Arsenal welcome Newcastle United at home in the Premier League on Sunday and this will be a really crucial game for Mikel Arteta and his men.
While the style of play has improved at Arsenal under the guidance of Mikel Arteta, but the North London club have managed to draw their previous four outings in the league meaning they have a significant amount of ground to make up if they wish to get back into the Champions League next season.
While many people believe that Newcastle United have what it takes to pick up a point at the Emirates but according to Charlie Nicholas, the Gunners should see this one through by finally picking up a win.
He wrote for Sky Sports: “It has been an intriguing break for Arsenal. For the first time, Mikel Arteta can go and properly work with the players for an extended period of time.
“He is still trying to get his point across but Arsenal are more together and more understanding of what is expected of them, in terms of the commitment and togetherness.
“It is not bang on though. They are becoming a side that is hard to beat but Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang still do not have the balance right in terms of scoring goals.
“People will question about whether Aubameyang likes playing on left. Lacazette also has no confidence at the moment, but let’s hope it is more positive after the break.
“The unity and organisation at the back is still key, while we will have fresh players once more.
“Meanwhile, Newcastle have been very good away from home under Steve Bruce. He will go to frustrate Arsenal and will look to counter-attack with Miguel Almiron, Allan Saint-Maximin and Joelinton, who has improved a lot.
“It will be a tough afternoon, but Arsenal seem to have some drive back. The negative could be waiting around for Aubameyang and Lacazette to kick back into form.
“Gabriel Martinelli has been in great form, but we need to start seeing more from Nicolas Pepe. The Gunners are not good enough to make the top four, but they must have a go at it.
“For that reason, they will be firing and up for this game in order to come away with the three points.”
OUR VERDICT – Arsenal vs NUFC
The winter break was much needed for Arsenal in order to help them introspect their performances on the pitch and why they have failed to kill off teams despite dominating matches.
Also, Newcastle United have a long list of injuries which should cause their manager some serious selection headaches and this could the perfect opportunity for the Gunners to pick up a win and move up the table.
