Arsenal v Newcastle; Premier League 2012/2013 Finale
Well, this is it. 90 minutes of match time and while there is no silverware there is everything to play for. Arsenal take on Newcastle on the finale of this rollercoaster season to determine whether or not Arsenal secure a 16th straight year in Europe’s Premier competition.
Forget discussing what could’ve and should’ve been. Forget over analyzing how personal mistakes have coast the Gunner’s dearly this season. No, none of that matters right now. We’ll discuss that I am sure ad nauseum in the wake of the season. No, now it’s time to focus on this one match. If the Gunners needed 90 minutes of perfection or near perfection it’s this match.
Newcastle are a hollow shell of the team that finished 5th last year. They are all over the place without a shred of any consistency. Their form at home is atrocious as the 6-0 loss to Liverpool showed. Additionally, injuries have required players to play of position like January addition Yanga-MBiwa fitting in at LB. But all of this shouldn’t even come into consideration.
The Geordie’s are a very talented squad who are going to want something at home from this last game of the season and nothing would please Pardew and his charges more than if they ruined Arsenal’s Champions league aspirations. And while this may please some section of the fans (something I can’t fathom) Arsenal control their destiny.
“What is at stake is a desire to stay at the top and to play top-level European football,” said Arsène Wenger. “There is a difference between the Champions League and Europa League. Why? The Champions League plays with the best teams in Europe and that is what we want to do.
“Yes the financial consequences are big but that is not the most important thing for me.”
For Arsene Wenger he has clearly articulated what the Champions League means. The financial impact may be minimal to Arsenal right now. But the more immdiate impact and effect would be the ability to sign top tier players who want to play in the Champions League (cough cough Jovetic.) Sure, Arsenal could pay over the odds on weekly salary and become the clubs it doesn’t want to but that’s not likely. They will likely pay well, but not enough for a player to place payment of Champions League playing time.
That’s why it has to be a solid effort. And it is one that has a doubt as Mikel Arteta is listed as doubtful for the match. The importance of Arteta to this team can’t be understated. He may not be a true DM but he has played the role with effectiveness and efficiency. But more than his playing ability, it’s the loss of an on the field leader that Arsenal need.
Sure, Per Mertesacker has been instrumental in marshalling the Arsenal forces match in and match out and his role as a leader isn’t understated but the two togther have been the proven leadership team Arsenal have been craving. But Arteta has been a godsend to this team. At times it is almost hard to imagine that the better portion of his career was spent at Everton.
If Arteta doesn’t make the squad due to injury then I expect a change in the lineup to be similar to what we’ve projected below. Rosicky drops back with Ramsey with Cazorla switching to the CAM role. That would move Podolski off to the LW and allow Giroud to slot up front. The addition of Giroud up front can’t overlooked as well. While he still gets stick because he hasn’t been as prolific as some would like (17 goals in all comps 11 in the Premier League isn’t good I guess), his hold up play, movement off the ball and aerial ability have been missed.
I look back against United and remember specifically a moment with Sagna looking to cross, he looked up and there wasn’t a real target in the box like a Giroud. Even if Giroud wouldn’t get it in, he can create a chance just by winning the ball in the air – and we’ll need that. Podolski was good on Tuesday. Still he is probably better out wide with his crossing ability and when he does get a chance, he is likely to score. So that’s why I’d keep him over the likes of a Gervinho and Oxlade-Chamberlain – who can be used to change a games dynamic.
Arsenal have to get over the nerves that will likely envelope them and in my opinion has been the reason why they’ve looked pedestrian even in light of scoring early against their opponents – they simply don’t want to mess it up. It’s a tough weight to carry – the knowledge that any other missteps since losing to Tottenham would likely cause them to drop out of the top 4. The nerves are understandable. However, as the 2nd half on Tuesday showed, that when they relax, play their game they can shine above anyone. People will say it was only Wigan. But it was a Wigan who had outlasted and vanquished last year’s title holders. And that’s why if Arsenal simply take care of business and put Newcastle to the sword early and often they will walk out of the Northeast with 3 points and Champions League qualification.
It’s been an interesting season to say the least. From the looks it may also be an interesting off-season, but I’ll have none of that for now the focus for me and for the team is this match. Forget all the other crap and just win baby! (Thanks Al Davis).
Players to Watch:
Arsenal. Theo Walcott. He had one of his best performances in an Arsenal shirt on Tuesday. Not only did he attack and present a constant threat, but he defended and won the ball to get momentum back in Arsenal’s favor. With Yanga-Mbwia playing out of position against him, he could prove the vital cog.
Newcastle. Cisse. He couldn’t play with Demba Ba. He is needed to come up big if the Geordie’s are to rain on Arsenal’s parade.
Projected Lineups:
Injuries and Suspensions:
Arsenal: Diaby (knee), Arteta (doubtful – thigh)
Newcastle: Ameobi (knee), Vuckic (knee), Haïdara (hamstring), Krul (shoulder), Sissoko (knee), R Taylor (knee), Marveaux (groin), Santon (hamstring)
Leading Scorers:
Arsenal: Walcott 14
Newcastle: Ba 13
Assists Leaders:
Arsenal: Cazorla 11
Newcastle: Marveaux 4
Last Meeting (EPL):
Arsenal: 7
Newcastle: 3
Goals For:
Arsenal (away): 1.3
Newcastle (home): 1.3
Goals Against:
Arsenal (away): 0.8
Newcastle (home) : 1.7
Last Five:
Arsenal: WWDWD
Newcastle: WDLDL
Goal Difference:
Arsenal: 34
Newcastle: -23
Match Official:
Referee: Howard Webb. Matches: 29, R4 Y106
Broadcast Information:
US: Fox Soccer Channel: 2:45PM
UK: Sky Sports 1: 19.45 GMT
YAMA Prediction:
Arsenal: 2
Newcastle: 1
