was introduced, but until then had been cut adrift from the rest of Newcastle's attack. Ineffectual throughout.

SUBS

James Perch- 7

Shola Ameobi- 7

Danny Guthrie - 6

Laters, The Ghost