Premier League: Arsenal Gunning for Revenge Against Toon

Arsenal vs Newcastle United

After scoring 11 times in their past two Premier League games, Arsenal have got the bit between their teeth again and look set to mount a sustained title charge.

Standing in their way this weekend is an old adversary – one which ruined their chances of reaching the Champions League two seasons ago and then inflicted further damage on them earlier this term.

Newcastle United may be, realistically, out of the running to seal a top four spot this term, but they are certainly capable of Premier League 2024 highlights and have shown genuine signs of improvement over the past month.

Talking Points

On saying that, they were indebted to a late equaliser from Matt Ritchie to rescue a point at home to Bournemouth last weekend, so consistency is certainly lacking for Eddie Howe’s men.

Part of their topsy-turvy form during the current campaign has undoubtedly been injuries, although they may receive a boost this weekend with striker Alexander Isak hoping to return and Joe Willock also in contention to face his former club.

Fabian Schar has a wrist injury and is due to be assessed.

Arsenal will have been disappointed after a last gasp defeat to FC Porto in midweek, yet I get the feeling that the domestic title is their priority.

They will hope midfielder Thomas Partey will be involved in the squad after returning to training but missing the midweek trip to Portugal.

One man they have been without in recent weeks is striker Gabriel Jesus who will be assessed ahead of kick-off.

His former Manchester City teammate, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Takehiro Tomiyasu are unlikely to be fit, however.

Certainly, all four players are close to returning over the next few weeks which could be at a crucial time.

History

What a rich history these two clubs have, dating back to their first ever meeting in 1893. Traditionally, Arsenal have the edge with 84 wins to the Toons’ 69 and a further 39 draws.

However, in recent years, it has been one-sided as Arsenal have actually won 19 of their last 23 meetings.

Last season, this fixture ended goalless before Arsenal won on Tyneside in late season, courtesy of goals from Martin Odegaard and an own goal.

They lost out 1-0 in the North East earlier this season in what was highly controversial fashion to put it mildly.

On that occasion, Anthony Gordon’s controversial second-half winner gave the hosts victory in a feisty encounter, but only after the video assistant referee had checked whether the ball had gone out of play for a possible foul and finally, for offside before Newcastle were finally allowed to celebrate.

Referee Stuart Attwell awarded the goal – and then the VAR checks began. Just over four minutes of them.

First, there was a check to see if former Gunner Joe Willock had kept the ball in play. In a check that lasted 33 seconds, the VAR decided there was no conclusive evidence the ball was out of play.

There was then a check to see if Joelinton had fouled his fellow Brazilian Gabriel to reach the ball first. This one lasted 50 seconds and it was deemed there was not sufficient contact to award a foul – highly dubious.

And then the final question. Was Gordon offside when Joelinton played the ball? Exactly 90 seconds later the decision was made, there was no conclusive evidence of offside. They could not find an available camera angle for the VAR to draw the line.

So, the goal stood.

That was only the second time Newcastle have scored in their past 10 meetings with Arsenal.

An Andy Carroll goal in 2010 was the last time Newcastle won at the Emirates.

Betting Tip

Newcastle have had the advantage of a free week but that doesn’t deter the SBOTOP Premier League 2024 betting odds in backing the Gunners.

While Arsenal can be tipped 1X2 @ 1.35 and Asian Handicap -1.75 @ 2.29, the Geordies are adrift of that 1X2 @ 6.60 and Asian Handicap +1.25 @ 2.09.

This contest was goalless last season, a match that frustrated home boss Mikel Arteta, and a repeat will give you odds of @ 21.00 with the 1X2 Draw on offer @ 4.77.

If you fancy a fair few goals, then it’s worth considering Over 3.50 @ 2.21, Total Goals 0-1 @ 4.98, 2-3 @ 2.12, and 4-6 @ 2.36.

I do think this will be as tight, and possibly no less controversial, than their meeting earlier in the campaign.

On saying all of that, I think Arsenal will edge home this time with the points against opponents who have not kept a clean sheet in the league in 2024.

 

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