This Saturday, Arsenal goes up against Newcastle at St. James' Park in a clash promising high intensity and plenty of chances. Both teams have been much more vulnerable of late after being customarily solid defensively over the last two seasons. Without key defensive elements, Arsenal and Newcastle have been more open in the back. While Arsenal looks to keep pace with the top teams in the Premier League, Newcastle seeks to get back some of that sparkle from earlier in the season. This could be one of those high-profile matchups that define the course of their respective seasons.
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Arsenal's Absences in Defence Take Its Toll
Under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal has had to negotiate a stream of injuries at the back. The injury list has included Gabriel Magalhães, William Saliba, and Riccardo Calafiori, which has left Spanish goalkeeper David Raya exposed to maximum pressure. The absence of defensive anchors has seen concessions spiral upwards, definitely a red flag for a team trying to stay competitive in the title race.
To add to the problems, other key Arsenal players are out injured as well. Ben White is doubtful due to a joint injury, while Martin Ødegaard, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Kieran Tierney, and Calafiori are still out injured. Saliba's return to the pitch, and possibly Gabriel Magalhães too, could be fundamental to solidifying the backline and giving the offense more confidence.
Newcastle's Offense: More Shots, Fewer Results
This is an uneasy situation for Eddie Howe's Newcastle, as it has been taking more shots than its opponents in recent games-a trend not welcome at all. The Newcastle averages 13.6 shots conceded on target against 13.5 taken. Most of the matches the Magpies have played against stronger or equally strong teams have been distinguished by fierce attacks and defenses, which made the game more open. This style of play has come at the cost of losses and draws that see Newcastle middle of the table.
To add insult to injury, Newcastle's absentee list is not a few names. Star players like Jacob Murphy, Alexander Isak, Kieran Trippier, Sven Botman, Jamaal Lascelles, Callum Wilson, and Matt Targett remain out of action. Particular attention would be given to the presence of Trippier as his presence is needed in solidifying the back four and helping the offense with his well-aimed crosses.
The St. James' Park Factor and Head-to-Head Record
Recent decades have seen history be the visitors' side as Newcastle host Arsenal. Arsenal have kept a clean sheet in 30 matches against Newcastle in the Premier League-the most in the league. But St. James' Park is one place where Newcastle can flex their muscle. In the most recent three home matches against Arsenal, the Magpies have won twice-equalling the wins in the previous 19 matches at home.
An away win is a must for Arsenal. The Gunners have not lost back-to-back away matches since May 2022, the last being ironically enough, against Newcastle. This contest is thus tinged with some symbolism, with Arsenal presented with an opportunity to re-assert itself as competitive away from home.
Arteta and Howe: Comments and Expectations
Both managers have shown respect to each other and are conscious of the task at hand. Arteta was full of admiration for Newcastle, calling it a "fantastic team," while citing how difficult an outing it will be away to St. James' Park. To Arteta, Newcastle's standing on the table does not mirror its true strength, with the series of games they have been forced to put up with.
On the part of the Magpies, Howe was pleased with the performance of his players in the Carabao Cup win over Chelsea-a win that no doubt lifted the morale of the team. However, Howe also admitted that the grind of the relentless match schedule may take a toll on his lineup decisions come the Arsenal game.