Let’s not sugarcoat it, this is a fixture Arsenal fans dread. St. James’ Park has been a graveyard for us in recent years, with hostile atmospheres, questionable refereeing, and Newcastle’s physical, direct style of play often undoing our plans.
Arsenal are still in the middle of an identity crisis. Without Ødegaard, Arteta has leaned on a midfield of Zubimendi, Rice, and Merino, a trio that has underwhelmed. The lack of balance has been obvious, and against a side as combative as Newcastle, the question is whether Arteta will finally make a bold adjustment or double down again.
The left flank could be the difference. Eberechi Eze simply has to start, even if it means forcing him out wide. He thrives in the half-spaces, not as a traditional winger, which means Riccardo Calafiori must provide width from left-back. That could work, but it may also leave gaps Newcastle can exploit.
Newcastle themselves have been inconsistent with just one win in the league this season, and that came against bottom-placed Wolves. Yet they always seem to rise against Arsenal, with their crowd feeding into the chaos. Eddie Howe has already hinted at wanting his team to “rise to the occasion” again, and we all know they will.
Arteta’s men will need to prove their steel. This is not just about tactics, it’s about mentality, duels, and standing tall in a hostile ground where we’ve stumbled too often.
Kick Off: 16:30 BST
Venue: St. James’ Park
UK Broadcaster: Sky Sports
Referee: Jarred Gillett
VAR: Darren England
Arsenal Team News
Gabriel Jesus: Out (knee surgery)
Kai Havertz: Out (knee injury)
Chukwunonso Madueke: Out (knee injury)
Martin Ødegaard: Back in training, could return to the bench
Piero Hincapié: Out (groin/hip issue)
Form: WDWWL
Newcastle Team News
Jacob Ramsey: Out (ankle injury)
Yoane Wissa: Out (knee injury)
Fabian Schär: Out (head/face injury)
Form: WDLWD
Head-to-Head
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle United (May 2025, Premier League)
Newcastle United 2-0 Arsenal (Feb 2025, EFL Cup)
Arsenal 0-2 Newcastle United (Jan 2025, EFL Cup)
Newcastle United 1-0 Arsenal (Nov 2024, Premier League)
Arsenal 4-1 Newcastle United (Feb 2024, Premier League)
Match Facts
Mikel Arteta’s managerial record vs Newcastle: P14 W8 D1 L5
Jarred Gillett has already officiated three Arsenal games this season.
Darren England, on VAR duty, was involved in a notorious call last April that cost Arsenal two points against Everton.
Arsenal have not won at St. James’ Park since May 2023.
