The final score was 3-0 and the score could have easily been more. We started with Toure and Ade restored to the line up and Eboue replacing Walcott on the right of midfield.

Almunia

Sagna – Toure – Gallas – Clichy

Eboue – Denilson - Fabregas – Nasri

Adebayor – Van Persie

We started like we had a point to prove, we came storming out of the blocks and could have been a goal up within the first 5 minutes. William Gallas had a very easy chance from a few yards out, actually less than a few yards, about 1 and a half yards out… somehow blazing over. Kolo Toure had a shot soon after from  about 25 yards which called Given into action.

The goal was coming and eventually it came in the form of a penalty when N’Zogbia handled Ade’s cross into the box. Van Persie, who was yet to score this season. duly dispatched the ball into the back of the net and what a good penalty it was. A goal that the player needed after his debacle of misses midweek.

Arsenal 1 - 0, Van Persie (17)

After the goal, we grew even more in confidence and were competent in defence and fast in attack. Nasri and Clichy have started the season very well on the left and I really hope they both stay fit for the season. Nasri has been a revelation for us so far and his ball retention and overall vision of the game is definitely admirable. He combined well with Cesc who laid the ball onto VP who cut back to Ade, it deserved a finish, but Ade is still “rusty” and it went high and wide.

Eboue replaced Walcott in the line up today to much surprise, but I have to say that the Ivorian is playing much better this season that I’ve ever seen him play in an Arsenal shirt. He played a big part in the second goal, having played a one two with Adebayor, he backheeled the ball into the path of Van Persie who smashed the ball in the back of the net leaving Shay Given standing still.

Arsenal 2 – 0, Van Persie (41)

Newcastle only real chance came after the dying minutes of the first half but Almunia was astute and alert to keep the visiting team out.

The second half started well for Newcastle and a bit of pressure in the first 10 minutes soon rubbed off as we took dominance of the game again and it wasn’t long until we scored the third.

The game was full of fast paced football. Free flowing combinations and a lot of creativity. The third goal summed up our afternoon. Denilson was having one of his better games this season and after winning a header in defence, he continued to run, the ball going out to Nasri who cut inside, drew defenders close, but then passed to Ade. At the same time, Denilson made an over lap on the inside and Ade passed it through to Denilson who calmly tucked it away past the onrushing Shay Given. Sublime goal.

Arsenal 3 – 0, Denilson (59)

Vela came on for Van Persie who was in the wars during the game and will be having an X-ray today on his ankle. Theo came on for Eboue and Alex Song for Denilson.

Walcott’s impact was immediate and kept Newcastle on the back foot. Vela also causing problems and looks very creative, albeit it looked as if he was trying to hard. Expect some exciting football from the Mexican this season.

Nasri showed us that he will challenge Van Persie for free kick duty with an pinpoint attempt with 10 minutes to go. Top left, but Given saved well.

Confidence was definitely restored. We’ve got go away now and win away. But three goals, seven goals in four days and two clean sheets has put a smile on many Arsenal fan’s faces.

If we can pick up a player before the window closes, then maybe, just maybe we could end up top of the table by the end of the season…

Have a good one… more tomorrow…]]>