Newcastle 0 Arsenal 4

Once again, it looked like we have really turned a corner as far as this season is concerned.
Arsene Wenger spoke earlier in the week about how the win at Manchester City is pivotal for our season. Our performance again at St James Park lived up to his words. At a venue which remains a tough and demanding one to visit in the league, we went out on Wednesday night to claim a crucial and hard fought win to advance into the fourth round of the Carling Cup.
A freak goal opened the floodgates for us almost on the stroke of half time and in the second half, we upped the tempo and got three well-deserved goals off the boots of Theo Walcott and Nicklas Bendtner.
Despite us fielding a mix of second stringers and fringe first teamers, we held our game together and repelled all that came our way from Newcastle. Clearly now, Wenger is hungry to lift silverware - any silverware – to end a five year drought that has sometimes threatened to undermined all the work and effort put in to bringing this side to its current level.
Another good win last night was. Another clean sheet. Another step towards silverware which helped instill great belief and confidence through the team.


Below are the ratings
*Wojniech (7/10) – After all the tantrums and hype, it actually looks like this guy has got talent. He diverted an Alan Smith rocket onto the bar in the first half and repelled everything else that came his way as Newcastle upped their tempo in the second period. Did his chances in team a lot of good and surely now, is in the frame for greater things in the team. No wonder he confronted Wenger last month after being left out of the win against Tottenham.
*Gibbs (5/10) – Was doing his usual stuff on the left flank before he picked up an unfortunate knock on the knee in a clash with Wayne Routledge. Departed the game very early.

Another good day at the office...no wonder he's smiling

*Koscielny (7/10) – Returned to the team after an injury-enforced brief absence. Did well to form an effective partnership with Djourou and saved a certain goal from Newcastle early in the game by blocking a Nile Ranger shot with the goalkeeper off his line. Stood up strongly to the lively Andy Carroll in the second half as well.
*Djourou (7/10) – Used his big build and height to an advantage on several occasions and got stuck into the rough stuff dished out by Carroll, Smith and later, Joey Barton. His game is improving with a decent and regular run in the team and baring any injuries, this will surely be a breakthrough season for him.
* Eboue (6/10) –Started the game on the right before switching to the left after the Gibbs injury. Slalomed once through the Newcastle midfield and defence in his usual lung-bursting style in the first half and should have done better with is finishing. Coped as well with all the rough stuff that Newcastle unleashed in the second half. Good, dependable game all round.
*Eastmond (6/10) – The youngster did well and held his ground in the face of often intimidating challenges by the likes of Alan Smith and Danny Guthrie. Clearly, Wenger has big plans for him and he didn’t disappoint on the night.
*Denilson (7/10) – Along with Eastmond, he played the defensive midfield role with calm and assuredness. Guided the younger Eastmond all night and provided a ready outlet for passes out of defence. Seems to be maturing at last.
*Rosicky (7/10) – Our captain for the night led by example. He was full of running and selflessness as he covered blades of grass with youthful relish. Barring anyone of those unfortunate injuries that have blighted his Arsenal career, he looks keen to repay all the faith invested in him all these past years.
*Walcott (9/10) – My man of the match. Never tired of wanting the ball. Gave the Newcastle defence a torrid and difficult time. They never could read his runs and his speed was a constant source of worry. Very much deserved the two goals he scored and with his hunger and all round improvement, he will make a huge mark this season. Already, he’s now scored six times in all games.
*Bendtner (7/10) – Looks determined to make up for all the lost time, while he was away injured. Scored another beauty just days after curling in a similar effort against Manchester City. He will give Chamakh a good fight but expect both of them to inter change the lone striker role as the season progresses.
* Vela (6/10) – The Mexican did some good stuff with lots of determined running in the first half. Was willing to take on the Newcastle defence but tired and drifted out of the game in the second half. No surprises that he was substituted.


Substitutes
*Sagna (7/10) – Was his usual combative self when he came onto replace the unfortunate Gibbs. Had his work cut out especially in the second half to keep the dangerous duo of Carroll and Guiterrez in check. Did well on the night.
*Fabegas (6/10) – The captain came on apparently to organize things as only he knows how best. Despite the brief appearance, he engineered the Bendtner goal by stealing the ball from Guthrie and providing the assist that the big Dane buried.
*Emmanuel Thomas (5/10) – Came in less than 10minutes to the end of the game and had little impact. In the short time he was on though, he displayed a few touches to give signs of greater things ahead.


So we march on to the next round of the Carling Cup and hope for a favourable draw on Saturday. This time, it ought to be a home game as we’ve played both matches in the competition so far on foreign, hostile territory. The lads did their shirts and themselves proud last night and it is beginning to look like a cup winning side already. Fingers crossed, Manchester United apart, we can walk through the rest of the field and go all the way to Wembley for glory come February.
Next up is West Ham at the Emirates and with the thoughts of West Brom very much at the back of our minds, that must be three good points in the bag on Saturday.