In their previous game, the Gunners beat Preston 3-0 in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup. Last time out in the Premier League, Mikel Arteta's side drew 2-2 with title rivals Liverpool, with Bukayo Saka and Mikel Merino getting on the scoresheet before Mohamed Salah equalised late on.
Arsenal's Title Hopes Hinging on This Game
Arsenal are winless in their last two Premier League games having lost to Bournemouth and drawn with Liverpool before their cup win on Wednesday. This is the first time the Gunners have failed to win in two consecutive league games since December 2023.
It's possible that another game without a win could see Arteta's side lose significant ground in the title race, as they remain in third and five points off leaders Manchester City. As a result, it is crucial for the Gunners to win on Saturday.
Arsenal can ill-afford to create too big of a buffer between themselves and the perennial champions.
Saka's Strong Form
Bukayo Saka was Arsenal’s top scorer in the Premier League last season as he netted 16 goals in 35 appearances. He has been Arsenal's primary playmaker this season, having already accumulated seven assists. However, the goals have started to come in recent league outings, and he appears to be a strong value bet to score in this match.
Saka has found the net in his last three games for Arsenal. He got the better of Andy Robertson in an incisive breakaway against Liverpool and is likely very confident for this game.
The Arsenal attacker ranks in the 87th percentile for non-penalty goals when compared with all attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues. Saka also scored in his last appearance against Newcastle.
Tight Defensive Records
Arsenal boasts a stern defence under Mikel Arteta. They have plenty of physically capable players in their ranks and it makes them difficult to break down.
Since the start of last season, the Gunners have conceded the fewest shots in the Premier League, with an average of 0.83 per game. Under 2.5 goals have landed in two of their three away matches so far this season, and it should be another cautious and defensive game against a capable Newcastle side.
Newcastle’s Premier League matches so far this season have seen an average of just 2.11 goals per game. There have been two goals or less in three of their four home matches.
Under 2.5 goals have landed in the last five meetings between these sides at St. James’s Park.
