Arsenal Vs. Newcastle United, 2012 Premier League: Halftime, Game Level After Crazy Opening 15 Minutes

Newcastle United stunned the Emirates Stadium by striking first in the first half, but Robin van Persie provided an instant equalizer. Arsenal and Newcastle are tied up 1-1 at halftime in their vital Premier League match, and what started as a very open and fun game for the neutrals has settled down quite a bit. Newcastle started to sit deeper as the half wore on, while Arsenal looked more and more content with keeping the ball.

Hatem Ben Arfa's opener came in the 14th minute, and though he displayed some great skill during the sequence, the goal should have been prevented. Kieran Gibbs allowed him to cut onto his favored left foot from the right wing, and Ben Arfa's shot beat Wojciech Szczesny at his near post. Both Szczesny and Gibbs should have done much better.

The answer came just 53 seconds later while Newcastle were still celebrating. Theo Walcott provided the assist to van Persie with a low cross into his feet from the right flank, but the goal was all about the turn and finish. Mike Williamson was made to look like an amateur as van Persie backed him down, turned him around easily and finished calmly with his left foot to equalize.

Both teams have plenty on the bench to change the game, and this is a game that needs a bit of changing. Both teams' defenses were badly exposed on the goals, but the game hit a bit of a standstill after van Persie's goal. It hasn't been boring, but neither team looks too much like scoring. That will probably suit Newcastle better than Arsenal, so it might be on Arsene Wenger to alter this game's course.