There was relief for Arsenal worshippers as their team took a decisive step towards a 17th consecutive season of Champions League qualification.

There was even a sense of euphoria, inspired by the polish of the passing combinations once Laurent Koscielny had opened the floodgates by poking in the opening goal. "Arsenal were too good," lamented Newcastle's under-siege manager Alan Pardew.

But there was also an underlying feeling at Emirates Stadium of what might have been.

Nine trophyless years and seasons that follow an eerily similar pattern have led to an almost permanent air of dissatisfaction in the red-and-white half of north London.

One of the many frustrations for supporters is the annual injury meltdown that robs the team of key players for months on end in the second half of the season.

Theo Walcott, Jack Wilshere and Mesut Ozil all missed large chunks of the campaign just when their star quality was most needed.

But even that gilded trio were not as badly missed as Aaron Ramsey, the club's undoubted player of the season despite missing three-and-bit months with a thigh injury.

Arsenal's recent revival has coincided with Ramsey returning to add much-needed dynamism, energy and power to a midfield that had been so one-paced in his absence.

The Welshman was in full flow against Newcastle, a team which has been marking time since the January sale of Yohann Cabaye sent it delving into summer holiday brochures.

A marathon runner in his youth, his stamina levels are outstanding and he commonly tops all the club's various fitness tests.

But he is far more than just a turf-devouring athlete. With his passing range, vision and ability to finish off as well as start moves, the 23-year-old has developed into the complete midfielder.

Had a thigh injury, that troubled him even before it forced him off against West Ham on Boxing Day, not sidelined him for so long, he could have provided the only genuine challenge to Luis Suarez for PFA player of the year.

It is to Arsene Wenger's credit that he stuck by Ramsey during the dark times, not least the player's troubled return from a year-long ankle layoff that had such severe mental repercussions.

Once the scapegoat, now he is a darling of the fans and one of the first names on the teamsheet. Even academy graduate and Arsenal golden boy Jack Wilshere has to step aside for his fellow Brit, who was always regarded by those behind the scenes at London Colney as the better all-around player.

Moreover, Ozil looks twice the player when he is able to feed passes into the path of Ramsey and Walcott.

While appreciating Ramsey's excellence in the four matches since his return, there will also be regrets from fans that a seemingly innocuous injury robbed him of nearly half a season. Two serious setbacks kept him out for more than two months longer than initially expected.

Until Arsenal updates its 20th century injury prevention methods and brings them in line with leading sports clubs around the globe, the team will continue to suffer.