St James’ Park is set to host a ‘grudge match’, as Arsenal head north to face Newcastle United.
Saturday sees the return of one of the Premier League’s most controversial fixtures from last season. Newcastle United beat Arsenal 1-0, with Anthony Gordon scoring the only goal of the game.
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However, his strike endured a lengthy VAR check, with officials looking at three different reasons to disallow the goal. In the end, the goal was given, and Arsenal have bemoaned the decision ever since.
Now it is time for the Gunners to return to St James’ Park, as they prepare to face a Toon side that suddenly has a bit of confidence.
Newcastle beat Chelsea 2-0 in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night, and looked like they were back to their best. That is a good omen for the Magpies ahead of Saturday’s game against Arsenal.
In the Premier League, Newcastle have been struggling. They are on a run of five games without victory.
However, Chris Sutton thinks concerns over Newcastle’s form have been ‘overblown’, and can see Eddie Howe’s side getting something out of Saturday’s game against Premier League title challengers Arsenal.
As part of his weekly column for BBC Sport, Sutton has predicted a draw between Newcastle and Arsenal.
“This is a bit of a grudge match after what happened when Arsenal came to St James’ Park last season and lost to a controversial Anthony Gordon goal,” he said.
“Newcastle are on a run of five league games without a win, but they have been a little unlucky during that spell. They are creating plenty of chances, but just not scoring enough of them.
“I worry about Arsenal in the final third too, though, because they are wasteful as well.
“The Gunners really need a win here to cling on to the tail of leaders Manchester City, but my gut feeling is that Newcastle will get something out of this game, and it has got a draw written all over it.”
Sutton’s prediction: Newcastle 1 Arsenal 1
Chris Sutton, former professional player and pundit looks on prior to the Viaplay Cup Final between Rangers and Celtic at Hampden Park on February …
Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images
Newcastle will be ready to take the game to Arsenal
Right now, a lot of Newcastle United fans will take a point. However, that will not be Eddie Howe‘s view.
He will be ready to take the game to Arsenal, and knows his side is good enough to beat anyone – especially at St James’ Park.
Newcastle were much better against a weakened Chelsea side on Wednesday. They were aggressive and pressed high, while they also created chances. In truth, they could have scored more than two.
Arsenal will pose a tougher test, but Newcastle should be much more confident on the back of that win.
Who will referee Newcastle United vs Arsenal
It has been confirmed by the Premier League that John Brooks will referee Newcastle United vs Arsenal on Saturday. His assistants will be Simon Bennett and Dan Robathan, while Darren Bond is the fourth official.
Jarred Gillett is on VAR duty, with Darren Cann his assistant.
It has been reported by the Daily Mirror that Arsenal are unhappy about the Premier League appointing Gillett as the VAR official for Saturday’s game. He has been involved in three Arsenal games this season, including the defeat to Bournemouth that saw William Saliba receive a red card.
Newcastle last came across Gillett on September 28th when he refereed the Magpies’ 1-1 draw with Manchester City.
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