Arsenal got their second win of the season with another tough fought game, this time against Newcastle United. The Magpies have been pretty resilient this season and look to be in decent shape, despite not winning so far this season. Arsenal started the brighter of the two teams but were given a boost when Aleksandar Mitrovic was sent off in the 16th minute for an innocuous challenge; replays showed that the decision was a harsh one.
The referee’s job didn’t get any easier when Bellerin was bundled in the box by Thauvin in the first half, but the referee missed out on that. Arsenal took the lead in the second half thanks to an own goal by Collocini and kept 10-man Newcastle at bay for the rest of the game. The referee had a poor outing to be honest and we look back at the five major talking points from the game.
Andre Marriner had a horrendous afternoon as the referee
Andre Marriner didn’t have the best of games this afternoon, the referee should have given Arsenal a penalty when new signing Florian Thauvin trodded on the charging Bellerin’s foot, the referee missed the incident and was not helped by his linesman either. He got another decision wrong with the Mitrovic sending off and was card happy as Newcastle got six yellow cards. The issue wasn’t just him brandishing the cards but the fact that there is no consistency with the referees.
Mitrovic’s reputation could have been responsible for the red card
Mitrovic was known to be a bit of a hothead before he signed for Newcastle and that could have been the reason or him getting the red card so early in the game. He already has two yellow cards in his first two games for the Magpies, Andre Marriner had produced a yellow card for a similar challenge from Sissoko. Mitrovic needs to calm down and Steve McClaren has to have a word or two with the young striker before he gives him another game.
Newcastle looks good but when will they get the first win?
Newcastle hasn’t won a game this season, but performance wise they haven’t been the worst. The fans have shown their support to the team and Steve McClaren has done a decent job with his new signings and style of play. The team only has two points from the first four games, but they need to get the first win on the board to give McClaren some reward for the work he has put in so far.
Theo Walcott was ice-cold for Arsenal
Arsenal decided to play Theo Walcott in a striker’s role in place of Olivier Giroud and wasn’t at his best in that role. He did have a couple of good chances but blew them, fans would have expected him to do better in this more advanced role but maybe playing Walcott on either wing is a better option when he can use his pace to take on defenders.
The Gunners still seem to be in second gear
Arsenal had close to 75% possession of the ball and had 22 shots on goal but they never really threatened the goal apart from the time when they scored. Arsenal controlled the game but they never looked lethal in front of goal and that is something that they have to work on if they are to win the Premier League or even mount a serious challenge.