Perspective important in look at Arsenal’s draw with Newcastle

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 03: Granit Xhaka of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Newcastle United at Emirates Stadium on January 3, 2023 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 03: Granit Xhaka of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Newcastle United at Emirates Stadium on January 3, 2023 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images) /
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Arsenal’s 0-0 draw at home to Newcastle has sent some fans into a frenzy. While the time-wasting tactics of the Magpies proved fruitful, many Gunners fans feel like the world is caving in after “dropping” two points at home.

Post-game there was outrage at Arsenal for not winning a game they should have. Let’s be realistic. Newcastle under Eddie Howe have been transformed into one of, if not the most organised teams in the Premier League.

They haven’t lost since August and are rolling… yet Mike Arteta’s side had them pegged back for the majority of the contest.

While the result wasn’t what everyone wanted, a draw isn’t the worst thing in the world (to some fans it is).

Arsenal huffed and puffed but couldn’t get that all-important goal.

The game highlighted the need for attacking reinforcements during the January transfer window. Mykhaylo Mudryk has been linked with the club and per reports, the deal is getting close despite Chelsea’s interest.

Joao Felix is another name who has been linked with the club, albeit on a loan move from Atletico Madrid. Both would have given Arteta another option off the bench against Newcastle. Instead, only one change was made: Takehiro Tomiyasu for Ben White.

Context is important when looking at the draw. Arsenal are still five points clear of Manchester City and are comfortably ahead of the rest of the chasing pack.

With Gabriel Jesus out for the foreseeable future, winning any game in his absence can be considered gold. So far, two wins and a draw have Arsenal back in the groove.

But the next stretch of games is where it gets interesting. Tottenham and Manchester United are on the horizon and we will find out a lot about Arsenal during that two-week window.

But if the Newcastle performance is anything to go by, then the Gunners are in a good position to get positive results from both.

Just remember… draws are okay at times too.