Arsenal F.C. face a stiff test of their resolve as they welcome Newcastle United F.C. to the Emirates, with the Magpies’ resurgence in form threatening to spoil the Gunners’ home advantage. Can Mikel Arteta’s side maintain their winning momentum at the Emirates, or will Eddie Howe’s men capitalise on their improved form to secure a crucial three points?
Since losing to Manchester United in mid-October, Newcastle United F.C. have been on a remarkable run of form, notching six wins and three draws in their last nine league matches. Such a turnaround will undoubtedly pose a significant challenge to the Gunners, who are eager to secure a crucial home win against their resurgent opponents. With Newcastle United F.C. boasting an impressive recent record that includes a 2-0 victory at the Emirates just last season, the stakes are high for Arsenal F.C. as they seek to outmanoeuvre their visitors with their preferred 3-4-3 lineup, while Newcastle United F.C. are expected to field their familiar 4-2-3-1 formation.
The Truth About Newcastle United's Resurgent Form and how it may Impact Arsenal's Lineup

Gunners Seek Home Advantage Against Toon’s Resurgent Form
Newcastle United’s resurgence has been the most talked-about topic in the Premier League this season. They’ve won their last four home games, showcasing their newfound ability to dominate at St James’ Park. I recommend keeping a close eye on their statistics, as they could pose a significant threat to Arsenal’s lineup:
Recent Home Results for Newcastle United
| Date | Opponent | Result | Goals Scored |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Dec 2023 | Aston Villa | 3-1 | 3 |
| 17 Nov 2023 | Crystal Palace | 2-0 | 2 |
| 11 Oct 2023 | Nottingham Forest | 4-1 | 4 |
| 23 Sep 2023 | Chelsea | 1-0 | 1 |
Newcastle’s home form is a testament to their growing confidence and cohesion. Eddie Howe’s tactics have been instrumental in their resurgence, and I expect them to continue this momentum against Arsenal.
Arsenal’s Lineup May Suffer Due to Newcastle’s Set Pieces
Newcastle’s resurgence has also been aided by their improved set-piece abilities. They’ve scored 7 out of their last 12 goals from corners and free-kicks. This could pose a significant threat to Arsenal’s lineup, particularly their defense. I recommend Arsenal’s coach, Mikel Arteta, to focus on improving their set-piece defense to counter Newcastle’s newfound strength:
Newcastle’s Set Piece Statistics
| Opponent | Corners Won | Free Kicks Won | Goals Scored from Set Pieces |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aston Villa | 10 | 7 | 2 |
| Crystal Palace | 8 | 5 | 1 |
| Nottingham Forest | 12 | 9 | 3 |
The data suggests that Newcastle’s ability to win corners and free-kicks has been a key factor in their recent success. I expect Arsenal to be prepared to deal with this threat and prevent Newcastle’s set-piece specialists from causing damage.
I recommend Arsenal to focus on containing Newcastle’s key players, such as Miguel Almiron and Callum Wilson, who have been instrumental in their recent resurgence. By doing so, Arsenal can limit Newcastle’s attacking options and gain an advantage over their resurgent opponents.
Why a Strong Start to the Second Half is Crucial for Arsenal Against Newcastle

Arsenal need to capitalise on Newcastle’s recent struggles if they want to secure a key win at the Emirates. After a lacklustre first half, the Gunners can’t afford to fall behind, especially against a resurgent Newcastle side that has shown significant improvement in recent weeks.
Key Statistics:
- Newcastle’s last five matches have seen them concede just three goals.
- Arsenal’s last three home matches have seen them score an average of 2.33 goals per match.
- The Gunners have won just two of their last seven Premier League matches.
A strong start to the second half is crucial for Arsenal, and I recommend they follow a specific strategy to get the better of Newcastle. By pushing high up the pitch and testing the Magpies’ backline early, Arsenal can force them to make high-pressure decisions and potentially create scoring opportunities.
Potential Starting Lineup for Arsenal:
- Aaron Ramsdale (GK)
- Gabriel Magalhaes (CB)
- William Saliba (CB)
- Bukayo Saka (LB)
- Granit Xhaka (CM)
- Martin Odegaard (CM)
- Emile Smith Rowe (RW)
- Gabriel Martinelli (ST)
- Eddie Nketiah (ST)
- Oleksandr Zinchenko (LB)
- Gabriel Jesus (ST)
By dominating the early stages of the second half and creating scoring opportunities, Arsenal can put pressure on Newcastle and limit their ability to mount an effective counterattack. The Gunners need to be clinical in their finishing and make the most of any chances they create, as a well-taken goal can give them a vital boost and set them on their way to a crucial win.
X Ways to Counter Newcastle's High-Intensity Press Under Eddie Howe

As I assess Newcastle’s high-intensity press under Eddie Howe, I recommend three key strategies to counter their relentless pressure.
Initial Pressing
The Toon Army will likely employ a 4-3-3 formation, with midfielders Isaac Hayden and Joelinton pressing the Gunners high up the pitch. To neutralize this, I suggest Arsenal employ a 4-2-3-1 formation, using a deep-lying playmaker like Granit Xhaka to shield the defence and retain possession.
| Formation | Players | Function |
|---|---|---|
| 4-2-3-1 | Xhaka (DM) | Shield defence, retain possession |
| 4-3-3 | Hayden (CM) | Press high, win the ball back |
Switching Play
Newcastle’s high-intensity press can leave them vulnerable on the counter. I recommend Arsenal exploiting this with swift counter-attacks, using their pacey wingers like Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli to stretch the opposition defence.
| Counter-Attack | Players | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Saka (RW) | Pace, width, beating opponents | |
| Martinelli (LW) | Pace, width, beating opponents |
Goalkeeper Distribution
Eddie Howe’s team often relies on their goalkeeper, Nick Pope, to distribute the ball effectively from the back. I suggest Arsenal pressuring Pope to force him into long balls, which can be easily intercepted by their centre-backs, Gabriel and William Saliba.
| Goalkeeper Distribution | Players | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Pope (GK) | Distribute ball long, under pressure | |
| Gabriel (CB) | Win aerial battles, intercept long balls | |
| Saliba (CB) | Win aerial battles, intercept long balls |
By employing these strategies, Arsenal can effectively counter Newcastle’s high-intensity press and secure a home advantage in the match.
How to Leverage Home Advantage and Secure a Crucial Win for the Gunners

As the Gunners prepare to face Newcastle United at home, securing a crucial win is paramount. With the Magpies’ resurgence in form, I recommend identifying key areas where we can leverage home advantage to secure a vital three points.
The statistics are in our favour. In our last five home matches, we’ve averaged 2.6 goals per game, with a success rate of 60% in converting shots into goals. Conversely, Newcastle’s away form has been less impressive, with 1.8 goals conceded per game and a 40% conversion rate.
| Home Games (last 5) | Avg. Goals Scored | Avg. Goals Conceded | Conversion Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arsenal | 2.6 | 0.8 | 60% |
| Newcastle (away) | 1.2 | 1.8 | 40% |
Our home record is further bolstered by the fact that we’ve won 7 of our last 10 matches at the Emirates Stadium. This trend suggests that our players are well-acclimatised to the surroundings and are more likely to perform to their potential.
- Utilise the high press: We’ve been effective in using high pressure to win the ball back in the opposition’s half.
- Target Newcastle’s left flank: Our winger has been in top form, and targeting that area could lead to opportunities for us.
- Manage the game: With a strong home crowd, we can dictate the pace of the game and conserve energy for key moments.
With these factors in mind, I believe that securing a crucial win against Newcastle is within our grasp. By capitalising on our home advantage and executing our strategy effectively, we can take a significant step towards securing a vital three points.
Why Bukayo Saka's Return to the Starting Lineup is a Game-Changer for Arsenal

Bukayo Saka’s Return to the Starting Lineup is a Game-Changer for Arsenal
The English winger’s return to the starting lineup has breathed fresh air into Mikel Arteta’s team, providing a much-needed boost to the Gunners’ attacking prowess. With Saka back in action, Arsenal’s attack has regained its potency, and I believe their chances of securing a crucial win against Newcastle United have significantly improved.
Saka’s Contribution
- 5 Premier League goals scored by Saka this season
- 7 assists provided by the winger in the same period
- A strike rate of 0.67 goals per game, with an average of 0.78 key passes per match
Saka’s impressive statistics are a testament to his influence on the team. His ability to create scoring opportunities, combined with his deadly finishing, has been a crucial factor in Arsenal’s recent resurgence.
Newcastle’s Resurgent Form
- 4 consecutive Premier League wins for Newcastle United
- 11 goals scored in their last 3 matches
- 7 points separated the Magpies from 4th place in the league table before the weekend’s fixtures
Newcastle’s remarkable turnaround has made them a formidable opponent for Arsenal. However, with Saka back in the starting lineup, I recommend the Gunners to capitalize on the Toon’s weakened defense, which has conceded 7 goals in their last 3 matches.
Predicted Lineup
- Aaron Ramsdale (GK)
- Takehiro Tomiyasu (RB)
- Gabriel Magalhaes (CB)
- William Saliba (CB)
- Kieran Tierney (LB)
- Granit Xhaka (DM)
- Bukayo Saka (RM)
- Martin Odegaard (AM)
- Gabriel Martinelli (LM)
- Eddie Nketiah (ST)
I believe this lineup will give Arsenal the best chance of securing a win against Newcastle United. With Saka’s pace, power, and skill on the wing, the Gunners will be able to exploit the Toon’s vulnerabilities and emerge victorious at the Emirates Stadium.
As the Emirates Stadium prepares to host the highly anticipated clash between Arsenal and Newcastle United, the Gunners will be eager to capitalise on their home advantage. Arsenal’s recent resurgence has been overshadowed by Newcastle’s impressive form, but a victory on their own turf could be just what they need to reignite their title ambitions. With a strong defensive record at home, Arsenal will look to exploit the visitors’ vulnerabilities and secure a crucial three points. To tip the scales in their favour, the Gunners must maintain their intensity and discipline throughout the 90 minutes, nullifying Newcastle’s attacking threats. As the stage is set for an electrifying encounter, one thing is clear: only time will tell if Arsenal’s home advantage will be enough to secure a much-needed victory.


