1 Down, 1 To Go

So the task of securing Champions League football is almost complete. The win on Tuesday night against Wigan means that if we beat Newcastle on Sunday we will be in the top four, something which seemed highly unlikely when you consider we were 10 points off Spurs with 10 games to go.

The match against Wigan played out in a predictable manner. Wigan, buoyed by their cup final success, were competitive for the first 60 minutes. However as expected their legs began to tire around the hour mark and unsurprisingly we capitalised. With a 10 day break behind us we looked by far the fresher side, and it really did show in the closing stages of the game. Wigan on the other hand looked dead on the feet, indeed it was the same 11 which started the cup final for the Latics - something that was clearly evident.

So with Wigan now out the way our attention now turns to Newcastle. Our victory over Roberto Martinez's men now means that the Geordies are safe for another season and have nothing to play for on Sunday. It is the same case for Spurs' opposition, Sunderland, who were also guaranteed safety following Wigan's 4-1 loss.

That being said I still expect the Newcastle game to be a tough affair. Our recent record there shows how difficult a place it can be to go. We have won just one out of our last five visits there, admittedly those other four results were draws, but a point may not be enough come Sunday.

In terms of how we approach the game, I think we have to go at Newcastle in the first 15 minutes or so. I highly doubt Spurs to drop points at home to Sunderland and for that reason it is paramount that we get 3 points against the Toon Army. With safety secured I predict Newcastle will be slow out of the blocks, their minds already drifting towards their summer holidays. If we can come out in that first half an hour and go two goals up, the game will be over.

As far as selection goes, I would keep the same side. I know Giroud is available for selection again but Poldi netted twice on Tuesday, so Wenger would be hard pushed to drop him. I just think he has to go with the same side on Sunday in order to keep the momentum going within the side.

Anyway that is all for today. Like everyone else I am counting the hours till Sunday, its going to be epic!

Comments welcome,

Come on you Gooners!