The Daily Star Ireland
Arsenal’s visit to St James’ Park on September 28 is shaping up to be one of their sternest tests of the season—a fixture that could provide real insight into Mikel Arteta’s title credentials. The Gunners currently sit second in the Premier League and have shown both dominance and fragility in equal measure. Their emphatic 5-0 dismantling of Leeds and calm 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest showcased their attacking quality, yet a narrow 1-0 defeat at Liverpool exposed cracks in dealing with intense pressure.
Injuries have added to Arsenal’s challenges. William Saliba was forced off early at Anfield with an ankle issue, while Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus remain doubts. Arteta faces the tough task of managing his squad between league duty and Champions League fixtures, testing both depth and tactical adaptability.
Newcastle Searching for Consistency
For Newcastle, the season has been a mixed bag under Eddie Howe. The departure of star striker Alexander Isak has left a void that new signings Jacob Ramsey, Yoane Wissa, and Nick Woltemade are still trying to fill. Cohesion has been lacking, and their inability to consistently convert possession into goals is reflected in their mid-table position—13th after three draws in their last five league matches.
A narrow 1-0 victory over Wolves offered a morale boost, but their recent 2-1 loss to Barcelona in the Champions League revealed defensive vulnerabilities. Howe will look to his powerful midfield of Joelinton, Sandro Tonali, and Bruno Guimarães to disrupt Arsenal’s passing game and energize the home crowd.
History and Key Matchups
St James’ Park has not been a happy hunting ground for Arsenal in recent years. The Gunners have lost four of their last five visits, making this trip a psychological as well as tactical challenge. However, there are signs they can turn the tide.
New signing Eberechi Eze, brought in from Crystal Palace, could provide the creative spark Arsenal need. His cameo against Liverpool hinted at the ability to unlock defenses, while Julian Timber may be asked to shoulder more responsibility in attack if Saka does not recover in time. Defensively, Arsenal have been impressive despite injuries—conceding only two goals in their last five league games—a resilience that could prove decisive.
Prediction: Arsenal to Edge a Tight Battle
On paper, Arsenal’s firepower gives them the edge, especially against a Newcastle side that has scored just once in each of their last three matches. Yet the Magpies’ defensive discipline—three consecutive clean sheets domestically—suggests this will be far from straightforward.
A hard-fought contest is expected, with Newcastle buoyed by their home support but still struggling to find cutting edge up front. Arsenal’s ability to grind out results and produce moments of brilliance tips the scales in their favor.
Prediction: Newcastle 1 – 2 Arsenal
