Instant Reaction: Newcastle 1-4 Arsenal

Newcastle came to the Emirates, and like they usually do, Newcastle received a thumping from Arsenal. It was a frustrating performance, to say the least, and it was not the start to a massive week that Newcastle wanted.

Arsenal were on the front foot to begin the match. While they had plenty of pressure, there were few chances. That was until the 14th minute, when Oliver Giroud found some space on a header and beat Jak Alnwick. The keeper had no chance, as Newcastle found themselves down early.

Newcastle didn't ever really threaten the Arsenal goal in the first half. Their best chance came off of a corner, in which Papiss Cisse had two chances at goal, but both were saved. After pinballing around the area, the ball was cleared safely away. Newcastle were perhaps lucky to only be down one goal at the break, given Arsenal's constant pressure. But, you could also argue that the Mags should have nicked a goal back as well.

The second half saw Newcastle start to get into it, but their good work was undone by a moment of brilliant play from Santi Cazorla. Cazorla managed to get the ball behind Alnwick from a touch angle to double. Moments later, Giroud scores his second goal and Newcastle's hopes in the match were extinguished.

Newcastle did get a goal back from Ayoze Perez, who put it in after heading Jack Colback's free kick. But, even after getting the goal back, Newcastle sat back in defense, and let Arsenal get chances on net. Arsenal would add a fourth goal late in the match, when Cazorla chipped in a penalty shot.

Newcastle never put pressure in on Arsenal's make shift back line, and allowed the Gunner's to run at them all match long. It was a poor strategy from Alan Pardew, fresh off winning manager of the month.

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