Newcastle vs. Arsenal

0-1, Premier League, St James' Park, 29 December 2013
Giroud 65

This game marked the midway point of the season, and claiming the top spot at the midway point is usually a good sign for whoever is to be champions at the end of the season. Nothing but a win would be good enough as both Manchester City and Chelsea won their games, meaning that a win would take us one point ahead of City and two points ahead of Chelsea.

The game had a rather slow start, it took twenty minutes until the first corner of the game was awarded, and it was Sagna who arranged it with a surge forward. Before the end of the first half Newcastle fired wide and Cazorla had a shot on target saved by 'keeper Krul. In the very last minute we were in trouble as Szczesny made a great save from a shot and Wilshere made a save on the goal line in the following corner.

We started the second half a bit better, with a Flamini shot over the bar before getting the winning goal. Walcott took the free-kick that was met by Olivier Giroud, who headed it past Krul to return to the score sheet after some time absent! A few minutes later we came close to doubling the lead, as Walcott got the ball past Krul, only for a defender to head it clear. But only as far as to Giroud, who unfortunately did not get a clean hit and the effort went wide.
   During the final minutes we let Newcastle dominate completely and merely defended our lead, which is quite unlike us. Szczesny almost made a huge blunder as he kicked the ball in Remy's face, and the ball bounced inches wide of the post! He then made a comfortable save from a shot on target. During the added time Ben Arfa hit the side netting and in the very final kick of the game Newcastle had a corner. Newcastle 'keeper Krul went up, but fortunately Szczesny beat him to the ball and the win was sealed!

We can now celebrate New Year top of the league, which is quite the relief since we could not do so over Christmas. Nevertheless, it is time to prepare for the clash against Cardiff on the very first day of the year!

Injury Update:
- Ramsey missed out due to the thigh injury he picked up against West Ham.
- Özil was unable to feature in this game due to a shoulder injury.