Arsenal managed to make a big deal out of winning against a team that were down to 10 mn by the 16th minute. An own goal from defender Fabricio Coloccini gave Arsenal an unconvincing victory over 10-man Newcastle. Arsenal scored early in the second half when winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s angled shot on the rebound clipped Coloccini’s heel and went into the net. The hosts had earlier seen striker Aleksandar Mitrovic sent off in the 16th minute for a rash challenge on Gunners midfielder Francis Coquelin. Newcastle failed to register a single shot on target in the entire contest.
Arsenal have not lost at St James’ Park in the league since December 2005 and have won their last eight games against Newcastle, scoring 21 goals and conceding just six. Newcastle boss Steve McClaren has still to to taste victory in the Premier League after four matches at his new club. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger described his side’s start to the season as “very average” before this game and although the Gunners secured three points at St James’ Park their strikers continue to misfire. After Mitrovic’s 16th-minute dismissal, Arsenal dominated possession in the final third of the pitch but were unable to turn that superiority into goals. Theo Walcott’s best effort was to lift a chance he should have scored over the crossbar while substitute Olivier Giroud made little impact when he came on.
With the transfer window set to close on Tuesday, Arsenal’s supporters will be hoping Wenger has a goalscorer lined up from somewhere. This kind of showing will not win the league. 4 games played, 3 goals scored, 2 of which are own goals. What a pathetic showing so far. Wenger needs to get his head outta his own ass and resign!