‘Is a must win match’: Arteta sent Arsenal warning ahead of Newcastle clash with Man City admission
Mikel Arteta has been told by Graeme Souness that Arsenal are set for a “real title test” this weekend when they face Newcastle United in Premier League action. The Gunners got back to winning ways on Tuesday evening against Chelsea and another victory is vital to ensuring the Premier League title race with Manchester City remains alive.
Last season Arsenal struggled to cope with the atmosphere at St James Park which saw then lose 2-0, but Arteta is expecting this campaign’s clash to not be very similar to the last time his team visited Tyneside.
“It’s a very different game,” Arteta said in his pre-match press conference. “Different players, different game. We’re gonna have to play better than last year that’s for sure because we know at home they’ve been really good.
“I don’t think there’s too much to motivate from there. There’s a lot of things that we have to do better than that day. The group of players and the way they’re playing there is different.”
Arteta is certainly correct in his statement about the difference from last season as both teams are at a vastly advanced stage in their projects when compared to last year. Around this time in 2022, the Gunners were eyeing a top-four finish but are now in the hunt for the title, while Newcastle were facing relegation whereas they are now pushing for a Champions League spot.
The Magpies home form has been a massive deciding factor in their success this season and using that fact, Souness has sent a major warning to Arsenal and Arteta.
“Other than Manchester City, the one place you don’t want to go needing a result right now is Newcastle,” Souness wrote in his Daily Mail column.
“Arsenal will find that out on Sunday and this a real test of their ability to stay in the title race. Their last away game, at City, they were beaten up. They were lucky not to concede seven.
“They were better in midweek at home to Chelsea, but the visitors were woeful. Newcastle will be the opposite of that. I hear their fans are planning another display with their flags and scarves. It looks like a special place to be playing your football.
“I have managed there. On the occasions we got it going, St James’ Park really is unique. For me, it is right up there with Anfield.’
