In truth, despite head coach Mikel Arteta making a decent start to his tenure as Gunners boss, the Gunners needed the win to kick-start their campaign.
Just one win in eight top-flight games for Arteta
Arsenal headed into Sunday’s game having recorded just one win in their previous eight Premier League matches under former captain Arteta. However, they had also suffered just one defeat, with too many draws denting the Gunners chances of a top-six finish.
As Arteta admitted after the game, his team needs to be more consistent. The second half display was much improved and, in the end, they deserved to win. It was a win that everybody connected with the club will have welcomed.
Not far off the European places
The win over the Magpies means that Arsenal are now just five points off the top-six and the European places. Obviously, a top-four spot would have been the aim for this season. However, the fact that the Gunners have changed coach and not endured the best of seasons, a top-six finish would not be the end of the world.
The fact that a top-five finish could now bring Champions League football for next season may give extra motivation for the Gunners players to go on a good run.
Arsenal are slowly improving under Arteta
There are small signs that Arsenal are slowly improving under Arteta. The majority of the fanbase seems to be behind the Spaniard and the players seem happier than when playing under former boss Unai Emery. Arteta may have the backing of the fans, but he needs results to back it up.
Arsenal should be much higher up in the Premier league table than their current tenth position. It is now Arteta’s job to push the team up the table and show that he has what it takes to become a successful Premier League boss.
