It is hoped that the Arsenal players took advantage of their extra days away from action and fully absorbed the football that did take place in their stead. For the results of the weekend should prove enough to motivate the players on what is at stake if they do not capitalise on their remaining home fixtures. Southampton refused to lie down and be walked over by Everton, their victory over the Toffees handed a massive advantage into the hands of the Gunners. Anything but victory over Newcastle tonight and the advantage will have been wasted.
Yesterday whilst witnessing the overconfidence by Liverpool and their fans prior to their game with Chelsea it highlighted how no game is a given. Form is a wonderful thing but it isn’t everlasting, all good things eventually come to an end.

Newcastle are on a run of wretched form but that is not to say they will not cause problems tonight in search of turning things around. It is vital that a four point gap is opened up tonight and not just through expectation but by hard work, concentration and ruthlessness.

Olivier Giroud seems a different player now that some of the classier players have returned to the squad, Arsenal now offer a threat across the pitch; It will certainly keep Newcastle on their toes whilst hopefully a second successive clean sheet can also be achieved.

Will project 4-4-2 be used again by Arsene? Probably, Lukasz Podolski is a grateful beneficiary of the change and more goals tonight will certainly cement a new-found niche within the team. I certainly hope he capitalizes on his chance and gives Wenger something to mould in readiness for next season’s assault.

Only two home games left and I’m feeling the withdrawal symptoms already, for all of you who are going to the Emirates tonight get behind the boys. We are the 12^th man and can make the difference for the players.