Back to the top --- Gunners show resilience to defeat the Magpies

1-0 victories brought Jose Mourinho his first league champion in England; Manuel Pellegrini stressed the importance to secure 1-0 victories to be a champion. Seeing Olivier Giroud's goal at St James Park sealed the top spot of the league, Arsenal's title talk is becoming increasingly realistic in 2014.

Packed fixtures during festive period finally led to the injury of Aaron Ramsey. Jack Wilshere returned, so as Mathieu Flamini to anchor the midfield. However, it did not go as Arsene Wenger predicted. Newcastle, usually more adventurous at home, was content to sit deep and not rush into counter attacks. Cheik Tiote and Vurnon Anita offered Theo Walcott and Santi Cazorla very little room to use the ball. When Giroud was more busy lurking on the ground, Arsenal barely created any chance in the first half.

The stalemate continued after interval. Newcastle was patiently waiting for that one and only chance, until Alan Pardew finally made the move of bringing Hatem Ben Arfa. Somehow, it was Arsenal who broke the deadlock. A needless tackle by Tiote gave Walcott the chance to find Giroud in the box. The Frenchman surprisingly was unmarked and beat Tim Krul with a glancing header.

Well-thought substitution --- Flamini

Pundits suggested Wenger's conservatism ruined their chance to beat Chelsea at home last Monday. His decision to move Mathieu Flamini to left back against Newcastle would not be backfired though. The defensive midfielder successfully kept the in-form Ben Arfa in check, who struggled to threaten for even once. Getting Carl Jenkinson in for the last ten minutes might be a passive move, but at least the extra height of Jenkinson helped encounter the aerial attack led by Shola Ameobi and more importantly preserved the lead till the final whistle. 

If not of Debuchy's awareness, Walcott would have already doubled the lead. Ultimately, the Gunners would not need the extra cushion and won the hard-fought battle at St James Park. Sitting above all teams to begin 2014 campaign would be the best New Year present to Arsene Wenger, having faced huge pressure in recent years to end Arsenal's title droughts. The Gunners are still yet to convince they are forceful enough to conquer the big clubs, but improved consistency and mentality send them flying in the first half of 2013 season. The title race is still incredibly close with only eight points separating the top seven. Arsenal still has every reason to enjoy in the driving seat of the race to celebrate their sensational 2013.