Match Reaction: Newcastle 0-1 Arsenal

[Niall_Quinn]

For me it's disappointing we haven't signed the striker we need, again, but even though Giroud and Walcott are missing nine chances out of ten, as they usually do, I think this year they may become prolific.

It was also a slight concern to see us pass up on Vidal, the midfielder we've needed for 10 years. Still, if Coquelin can become one of the best in the world by next week then we don't really need anyone else, not even for cover. Bit concerned about playing a 5 foot midget in the central midfield role, especially as he doesn't really play the role at all and pretty much leaves it to Coquelin. Still, if Coquelin can play 60 games this season without tiring, getting injured or suspended we should be fine.

So far there's good signs of progress. We're above the chavs and nothing I have seen in the past makes me think we'll let the lead slip. We haven't started quite as well as the gypos but they have spent a fortune so in reality we're right up there with them and they will drop points. With Giroud and Walcott banging in the goals and Coquelin emerging as the best and most resilient midfielder in the world I think we can go toe to toe with the gypos and pip them to then line, in the same way we raced them all the way to the finish last season. Yes, they narrowly annihilated us, but there are definite signs we'll finish higher than them because we won the FA Cup.

It would be nice if we signed the players we need with some of that fortune sitting in the bank, nice if we could modify our tactics from time to time, maybe rotate the squad a bit to prevent burn-out and repetitive injuries, pleasing if we could play players in the correct positions. But too much emphasis is placed on these things, everyone is always exaggerating about Wenger playing Ramsey out of position or using a midget in midfield or buying players like Sanogo. In reality he's doing an excellent job and even though we might not win the title this season, because of the chavs and the gypos spending too much money, there are definite signs we'll win it next season. Or the one after that. I'll keep those signs to myself for now, but they are definitely there.

[Niall_Quinn]

That's the most frustrating thing. Another transfer window may pass without a top class striker.

We'll know within 24 hours. In that time we have to go from not a sniff to landing a top, top, top, top, top, top, top, top quality striker. Seems likely.

I hope the clamour mounts for his sacking come Wendnesday if he doesn't pull off a miracle in the next few hours. The reason it needs to be a miracle is all down to him again. Was a long summer. Wasted. Again.