Newcastle United will look to earn three points against Arsenal at St. James’ Park on Sunday.
After an exciting and impressive 2-1 victory against Leicester City over the weekend, Newcastle turn their attention to Arsenal. The Gunners from London may be an elite club in English football, but that reputation means nothing this coming weekend.
Arsenal are a side comprised of top-quality players, but they have been inconsistent in their form with ten losses this season. Simply put, Arsenal have under-achieved this season, as they are 13 points behind a Champions League spot and 30 points behind first place.
Newcastle, on the other hand, have exceeded expectations this season. Since the start of the new year, the Magpies have left the relegation battle behind and climbed to tenth in the table. With the offense finding ways to score multiple goals and the defense only conceding once in the last month, Arsenal have several reasons to worry. Here are a few factors that will determine the final outcome in this upcoming fixture.
Home Field Advantage
Newcastle’s last defeat at St. James’ Park was on December 27th, and this does not bode well for Arsene Wenger’s side. The Magpies are currently enjoying a three-game winning streak at home after defeating Manchester United, Southampton and Huddersfield Town. Moreover, in those three matches, Newcastle did not concede a single goal.
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The success that the Toon are enjoying on both ends of the pitch makes them a difficult opponent for Arsenal. Statistics and form aside, Newcastle have looked like an elite squad that is fueled by the positive energy of their home supporters. Arsenal are used to playing in large stadiums, but a booming St. James’ Park will impact Arsenal’s communication and organization.
Two Confident Sides
With their victory over Leicester City, Newcastle have extended their overall winning streak to three matches. Earning nine points in their last three games has enabled the Magpies to escape the relegation battle and focus on finishing in the top ten.
Arsenal are also enjoying solid recent form, as they have won their last three Premier League matches. Both teams will walk on to the pitch full of confidence, however, Arsenal will face an additional obstacle – fatigue.
On April 12th, Arsenal will be in Russia for the second leg of their Europa League clash with CSKA Moscow. The Gunners will then fly back to London, only to travel an additional 455 kilometers to face Newcastle United on April 15th.
Arsenal With Ten Losses
When compared to Newcastle United, Arsenal are a far more superior club in terms of their roster and financial standing. With that being said, Arsenal are favorites to win this match on paper, but their form this season makes them vulnerable. Rafa Benitez must remind his players that defeating Arsenal will require maximum effort and minimal unforced errors.
In addition, the Magpies must keep in mind that Arsenal have lost ten times this season. Some of their losses came to significantly weaker opponents such as Swansea City, Brighton and Bournemouth. Newcastle have pulled off some impressive results at St. James’ Park against Liverpool (1-1) and Manchester United (1-0) during the 2017-18 campaign.
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All in all, Newcastle must be wary of Arsenal’s quality up top and in midfield, whereas Arsenal must not underestimate the consistency of the Magpies. Arsenal will look to avoid their eleventh defeat, while Newcastle will aim to earn their eleventh victory.