By Boris Mellor
January 8 2005

Arsenal dominated the first 35 minutes, having most of the possession and quite a few chances. But none of them were taken effectively enough to really worry Newcastle, or Shay Given.

Indeed it was Arsenal who had the first serious scare when Cole hand balled in the box, the referee failed to see it and Arsenal breathed again.

Perhaps encouraged by the Gunners inability to score the Magpies dominated the final ten minutes. It was against the run of play that Vieira picked up the ball well outside the penalty area, taking one side step he crashed it past the despairing dive of Given.

Arsenal were 1-0 up with seconds to go to half time.

In the second half it was from the sublime to the ridiculous for Arsenal, as Newcastle were now desperate as the lower reaches beckoned. They came in waves, Bellamy and Dyer giving Cole a torrid time. Bowyer was menacing in mid field; Paddy was running around like a fire engine putting out the flames whereever he could. Without Fabregas and Bergkamp Arsenal were putting far too many balls in the air, or miss hitting passes. The forwards were getting little if any service.

It was now backs to the wall, thankfully Ameobi and Bernard could not hit a cows a*rse with a banjo, but it was also a determined rear guard action, with Freddy regularly tackling back. Perhaps it was to test how good we are at defending free kicks that the team gave them away at every opportunity. Surprisingly none came close to going in; it was from open play that the real threat came.

Van Persie, already on a yellow, was having a promising game, but Bowyer conned the ref with a dive near the box and a free kick was awarded against the Dutchman. Maybe this persuaded Wenger to take him off for Clichy. There again it was probably due to Bellamy’s effectiveness against Cole that played the bigger role in the decision. But even with Clichy and Cole tracking him Bellamy still threatened.

With four minutes extra time announced, no doubt many Gooners bit off what remained of their nails. Several more free kicks were conceded and effectively defended.

It was an ugly but heroic victory; but the team proved to be big men, not just down the pub.

Souness will not be happy, but Newcastle fans might look on the bright side it could be the beginning of the end for him.