Ever since the 2021 takeover, our games against Arsenal have been some of the most notable, enthralling, and controversial games of both ours and the Gunners’ respective seasons.

From us denying them Champions League football with a 2-0 win back in 2022, to Anthony Gordon’s controversial winner back in November 2023, and the Carabao Cup semi-final last season, it’s a game that promises drama.

Today’s clash should be no different. Arsenal will be desperate to capitalise on Liverpool’s first loss of the season yesterday, whilst we need a statement win to truly kickstart our season.

And Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is ready for the task ahead of him, but he has admitted that things won’t be easy for he and his men when they come to St James’ Park, despite some recent big changes on the pitch…

Arteta ready for Eddie Howe test 

Speaking to the media ahead of Sunday afternoon’s game, Arteta detailed on how he expects a quick, physical contest as he prepares to take on Eddie Howe’s Newcastle once again.

“It’s a lot of games that you have to dominate when you play against them, now we have to be ready because they continue so rapidly, so quickly, it’s a really intense match.

“We will prepare for that, we know that as well, but increasing especially our efficiency and two very specific key things I think it gives us the best chance to win the game.”

Arsenal certainly haven’t been shy in front of goal so far this season, with ten goals scored in the Premier League alone compared to just two conceded.

However, a big reason that they endured three defeats against us last season was their lack of efficiency and finishing in the final third.

Arteta on Isak-less Newcastle

Alexander Isak was a big difference maker when we met the Gunners across both the Premier League and Carabao Cup last season.

The Swede headed home the only goal of the game at St James’ Park in the league, and was also on the scoresheet at the Emirates in the 4-0 aggregate win in the cup semi-final.

He’ll be a big miss on Sunday, something Arteta seems to have recognised. Though we’ve positively adapted our approach since his departure, particularly in our recent game against Barcelona.

“No, because he wasn’t playing against Barcelona and what it could have been in the first 30 or 40 minutes could be very different to the result.

“At the end, we know, I always praise the work that Eddie and the coaching staff have done there and the way they have managed to create such an atmosphere, especially at home as well and a very clear identity of playing football and they make it really difficult.

“We know the test, we know that we’re going to have to be much more efficient than we’ve been lately when we played up there to win the game and we’re going to work on that in the next two days.”

Arteta on “electric” St James’ Park

Mikel Arteta and his Arsenal side boast a fantastic recent record against the rest of the ‘Big Six’, with only Liverpool seeing to have their number as of late.

Coming up to St James’ Park and trying to get a result is a different story however, and the influential home atmosphere is a factor that the Spaniard will acknowledge on Sunday.

Providing big praise for our home support, Arteta commented “Incredibly beautiful; I think it’s one of the best football atmospheres in this country.

“As a player, as a fan, as a coach, you want to live in this atmosphere, they play every single ball with you.

“It’s electric, there is so much support there and it’s one team, one city, I think that makes it different as well, and to play it’s such a challenge and opportunity as well so it’s a great game to play.”

Arteta’s takeaways from Newcastle vs Barcelona 

We were incredibly unlucky not to secure at least a point against Barcelona in our opening Champions League game earlier this month, but we’ve received plenty of plaudits with our performance.

Often rising to the big occasion, we’ll be heading into Sunday’s game wanting to cause a big upset, and Arteta will be keen to follow the example set by Hansi Flick’s side to try and keep us at bay despite the raucous crowd and intense style of play we employ.

“There are two ways to look at that game (against Barcelona) with a tactical view, it’s on mute or put the volume up and I decided to put the volume up just to understand.

“In every decision there is an emotional contribution and certainly when you have to play your game and the way you want to play there, you have to be able to do it in that atmosphere and I think that’s beautiful.”