Findings: Arsenal (H)

1. Building the team around Cabella and Perez is a MUST.

Two wonderfully talented players both yet to hit the peak of their ability in the Premier League. It is absolutely pivotal these two link up and develop a fluent partnership. With Remy in behind Ayoze, I can see their pace, flair and vision to take on or run in behind, leaving centre-halves at 6’s and 7’s.

I’ve no idea where this leaves the likes of Siem De Jong when he returns, but it would be a shame to see Cabella thrown back onto the right to simply accommodate for De Jong.

2. Our defenders, namely Mike Williamson, can’t handle strength.

From both set pieces yesterday, you could see Mike Williamson was completely underwhelming against Olivier Giroud. The Frenchman simply shrugged Mike off the ball not just with strength, but because he had more will to win the ball. The fact that Daryl Janmaat had a better game at CB than Mike Williamson has had all season says much about his ability, or lack of.

3. Don’t put Vurnon Anita on post duty.

First and foremost, he’s 5′ 5″. So if a Giroud, Metersacker or Koscielny header goes over his head, he’s done for. As he’s much shorter than the average Premier League player (the average being 6′ 1″), let him stay on the edge of the box to break on the counter.

4. Tim Krul will be lucky to have the #1 jersey next season.

Whilst his shot stopping is of high quality, the amount of danger the Dutchman puts his teammates in is deeply concerning. Against Arsenal he gifted Alexis Sanchez and Olivier Giroud two golden chances but neither capitalised on the Dutch goalkeeper’s mistakes – this succeeds his late pass to Ashley Young for the winner at Man United and poor attempt to save McCarthy’s strike from range just last week at Goodison Park.

Once Karl Darlow comes in from Nottingham Forest this summer and with all the hype surrounding the young Freddie Woodman, don’t be surprised to see Krul’s #1 spot under scrutiny.

5. When they show less respect to their opponents and take on some self belief, Newcastle CAN play.

Yesterday’s respective half performances lived up to the stripes on their shirt. Newcastle are always either Black or White, there is no grey. After a shambolic, lifeless first half, they came out 2nd half firing on all cylinders, chasing down Arsenal from the front.

I know a performance like that 2nd half showing for 90 minutes versus Sunderland would definitely secure a win over our local rivals, but I’m always fearful we won’t see that and it’ll be another case of Sunderland upping the ante and Newcastle caving in under the cosh.