3 Positives and 3 Negatives to take from Arsenal 1 Newcastle 0 | OneFootball

Sunday’s match ended Arsenal 1 Newcastle 0.

Ahead of each match we ask one of our writers to come up with three positives and three negatives following the game.

Plenty to talk about after this one.

On this occasion it is ‘Matt Busby said to Joe Harvey…’:

Newcastle United didn’t deserve to lose

In fact, we should have won, especially considering how well we played and the chances we created first half.

Was it profligacy or was it down to their keeper? Either way, David Raya was Arsenal’s MOTM.

Big, Big game next week

Beat Everton at St James Park and we’ll qualify for the Champions League for the second time in three seasons.

That won’t be easy but what an incentive to bring the curtain down on what has been the most wonderful season.

Arteta booked

Okay, I’m scraping the barrel somewhat, but it was pleasing to see Lego Man deservedly booked for his disgraceful touchline antics when he intentionally kicked the ball back onto the pitch to delay the restart.

NEGATIVES

So near, yet so far

At half time, such had been our dominance in the first half, I was poised to be writing 45 minutes later how Champions League qualification had been achieved, and that a win next week would seal runners up spot for the first time since 1997.

Not so. Anthony Gordon is sloppy when giving the ball away and within seconds Declan Rice has curled a lovely pass beyond Nick Pope.

That was the only difference between the two sides. Very disappointing to have not overhauled Arteta’s mob today.

Threadbare Squad

Alex Isak didn’t travel, so we were left with Calum Wilson to lead the line.

Sadly for wor Callum after having been such a great servant, he is no longer anywhere near good enough. Ditto his replacement on the hour.

Elsewhere, we had to rely on the likes of Emil Krafth who was badly exposed seconds after coming on and Joe Willock, who lacking composure late on, put the ball into row Z when he should have been picking out a teammate.

Last day jitters

Everything now hinges on our match at home to Everton and I’m willing to wager it won’t be straightforward.

Given how the league table looks, it’s fair to say that Sky Sports will employ an ‘as it stands’ table throughout that final 90 minutes and we could be anywhere from seventh to third during the course of the afternoon.

It’s in our hands though and I’ve just heard Eddie Howe on TV saying he’d back us to win.

Arsenal 1 Newcastle 0 – Sunday 18 May 4.30pm

Goals:

Newcastle United:

Arsenal:

Rice 55

Possession was Newcastle 48% Arsenal 52%

Total shots were Newcastle 14 Arsenal 12

Shots on target were Newcastle 5 Arsenal 4

Corners were Newcastle 7 Arsenal 10

Touches in the box Newcastle 33 Arsenal 33

Newcastle team v Arsenal:

Pope, Botman (Krafth 64), Schar, Burn, Livramento, Gordon, Tonali, Bruno, Barnes (Willock 76), Wilson (Osula 64), Murphy (Miley 63)

Unused Subs:

Dubravka, Lascelles, Longstaff, Neave, Ruddy

(Arsenal 1 Newcastle 0 – Instant Newcastle United fan/writer reaction – Read HERE)