Premier League: Arsenal vs Newcastle - Pros vs Cons

Matchday 34. Arsenal vs Newcastle. Realistically, this game was just a training session for Villareal on Friday.

PROS:

Lineup:

For once, I have no complaints about Arteta’s lineup. Decided to settle againwith the 4231, a formation that all players are familiar with. Player selection was top class too. Rested important players that will be needed in the upcoming Europa League leg, whilst also giving minutes to those returning from injury, such as Aubameyang, Odegaard, Gabriel and Luiz. Also did well to play Ceballos again to help him regain confidence. Personally, I thought it was a great choice to start Ryan to see what he can do and see if he can push for that starting position in the future.

Oh yeah, and one other thing. Martinelli started.

Gabriel Martinelli:

Gabriel Martinelli started. I thought I was dreaming.

He was the MOTM for me. Every time he picked up the ball he looked deadly. Murphy didn’t know what hit him. Every time Martinelli got the ball, he would use his blistering pace to burst to the by-line and get a cross off in a tight space. He picked up a beautiful assist of a one touch cross to Aubameyang and was unlucky to not have more.

He seemed fully fit, covering countless amounts of space on the pitch and being the most dangerous man on the pitch.

No reason he shouldn’t start against Villareal on Friday.

Elneny’s First Goal:

What can I say? The man only scores bangers.

First Premier League goal was just a nice touch to the game, thought it deserved to be included.

CONS:

Remaining Injuries:

Tierney? Lacazette? Various players who we were hoping to be included in the Europa League match upcoming were nowhere to be seen against Newcastle, signifying that they are not yet fit enough to play.

Luiz Injury:

Just as David Luiz seemed to have returned from injury and was right back into the team, he went down with another injury. Luiz’s ability to retain possession and play long balls would have been a vital weapon in a 3 back formation, however, the option is no longer there as he went down with a hamstring injury.

Ceballos Rewarded:

Yes, I know I said it was a good choice by Arteta to allow Ceballos to play to regain confidence, which I am now contradicting, but there are two sides to the story. That was one of the worst performances I have seen in an Arsenal shirt against Villareal, and to think that he was rewarded with a start in this game seemed questionable. I would have preferred him to start on the bench and then to be subbed on.