To anyone that feels like giving up on their team when they look totally dead and buried with seemingly no way back, Newcastle United today showed us in spectacular fashion that when there’s a will there’s always a way. Newcastle United and Arsenal unarguably contested the game of the season so far in an eight goal thriller which eventually ended 4-4 at St James’ Park this afternoon.
The visitors Arsenal had a dream start after goals in the first and third minutes from Theo Walcott and Johan Djourou gave Newcastle United a mountain to climb so early on.
The Gunners continued to pile on the misery and after a double-salvo from Robin Van Persie, the three points looked in the bag for Arsene Wenger’s men. Cue Abou Diaby – his mis-timed challenge on Joey Barton in the 50th minute completely changed the course of the game as the French international saw red and Arsenal would have to see out the remainder of the match with ten men. A short while later the hosts Newcastle were given the much-needed chance to score from the spot. Joey Barton elected to take the kick and needed no second chances and as he bagged the penalty to make it 4-1 a feint light started to appear at the end of the tunnel for Newcastle.
Just seven minutes later youngster Leon Best made it 4-2 when he beat Gael Clichy to a cross from Jose Enrique and shot beyond the Arsenal keeper Szczesny from eight yards. A real sense of optimism began to build inside St James’ Park and for the home supporters who had stayed to see the game through despite the embarrassing score-line, they were about to be rewarded for their unrivaled loyalty they showed to their team.
Barton yet again was given the chance to score from the spot when defender Koscielny was adjudged to have fouled Williamson as they challenged for an aerial ball and yet again Barton delivered and the game of the season was well and truely back on for the Toon.
Newcastle piled on the pressure in the last five minutes and were rewarded for their persistence as a sweetly struck volley from Cheik Tiote landed in the bottom corner of Szczesny’s net to complete the fairy-tale comeback for Newcastle United. Final score – Newcastle United 4-4 Arsenal.
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andym
Founder and chief editor of La Liga Blog, Andy fell in love with Spanish football after a university placement year in the Costa Del Sol. His favourite Tapas is Albondigas and on Saturday afternoons, Andy can regularly be found trying to emulate his hero Carles Puyol for his amateur football team.