Pre-Match Press Conference: Eddie Howe, Arsenal vs. Newcastle
When the ball rolls at the Emirates on Saturday evening, Newcastle United will travel to the capital to play Arsenal FC in their 26th Premier League game of the season.
It’s true that Newcastle has improved its results recently under Eddie Howe, but the Magpies have only won two of their last five games, drawing two, and losing one. Those victories and draws include victories over teams like Luton and Nott Forest, respectively, which is hardly anything to be particularly proud of.
Matt Ritchie’s injury-time goal against Bournemouth at St James’ Park last weekend gave Newcastle United FC a narrow victory, and that should tell you everything you need to know about the situation on Tyneside.
The objective hasn’t changed, though, with Newcastle hoping to end the season in a respectable top-seven, ideally top-six, or fantastically top-four position in order to qualify for at least the lowest level of Continental competitions the following season, as they did earlier in the campaign to mark a 20-year-long return to the Champions League.
The Magpies are eighth in the league going into this weekend. The boys trail Manchester United in sixth place by a significant seven points, and they need to gain 10 and 12 points respectively to catch up to Tottenham in fifth place and Aston Villa in fourth place if they hope to secure a spot in the Europa League or Champions League. They are currently one point behind Brighton in seventh place. Never say never, but this isn’t going to happen.
Despite having played one more game than both City and the Gunners, Arsenal is in third place, five points behind league leaders Liverpool and just one point behind Man City in second. Nevertheless, Mikel Arteta’s team recently suffered an injury-time Champions League defeat to Porto, which may have lower morale somewhat and affected how they played in the Premier League this coming weekend.
Callum Wilson won’t be available for Howe, and it’s unclear how many, if any, minutes Alexander Isak will play on Saturday after recovering from an injury. Whether he plays in the middle of the forward line or at his natural left wing position, Anthony Gordon should play a major role once again. Joe Willock is also getting close to returning to the field, which will strengthen an extremely thin midfield.
It has been nice to see them back on the grass as they have trained this week.
Joe hasn’t played with us in a while, but he is still very important. He is a highly regarded member of the team, so it has been wonderful to have him back among the group. I’m so happy for him this week.
Once more, Alex is a very significant player. Because of his excellent training, we are pleased with both players.
A thorough review of David Beckham’s last-second free kick against Greece is warranted.
“We have one more training session left, so we’ll have to wait and see, but we’re happy with their progress.”
On Arsenal under Arteta…
“To gain anything from the game, we will have to perform at a level that is comparable to our best. In recent seasons, we’ve played some really close games against Arsenal that have been really good.
We put on a really valiant show at the Emirates last season. We will need to step up our defense from where it has been in recent weeks. That presents our challenge.
Arsenal is one of the best teams in the league statistically, and their position in the standings is justified. They have been incredibly good this season in every facet of the game. For us, it will present a challenge.
We have a lot to be motivated by because we are desperate to try and catch up to the teams above us. Hopefully, the self-assurance is growing again.
“We face a formidable opponent in Arsenal. We will stop at nothing to achieve our goal of victory.
Regarding defender Kieran Trippier, who leads the Premier League in assists right now…
“That’s an incredible stat for a fullback. Before a goal is scored, he is the type of player who will make a lot of inventive passes.
“He has been a key component of our operation; his unseen leadership abilities are unparalleled.”
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