Newcastle vs. Arsenal

0-1, Premier League, St James' Park, 19.05.2013
Koscielny 52

Ahead of the game we knew that a win was the only way to be 100% sure of a place in the Champions League, but is there ever a way for the last game of the season not to equal 90 minutes of nerve-wrecking helplessness?

We had a positive start to the game, but overall the game was quite even. Walcott had a shot over the bar after approximately five minutes, following a free-kick taken by Cazorla. In the following minutes Newcastle striker Cisse fired over the bar as well, as we lost track of him in our box. Before long Koscielny proved both his defensive and attacking qualities as he met a corner well but was unable to direct it towards the goal, so it merely went across the goal and wide. The minute after he was called into action again, making a vital clearance right in front of the feet of Cisse.
   Bad news arrived right before the half-hour mark, as Arteta (who was doubtful ahead of the game) had to be replaced due to an injury. Oxlade-Chamberlain came on for the Spaniard. Before the end of the half both teams had more shots going over the bar, this time through Cazorla and Ben Arfa, whereas Szczesny got to make a comfortable as Cabaye got a long-range shot away.
   To some up the first half in a few words, we did not seem quite at ease, possibly due to nerves, and we lacked sharpness, not having many (or any) attempts on target.

Whatever Wenger said during the break paid off, though, as we came out firing on all cylinders! In the very first minute of the half Walcott forced a great save out of Harper with a low shot, and then came the goal that sent us into the Champions League. Seven minutes into the half Walcott took a free-kick, which was headed on forward by Podolski and Laurent Koscielny made an acrobatic kick to take the ball past Harper and into the back of the net! As long as we held onto the lead now, the fourth place was assured.
   But as one might have expected, holding onto the lead was not an easy thing to do. Mertesacker made an important block to deny Gouffran a chance to score and Newcastle had a penalty shout late on, fortunately for us the ref ignored it. Our final two substitutes came towards the end as well, Giroud being introduced at the expense of Podolski and Wilshere coming on for Cazorla.
   So going into the final four minutes we had a 1-0 lead, but as Tottenham scored I found myself at the edge of my seat (or, rather, couch) as this meant that if we conceded one goal we were out. When Walcott ran past one defender and dribbled past the other to find himself free in the area to take a shot, I was sure that the victory was sealed, but his shot hit the post! How devastating would not that have been for us had Newcastle equalised in the last minute...? Fortunately, Cazorla created a corner for us in the very last minute, and relief and joy as the ref blew the whistle was indescribable! Personally, I would say that this win was largely due to our great collective defending, which has really improved of late.

So this means that another season has ended, and considering the circumstances we can be very pleased to have ensured the qualification place for the Champions League. However, next season the aim will hopefully be higher towards the end of the season (and one can only hope less dramatic). At the moment it feels as though a summer break will be necessary, but it won't be long before you start missing the games every weekend... Thankfully they will be back before we know it !