Match Preview: Newcastle vs Arsenal

We head to Tyneside as we look to close the gap at the summit of the Premier League. We take on Newcastle United in Saturday's early kick off.
 

After midweek triumphs in the Carabao Cup, both teams will be looking to build momentum ahead of the jam-packed winter period.

Having only tasted success in one of our last three league meetings at St. James' Park, Eddie Howe's resurgent Newcastle will prove to be a stern test for Arsenal.

Winless in their last five league games, The Magpies will be keen to put on an impressive performance in front of their own fans.

Inconsistent start for the Toon

With three wins and a draw in their opening four games, Newcastle made a flying start. As a result of missing out on European football, it was seen as an opportunity for Eddie Howe and his players to challenge for a spot in the European places this season.

However, after their fast start came more difficult tests. A 3-1 defeat in West London to Fulham was followed by two draws to champions Manchester City and Everton. Defeat in the two games since the October international break leaves the Geordies 12th in the league and searching for their first league win on home soil in over two months.

Last season at St. James' Park

We suffered defeat at their ground for the second time in three seasons when we last faced Newcastle away from home.

We arrived at St. James' Park brimming with confidence having gone 11 Premier League games without defeat.

The game turned into a feisty encounter after the Newcastle players fumed at a Kai Havertz foul on Sean Longstaff in the first half. The challenge was deemed only to be a yellow card by referee Stuart Attwell.

The Magpies broke the deadlock after a controversial goal was allowed to stand after the VAR could not be sure if the ball went out of play. This goal proved to be the winner and summed up the dogfight of a game on the night.

Mikel Arteta called the video assistant referee's decision to allow Newcastle's goal "embarrassing" and a "disgrace".

What the managers say

Mikel Arteta:

On Newcastle's start to the season: "The league position (12th) after nine games is very tricky when you see the fixtures that they've had as well." "But they're a fantastic team."

On if there is any lasting consequence from that incident at St. James' Park: "No, hopefully we've passed it. We talked through it in depth and that's done. A year in football is a long, long time."

Eddie Howe:

On Arsenal test: "Every game is very difficult."

"They have their qualities, they have a really solid look about the team. Very good from set plays and a solid team and we have to be prepared for that test.”

On last season's home win over us: "I do remember it being a great atmosphere and a very physical and competitive game – two teams really going at it."

"It was a really good advert for the Premier League."
 

Team News

Arteta stated Brazilian centre-back Gabriel would "be available" if he could complete Arsenal's training session today.

It was also announced that Riccardo Calafiori and Martin Odegaard are definitely out for this fixture.

Ben White, who missed our tie against Preston, has not trained this week but could train today. Arteta said "let's wait and see if he's available."

Eddie Howe confirmed that Newcastle duo Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon both "feel OK" but the club would decide on their availability.

Statistics and Facts

We have conceded nine goals in our last five Premier League games, more than we have had in our previous 19 combined.

Although Newcastle have won two of their last three home games against us (L1), it is as many as they have had in their previous 19 meetings (D7 L10)

We haven't lost back-to-back away league games against Newcastle since our first three Premier League visits there between 1994 and 1996.

Only Liverpool (5), Nottingham Forest (7) and Manchester City (9) have conceded less goals than Arsenal and Newcastle (10).

Newcastle had two more wins under their belt at this point last season (5).

Raheem Sterling has scored 9 goals in 17 starts against Newcastle.
 

Match Officials

John Brooks will referee our clash with Newcastle. One of the younger referees currently operating in the top flight, Brooks has been a Premier League official since the start of the 2021/22 campaign.

He has only ever officiated one Arsenal game in the Premier League. This was in our 0-3 win away at Brighton last season.

He has overlooked three Premier League games this season, most notably when he took charge of Liverpool's clash with Chelsea two weeks ago.

In the 3 Premier League games he has officiated, he has handed out 12 yellow cards and awarded one penalty.

This will be Jarred Gillett's (VAR) fourth involvement with us this season.

Referee: John Brooks

Assistants: Simon Bennett, Dan Robathan

Fourth Official: Darren Bond

VAR: Jarred Gillett

Assistant VAR: Darren Cann