“Am having this strange feeling”- Chris Sutton predicts what the score will be between Newcastle United and Arsenal
St James’ Park Prepares for a Grudge Match as Arsenal Visits Newcastle United
St James’ Park is gearing up to host an electrifying encounter this Saturday, as Arsenal makes the trip north to face off against Newcastle United in what promises to be a highly charged “grudge match.” This fixture has become notorious, especially after the heated clash last season, where Newcastle secured a narrow 1-0 victory over the Gunners, courtesy of a contentious goal by Anthony Gordon.
Gordon’s decisive strike was subjected to a lengthy VAR review, during which officials scrutinized three potential reasons for disallowing the goal. Ultimately, it was validated, leaving Arsenal with a bitter taste and prompting complaints about the decision. Now, as the Gunners prepare to return to St James’ Park, they face a Newcastle side that has recently regained a semblance of confidence following their midweek success.
In a much-needed boost, Newcastle triumphed 2-0 against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, displaying flashes of their former brilliance. This victory could serve as a positive omen for the Magpies as they set their sights on another challenging encounter against Arsenal, a team that currently stands as a serious contender for the Premier League title.
Chris Sutton’s Insights on the Upcoming Match
Despite Newcastle’s struggles in the Premier League, where they are currently on a disappointing streak of five games without a win, former footballer Chris Sutton believes the concerns surrounding the club’s form have been overstated. Writing in his weekly column for BBC Sport, Sutton expressed optimism for Eddie Howe’s side, suggesting they could earn a result against Arsenal.
“This match carries significant weight due to the events that transpired last season when Arsenal left St James’ Park empty-handed after the controversial goal from Anthony Gordon,” Sutton noted. “Although Newcastle is in a winless run, they have been somewhat unfortunate; they’re creating ample scoring opportunities but simply failing to convert.”
Sutton also raised concerns about Arsenal’s performance in the attacking third, highlighting their propensity to miss chances. “The Gunners desperately need a victory to stay close to league leaders Manchester City. However, my gut feeling tells me that Newcastle might just find a way to salvage a point from this encounter, and I foresee a draw being the most likely outcome.”
Newcastle Ready to Challenge Arsenal
While many Newcastle supporters might be satisfied with securing a point, Eddie Howe’s perspective is markedly different. The Newcastle manager is preparing his team to aggressively confront Arsenal, confident in their ability to compete with any opponent, particularly in the familiar confines of St James’ Park.
In their recent match against a weakened Chelsea side, Newcastle exhibited a more aggressive and high-pressing approach, generating several opportunities that could have seen them score more than the two goals they ultimately managed. With that performance under their belts, the Magpies should enter the clash against Arsenal with renewed belief.
Match Officials and Controversies
The Premier League has announced that John Brooks will officiate the match between Newcastle United and Arsenal, with Simon Bennett and Dan Robathan serving as his assistants. Darren Bond will take on the role of fourth official, while Jarred Gillett is assigned as the VAR official, accompanied by assistant Darren Cann.
Interestingly, Arsenal has expressed discontent regarding Gillett’s appointment as VAR for this fixture, as he has previously officiated three of their matches this season, including the controversial defeat to Bournemouth that resulted in a red card for William Saliba. Newcastle’s last encounter with Gillett came on September 28, when he oversaw their 1-1 draw against Manchester City.
As the anticipation builds for Saturday’s encounter, both teams are aware of the stakes involved. Arsenal seeks to maintain their title challenge, while Newcastle aims to harness their home advantage to secure vital points. This grudge match at St James’ Park is shaping up to be a thrilling encounter, and fans can expect a fiercely contested battle on the pitch.