Their last confrontation dates back to May 16. At the twilight of the 2021-22 financial year, Newcastle won once morest Arsenal at St James’ Park (2-0). An unfortunate setback for the Londoners, finally overtaken by Tottenham in the race for fourth place and therefore still deprived of the Champions League. An anecdotal success for the Toons, who had only consolidated their position in the soft underbelly following having long struggled once morest the specter of relegation. Seven and a half months later, the reunion between the two teams will finally take place. Except that their situation is not at all the same now.
It is indeed firmly installed on the leader’s chair that Mikel Arteta’s men are preparing to receive those of Eddie Howe who, for their part, squat in third place in the standings. It is therefore a shock, a real one, which the spectators who will be present at the Emirates Stadium will attend this Tuesday evening (8:45 p.m.). It will also be perhaps a turning point for these two clubs, which we did not necessarily expect to find in the very first positions at mid-season. But who knew, according to a remarkable (even exceptional) first part of the championship, to settle in the heights of the classification. Without finding anything to complain regarding.
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Les Gunners rejoice.
Credit: Getty Images
Arsenal finally conquering once morest the greats
Let’s be clear: that Arsenal is pointing the tip of its nose in the Top 4 is, in itself, not really surprising. On the other hand, that Arsenal is a dashing first, with fourteen victories in sixteen days and seven points ahead of Manchester City, is certainly. The incorporation of judiciously chosen recruits, combined with the irresistible rise of a flourishing youth, are the two engines allowing the game philosophy advocated by Arteta to finally shine in a sustainable way.
Carried by the stunning performances of Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, the Gunners remain on five victories, their dynamic not having been halted by the long-term injury of Gabriel Jesus. Able to emerge victorious from tricky trips to opponents in the second half of the table, they also manage to dominate big teams like Liverpool (3-2) and Chelsea (0-1), which represents a real change compared to the last years. The upcoming double confrontation once morest City (the first leg has been postponed to February 15, the return will take place at the end of April), used to finishing their seasons in steamroller mode, will be worth their weight in gold in the quest for the title.
Marquinhos, one more rocket in the Gunners’ arsenal
Newcastle, the right to dream
Newcastle had, for its part, opened a new chapter in its history in October 2021, with its acquisition by the Saudi public investment fund. Once saved, the Magpies prepared for the 2022-23 season by building a parsimonious transfer window. Without spending huge sums – with the exception of the 70 million euros spent to recruit Jonathan Isak – but by bringing real added value to key positions (Nick Pope as goalkeeper, Sven Botman in central defense).
The backbone of the team having already been in place for several months, Bruno Guimaraes’ partners had little difficulty in finding their cruising speed, chaining convincing results (a single defeat in 17 days). The formation of the north of England is certainly always within shooting range of leaders such as Manchester United (4th), Tottenham (5th), Liverpool (6th) or Chelsea (8th), so many flashy names which have shone above all by their inconstancy since August. Nevertheless, the Magpies have given themselves the right to dream of qualifying for the next Champions League. And that’s probably the main thing.
Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle United)
Credit: Getty Images
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