Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal squad is set to face Newcastle United at St. James’ Park, marking their first return since a 2-0 defeat in the second leg of last season’s Carabao Cup semi-final. Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United is looking forward to potentially securing their second Premier League victory of the season, fueled by a history of thrilling encounters between the two sides.
Newcastle’s head coach Eddie Howe shared his thoughts during a pre-match media briefing. Reflecting on past games with Arsenal, Howe emphasized the fierce competitive spirit that both teams bring to these contests and underscored the importance of maintaining this edge in Sunday’s game in order to bring out their best performance.
Discussing player updates, Howe highlighted Nick Woltemade, seeing him as a unique number nine. He was impressed with Woltemade’s recent performance against Bradford City, where the player showcased his creative abilities. Anthony Gordon, returning from a three-match league suspension, is also set to boost the team. Howe expressed confidence in Gordon’s ability to rise to challenging occasions, which will be crucial for the upcoming match.
On the injury front, Howe noted that there are no major concerns following their last game, although a few players still need evaluation. Jacob Murphy, despite managing soreness, remains fit and available. Jacob Ramsey’s recovery is on track, with a return anticipated after the international break, possibly even sooner if his progress continues to advance swiftly.
Howe also applauded Will Osula’s performance against the Bantams in midweek, where Osula contributed significantly with two noteworthy goals. The individual work and dedication Osula has demonstrated are paying off, enhancing the team’s overall strength.
As both teams prepare for this anticipated clash, Newcastle hopes to turn their competitive performance into a decisive victory, keeping their sights set on climbing the Premier League standings.