Arsenal return to Emirates Stadium after three consecutive away games to take on Newcastle United. The Gunners suffered a controversial 1-0 defeat at St James’ Park earlier this season and will be hoping to avenge that result this weekend.
Eddie Howe’s side have been struggling for form this season, whereas high-flying Arsenal look to make it six wins on the bounce in the Premier League.
However, the side from North London have only won one of their last three against this Newcastle side and they will have to be wary about the way the Geordies set up at the Emirates.
How Arsenal Can Defeat Newcastle at Emirates Stadium
Putting in the hard graft 👊
📍 Sobha Realty Training Centre pic.twitter.com/AHE5EsPS4o
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) February 23, 2024
Expose Newcastle’s Defensive Frailty and Score Early
One of the issues Arsenal have had against Newcastle in the recent past has been the ability of Howe’s side to make it a dogfight. The longer the matches go on, especially the reverse fixture this season, the longer the game becomes more turgid and frustrating for the Gunners.
But, with his side in superb goalscoring form with 21 goals in their last five games, Arteta will be hoping for a fast start from his side that will hopefully wrestle control into their hands.
Read More: Fabrizio Romano: ‘Incredible’ Arsenal Target’s Agent In Contact With Clubs Over Summer Move
Newcastle’s defensive record was highly commendable last season, but it has been woeful this year. At 41 goals conceded they are joint second with Chelsea in most goals conceded in the top half of the table. Their rate of conceding 1.64 goals a game is in huge contrast to Arsenal’s record as the best defensive side in the league only conceding at a rate of 0.88.
The side from the North East of England have also allowed 16 goals in 6 games in the league in 2024.
Watch: The Domino Effect Ruining Football
Keep Squad Fresh and Make Changes
There is a quick turnaround for this one after Wednesday night’s shock last-minute Champions League loss away at Porto. However, Arteta stated that his side must use that gut-wrenching feeling to push them to get back on track in the league. The Arsenal manager said: “What happened in the competition is there. You cannot deny what is in your tummy after a defeat and we have to use it in a really powerful way to do even better.”
With the side unchanged in their last three games there will have to be changes made for this one if this Gunners side is going to play with the energy and guile needed to make it six wins from six in the league. Emile Smith Rowe is an option, but his lack of intensity may make him not be preferred over the more obvious selection of Jorginho to add presence and composure in midfield.
Read More: Jurgen Klopp Surprised By Arsenal’s Decision To Let Talented Midfielder Leave On Loan
Fabio Vieira returned to the squad in midweek and will also be hoping for minutes to regain match sharpness after missing the last few months due to the recovery from surgery. The Portuguese midfielder’s ability to unlock defences with a single killer ball may be needed if the game is at a deadlock late on.
If Arsenal want to win this one they will have to carry some of that clinical edge that they have been playing with in their last month of league football and leave behind any of that ill feeling from the disappointing Champions League defeat in Portugal.
