Matters are all finished in North London where Newcastle have beaten Arsenal 0-1 thanks to an Andy Carroll first half header. While Carroll's opener proved the winner on the day, it was the starting XI's ability to form a plan, stick to it and hold their shape throughout the match that allowed the Toon to grab three points.
Arsenal 0-1 Newcastle United, Final: Magnificent, Organized Newcastle Achieve Memorable Victory At The Emirates
The plan: hold tight in defense, but occupy Arsenal’s defenders with the forward two. Use height advantage to win headers, stay composed and compact in midfield and score a late first half goal to control momentum going into the half.
Maybe the late goal wasn’t a bullet point in Chris Hughton’s pre match plans, but Andy Carroll and Shola Ameobi have formed quite the partnership up front for Newcastle, one in which both strikers are able to express themselves and their strengths in order to create space for each other. Carroll is good in the air, usually wins headers and occupies more than one defender at all times, especially during set pieces.
Ameobi holds up play better than Carroll, uses his pace to drag defenders out of position and has a better first touch than Carroll. Together, they create a formidable partnership up front while Newcastle’s midfield of Joey Barton, Kevin Nolan, Cheick Tiote and Jonas Gutierrez were the epitome of a disciplined side who held their shape during the win over Arsenal. Barton on the right and Tiote in the middle for Newcastle both turned in calm and composed, but effective and efficient performances from midfield on Sunday.
Arsenal's title challenge took the smallest of hits on Sunday as they've now slipped to third in the table after Manchester United's win on Saturday. United now hold a three point lead over the Gunners who've now lost three matches in the Premier League this season. Sunday's loss saw the return of forward Robin van Persie from long term injury while his participation in the match produced only a minimal contribution to Arsenal's attack.
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