Arsene Wenger has been iterating all season long that Arsenal will finish in the top 4 and not miss out on Champions League football next season and, true to his word, the Gunners just managed to overcome Newscastle at a boisterous St. James’ Park where more than 50,000 Geordies determined to making it tough for the visitors, anticipated an upset by their home team and consequently play spoilers to Arsenal’s bid to beat Tottenham in the standings.
After a scoreless first half, Arsenal defender Koscielny put the visitors ahead for good and Arsenal won their 8th out of their last 10 matches to finish the season. Tottenham’s savior during many a match this season, Gareth Bale, again managed to score late to give Newcastle a very minor window of opportunity to help the Spurs, but Arsenal held on for another single goal victory – their third away from home in the last five matches.
Arsene Wenger has been under immense pressure this season after Arsenal started the season quite poorly with 2 goalless draws and was placed 10th in the table after their 15th match of the season – a 0-2 home loss to Swansea. But barring 4 draws and losses against United, Chelsea and Tottenham, the Gunners won 16 games after that and ultimately finished with a one point advantage in 4th. The finish justifies the faith kept in Wenger and also gives him another chance to turn things around, finally.
With news of an impending mega kit deal with Puma and a large amount of money available for transfers in the summer, Wenger can renew faith in the Arsenal fans and management by signing established stars who can play strongly and contribute under pressure. Too long have the club faithful been in jitters over outcomes in matches Arsenal has played. For a change, it would be great to go with a confident feel for the club into any game it plays.
Source: DSG
