Eagerly anticipating an Arsenal onslaught from the kickoff, I was pretty disappointed yet again with the 1st-half. A distinctive lack of aggression was, to me, the highlight of the half. Was it going to be another one of those games that we have seen too often this season? Was this tie going to go for a replay, which I feel would be a waste of players' energy?
After that humiliating trashing mid-week, I really did want to see Arsenal bouncing back with more vigor and purposeness. Newcastle, under the rejuvenation of Kevin Keegan again, showed more aggression and hunger to want to win the game. In contrast, Diaby was losing the ball more often than once and even though Walcott showed improvements, was still going nowhere really. I was sad to see Rosicky leave early in the 8th min but Eduardo came on and made up his absence well. I was glad Hoyte was moved back to RB where he should be and Senderos coming back into the side. Senderos did have a pretty good game and hopefully he will do well alongside Gallas 'till Toure returns. Newcastle were winning most of the half-chances and getting their tackles in effectively. The Gunners were made to look second-best, with their problems predominantly in the final-third..
The half-time ended at 0-0 and I kept my fingers crossed it would be better in the 2nd-half. It did! Ade stepped up his game, and along with the effective Eduardo, conjured two fantastic goals to make the scoreline presentable. Nicky Butt headed in past his own 'keeper to make it 3-0 for us later on in the game.
+ Points: Eduardo is coming along very nicely. From the TV angles, he looked sharper in his dribbles and could have gotten the 1st goal had it not hit the post and come off for Ade to score. Walcott is getting some confidence back and AW mentioned that it was important to give him games. Ade is scoring again and I hope to see him play with Bendtner and put the past behind them.
- Points: Gilberto came on as a sub, and as usual gave away a couple of aimless passes. 1st-half was forgetful and I can only hope the team gives more focus to their already excellent talent.
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