We turn our attention to a huge fixture on Sunday for multiple reasons. Mikel Arteta has been under fierce backlash during the week for his defensive approach to games that has seen Arsenal come unstuck against title rivals Liverpool & Manchester City.
In his response, ahead of Arsenal’s Carabao Cup tie, Arteta described David Raya as ‘the most attacking stopper’ in the league. He also went on to describe his backline as the most offensive full backs in the league. This stout defence of his players isn’t surprising but also isn’t necessary. Everyone is fully aware of the quality within the Arsenal squad, however with one of the lowest xG’s in the league it is undoubtable that Arsenal are setup to protect first, attack second.
Arsenal fans remain confident in the wake of the scrutiny of Mikel Arteta. The side sit 2nd in the league and have already navigated difficult away games against Manchester United (1-0 Win), and Liverpool (0-1 Loss). They also kicked off their Champions League campaign with a structured and at times uninspiring performance to overcome Bilbao 2-0.
Meanwhile Newcastle have many challenges of their own to handle, none less than losing leading goalscorer and talisman Alexander Isak to Liverpool on deadline day. Newcastle have limped forward in the beginning of their campaign. With just one win in five and three goals to show for it. Eddie Howe’s side look void of confidence and quality in the attacking areas.
However the raucous atmosphere at St.James Park is something to hang onto for fans. Newcastle averaged 2pts per game at home last season, winning twelve of their nineteen games. They also were the joint third top scorers at home. You have to extend back to the 7th May 2023 to the last time the gunners managed to take down Newcastle at St.James Park. Eddie Howe has proven to have the edge in this encounter.
Betting Prediction:
2u: Arsenal ML (+110)
1u: Total Goals over 2.5 (+100)
Despite recent history showing that 90% of competitive games between these two go under 2,5 goals in the last 10, we believe that changes on Sunday.
The bookmakers have made no effort to reduce the odds and with Newcastle low on confidence, it will be an opportunity for Arsenal to strike and inject some momentum into their season.