Arsenal vs Newcastle - 6 Big Talking Points

3. Key Player: Loic Remy

It certainly telling that Remy's introduction from the substitutes bench during the first half of last week's defeat to Swansea generated a mightier applause than Shola Ameobi's long-awaited, but ultimately fruitless, opening goal. Newcastle have suffered without their on-loan marksman prowling a deadly furrow at the point of their attack and the relief that greeted his return to action was palpable, even though his contributions during the game were minimal nor match saving. Yet, the difference in the quality of his touch and off-the-ball movement was instantly evident. A level of intelligence and presence of mind that we've greatly missed. It's unlikely that Remy will be at peak fitness after his earlier than planned introduction but i'm sure most fans would agree that our half-fit 13-goal top scorer would offer a greater threat to the Arsenal defence than toothless fellow loanee Luuk De Jong. Pardew's main worry should be with conserving his energy across the 90 minutes, with only youngster Adam Armstrong in reserve, so re-establishing his partnership with Ameobi would reduce the workload on his already stacked shoulders and allow Remy to do what he does best; score goals.
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Content writer, blogger, occasional journalist and lifetime inhabitant of the post-LOST island of grief.