Table-topping Arsenal will take on third-placed Newcastle United at the Emirates, with Mikel Arteta keen on extending the lead at the summit.
No Premier League team has lost the title from a position Arsenal finds themselves in. The Gunners’ victory over Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium took their tally to 43 points from 16 games this season. And Mikel Arteta will hope to start the New Year with a win for Arsenal over Newcastle United. But the next four fixtures will likely define their campaign.
On Tuesday night, Arsenal take on third-placed Newcastle United at the Emirates, and Arteta will hope to extend their lead at the top of the table. The last matchday was overly favourable for Arsenal, which saw closest rivals Manchester City and the Magpies drop points at home.
Time to relive it all again, Gooners 🤩 pic.twitter.com/gX3mhHB1rM
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 31, 2022
With those two results at the back of their head, Arteta’s men secured a solid win at Brighton. Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Martinelli were on the scoresheet as Arsenal extended their lead to seven points over Manchester City.
While the Gunners have proven their mettle this term by defeating all big sides they faced, barring Manchester United, the upcoming fixtures could prove pivotal. After Newcastle, Arsenal take on Tottenham, Manchester United and Manchester City in what promises to be an entertaining January in the Premier League title race.
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe will rue his side’s luck in their home display against Leeds United. Illan Meslier was the unlikely hero for the Whites and indirectly for the Gunners, as Jesse Marsch’s side held on to take a point from St. James’ Park.
The Magpies had 16 shots and the most possession but could not find a way through the French goalkeeper. There is still no sense of panic at St. James’ Park, considering the team are performing above their expectations this season.
Newcastle can confidently head to the Emirates, considering they remain the division’s best defensive side. Howe will want an improvement in the team’s goalscoring prowess, as Newcastle remain some way off Manchester City and Arsenal in that aspect.
Newcastle United are unbeaten in 12 league games since a dramatic late loss to Liverpool. Howe will hope to use inspiration from their previous meeting with the Gunners when the Magpies beat them 2-0 at St. James’ Park, which also is the game Arsenal last failed to score a goal.
Team News & Tactics
Arsenal
Mikel Arteta will not speak to the press ahead of the Newcastle United game. As things stand, there may not be fresh injury concerns for Arsenal, although players like Emile Smith Rowe could make the bench against the Magpies. Gabriel Jesus and Reiss Nelson will remain absent through injury, with the rest of the squad available for selection.
Together ❤️ pic.twitter.com/BI9JoM6BEp
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 31, 2022
Arsenal have displayed ample prowess in every area of the pitch. But there have been criticisms aimed at William Saliba’s performances since the restart. The Frenchman will continue at the heart of the defence and partner Gabriel Magalhaes there.
Arteta could name the same starting lineup that defeated Brighton on the last matchday of 2022. Oleksandr Zinchenko will continue at left-back, with Kieran Tierney on the bench. Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka will keep their central midfield partnership going. Martin Odegaard will play the attacking role ahead of those two.
The front three of Gabriel Martinelli, Eddie Nketiah and Bukayo Saka have scored in consecutive games since the restart. There is no chance Arteta will change the setup. So far, they have not missed Jesus, as the manager will hope the current run of form continues.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Ramsdale; Ben White, Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Zinchenko; Partey, Xhaka; Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli; Nketiah
Newcastle United
Eddie Howe has a few key decisions regarding his preferred starting lineup against Arsenal. Despite some good performances in the final third, key additions could improve the chances of scoring against the Gunners.
🗣 "We're desperately disappointed not to win the game – I think we deserved to."
Eddie Howe on today's draw at St. James' Park. pic.twitter.com/vps1V1Lid2
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) December 31, 2022
Chris Wood could see his name withdrawn from the teamsheet in favour of the returning Callum Wilson. The Englishman replaced the former Burnley striker around the hour mark against Leeds United. And Howe will be tempted to reinstate his main striker into the setup.
Meanwhile, the Newcastle United boss could drop former Arsenal midfielder Joe Willock in favour of the returning Allan Saint-Maximin. The move could allow Joelinton to move back into midfield. Newcastle United will remain without the injured quintet of Alexander Isak, Jonjo Shelvy, Matt Targett, Emil Krafth and Paul Dummett.
Other than those expected changes, the team picks itself. Sven Botman and Fabian Schar will continue in central defence, with Kieran Trippier and Dan Burn being the full-backs. Bruno Guimaraes will hold the midfield with Joelinton and Sean Longstaff on either side. Miguel Almiron will complete the front three, hoping to trouble the airtight Arsenal defence.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Pope; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Dan Burn; Longstaff, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Almiron, Wilson, Saint-Maximin
Key Stats
- Only Manchester City (42) have allowed fewer shots on target against them than Arsenal (46) this season.
- Arsenal have won their last 10 straight Premier League games at home to Newcastle United.
- Arsenal will play all four other teams in the top 5 in their next six league matches.
- Newcastle United have conceded the lowest number of goals (11) in the Premier League this season.
- Newcastle United are unbeaten in their last 12 Premier League games, last losing in August to Liverpool.
Player to Watch
Martin Odegaard
Øutstanding performance 💫 pic.twitter.com/mQTbYK4Q3T
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 1, 2023
Odegaard is having a wonderful season and is also Arsenal’s joint-top scorer alongside Gabriel Martinelli. The Norwegian powerhouse was involved in two goals for the Gunners in each of his last three games. He is nearing peak form ahead of a crucial period for the club.
The Arsenal captain could become the key factor in unlocking an otherwise stubborn Newcastle defence and will hope to add to his current tally this season. Odegaard is steadily becoming Arsenal’s most important player with his all-round displays.
Prediction
Arsenal 2-1 Newcastle United
The Gunners continue to extend their lead at the top and come into the new year with a 100% record at the Emirates this season. The only chink in their armour is conceding goals, as they have kept only one clean sheet at home against Nottingham Forest.
Newcastle United are a well-drilled side and will hope to repeat their performance against the Gunners from last season. Arsenal, however, have won ten consecutive games at the Emirates against the Magpies in the league, and the trend might continue. The away side is expected to score at least once against the Gunners.
Amazing analysis it’s a matter of time