The chorus of “We’ve got Super Mik Arteta” is ringing louder than ever at the Emirates, and with good reason. Arsenal’s resounding victory over Newcastle United was another step in their relentless pursuit of the Premier League title.
Sam Wallace’s report for The Guardian captures the essence of this dominance, headlining how the Gunners ruthlessly “ground Newcastle into dust.”
As an Arsenal fan, this report is a must-read – let’s dive into why.
A tale of two halves: Arsenal’s unrelenting pressure
Wallace’s description of the first half paints a stark picture of Arsenal’s complete control. Newcastle, initially hoping to “weather the storm,” were instead subjected to a relentless barrage of attacks. The Gunners’ superiority was evident as they won “every individual battle,” showcasing their prowess in both open play and set-piece situations.
This dominance is perhaps best illustrated by the stark contrast in statistics. Newcastle failed to register a single shot before the break, while Arsenal relentlessly tested Loris Karius. Even with Newcastle’s brief resurgence after the restart, Arsenal’s hunger for goals never waned – a testament to Arteta’s transformative influence on the team’s mentality.
Arteta’s praise: The emergence of a ruthless Arsenal
Within Wallace’s report, Arteta’s words take on special significance as he highlights the team’s evolution: “We’re in a good moment…We’re scoring goals in different ways and, especially, we want more…I love that mentality from the team.” Arsenal were once known for frustrating slip-ups, conceding leads and allowing opponents back into matches. Forgetting other competitions, they have a steel and seriousness about them now.
However, this newfound ruthlessness signals a turning point. The ability to put games to bed with clinical finishing is a hallmark of champions, and this current Arsenal side seems determined to shed their reputation for fragility.
Key takeaways:
Wallace’s report offers Arsenal fans several key reasons to celebrate:
Set-piece mastery: Arsenal’s opening goal, a fortunate scramble, and their last, were the direct result of a well-executed set-piece routines. This highlights the impact of specialist coach Nico Jover, whose work has transformed Arsenal into a dead-ball threat.
Jorginho’s impact: Despite some initial scepticism, Jorginho’s return to the starting lineup proved instrumental once again. Wallace notes his clever pass that initiated a key attack that led to Kai Havertz’s goal, showcasing the Italian’s ability to control the tempo and unlock defences.