This weekend there’s stacks of big games in the Premier League, but the one that’s got our attention is the 4:30pm clash between Newcastle United and Arsenal.
Eddie Howe has the Magpies flying this season. They’re third in the table and look to be on course to bring Champions League football to St. James’ Park.
Their opponents, Arsenal, have already banked their spot playing in Europe next year. Their sights are on a bigger prize; the Premier League title.
Champions League Nights in Newcastle?
With being crowned champions at the top of Arsenal’s agenda, they’ll be doing everything they can to disrupt Newcastle’s hopes of a top four finish.
But do they have enough to stop a Newcastle side that’s brimming with confidence and goals? In their last three fixtures, they’ve scored a total of ten goals and only conceded three.
Tottenham Hotspur were destroyed 6-1 with a flurry of early goals. In their next fixture, the Geordies’ travelled to Goodison Park and stuck four past an Everton side fighting for survival.
One of those goals was set up by Swedish striker, Alexander Isak, with what could be the best assist we’ll see this season. A jinking run, with seemingly nowhere to go, inexplicably he found an angle to tee up Jacob Murphy.
Another side on the brink of relegation were on the receiving end of another ruthless Newcastle display. Southampton were beaten 3-1 with Callum Wilson bagging a brace and bringing his total tally to 15.
Arteta’s Stuttering Side
Arsenal looked to be gunning their way to Premier League glory, but in their recent fixtures, they’ve had wayward aim.
Their title charge hit its first speedbump when they let a 2-0 lead go to waste at Anfield. A late goal from Firmino meant Arsenal would only take a point with them back to the capital.
It was a shockingly similar result at the London Stadium. Two early goals were cancelled out by West Ham, another game, another 2-2 draw and another setback on their conquest to be champions.
Could they get back to winning ways against a stricken Southampton? To the dismay of Arsenal fans and the delight of Manchester City fans, the answer was no. The game ended 3-3 and was Arsenal’s third consecutive draw.
The grin on Guardiola’s face would broaden when his side hosted the Gunners at the Etihad. Kevin De Bruyne displayed his class and put on a clinic with two goals and an assist. The match finished 4-1 to the Citizens.
Back on Track?
Chelsea went to the Emirates Stadium in desperate need of a win. All hope of that seemed to be quashed with little over of 30 minutes of football played.
Martin Ødegaard had a brace within 31 minutes, Jesus added the third just three minutes later. Noni Madueke managed what would be a consolation goal. The game finished 3-1 and Arsenal had a much needed victory.
JD Predicts
As we know, Newcastle is a side in scintillating form, unfortunately for them, Arsenal look to have picked up some momentum.
This fixture has all the ingredients to bring us a very tasty game of football, we think it’ll be a closely fought match that’ll end 2-2.
How do you think it’s going to go? If you want to level up your support for the Magpies, take a look at our range of Newcastle gear right here. Cheering on the Gunners? Shop all things Arsenal with a click!
Enjoyed this preview? Check out our other pieces, and whilst you’re here, follow us on @JDFootball for exclusive content and the latest news.
