Rafa Benitez has promised that his Newcastle side will “take more risks” in attack against Arsenal in two weeks time – with some frustrated fans critical of our ‘negative’ approach in our last few fixtures.
After backs to the wall performances against Chelsea and Manchester City in our last two home games, it’s good to hear we may have more of a positive and attacking approach against fellow top 6 side Arsenal next weekend.
Both games against Chelsea and City saw us adopt a 5-4-1 formation and even though it saw us keep in the game, resulting in narrow defeats on both occasions, several pundits (and some fans) have not been impressed with our attitude.
On the plus side, it sounds like Rafa is ready to adopt a more attacking approach when Unai Emery’s Arsenal come to town next weekend – and it’s no surprise given how fragile they looked defensively in their 3-2 win over Cardiff on Sunday:
“I like to win and approach every game thinking you can win,”
“I think we have more or less seen what we have: it is a team that is united, a team that is working hard in defence, and that will also try to go and attack.
“Obviously, Arsenal will still be tough because they are another top side, but maybe we will have a few more chances.
“That can be good, although sometimes it can also be bad because you have to take more risks, but we have to do it.
“After, we will see against the other teams. I cannot say we are better than anyone, but if we work like we did [at Man City], we cannot be worse than anyone either. We can beat and compete against anyone.”
With the last home game against Chelsea a tough watch (we had just 18% possession), with us often camped in our own half, this will be music to the ears of several NUFC fans hoping to see us gain our first win of the season.
We beat the Gunners at St James’ Park just a few months ago and I don’t see why we can’t repeat that next weekend.
If we get into them from the off, get the balance right between attack and defence and show a little bit more quality in the final third, I fancy us to get a result.
