Arteta’s Big Test: Can He Break Free from Boring Defensive Mindset?
Crucial match Arteta and his boys, fans hope he will learn from his mistakes from the last match. Being a title contender going into a match with such a defensive mindset hasn’t provided his team with good results.
The last match was almost a blunder from Arteta; if only Martinelli had not scored that lucky goal. Teams like City and Liverpool are bound to keep possession and dominate midfield; a defensive approach will only lead to points lost.
Arteta should give Eze and Saka time from the very first minute. A strong attacking approach and a dominant win only make a statement big enough to overcome the last match’s failure.
New Castle United is in search of that winning rhythm. They will try for a cheeky win or draw. With crucial attackers like Isak and Wilson gone, Newcastle are very vulnerable offensively compared to their form last season.
Match Details:
Fixture: Newcastle United vs Arsenal
Date: 28.09.2025
Kick Off: 21:00 IST
Venue: St. James’ Park, Newcastle upon Tyne
Referee: Jarred Gillett
| Key Stats | Newcastle United | Arsenal |
| Head-to-head | 10 wins | 36 wins |
| Draws | 11 | 11 |
| Last 5 Matches | W, L, L, W, W | L, W, W, L, L |
| Aggregate(5) | 6 goals | 9 goals |
| Top Scorer(5) | Isak -2 | Nketiah – 2 |
| Other Scorers | Gordon-1 | Saka-1, Odegaard-1 |
| Notable Streak | Newcastle beat Arsenal 2-0 in the League Cup semi-final to go through 4-0 on aggregate. | Arsenal have a dominant record vs Newcastle overall in league and cup. |
Key Players to Watch out For:
- Viktor Gyökeres(Arsenal)- 3 goals in 6 matches, a strong, physical no 9, a goal machine, and the Gerd Müller Trophy winner. He makes crucial runs and is clinical in the box. He can be the Grim Reaper of Newcastle fans.
- Anthony Gordon (Newcastle) – Got an exceptionally dynamic pace and direct dribbling, a threat on the left wing. Very creative when he drifts towards the center. His ability to attract fouls in crucial positions is a very underrated skill of his.
- Bukayo Saka (Arsenal) – fast, pacy, and a fantastic dribbler on the wing.Dictates the attack, and if not marked or pressed, a long-range goal/assist is inevitable. Brings the main attacking flair to the team and is the most creative player for the Gunners.
- Bruno Guimarães(Newcastle)- Most consistent midfielder of Newcastle. The engine of the midfield carries the ball in the attacking transition and also has a huge role in defensive output. The team heavily relies on his ball distribution.
Tactical Battle:
It will be interesting to see what approach Arteta enters the game. He will try to impose Arsenal’s positional and controlling play through midfield. This will aim to suffocate Newcastle’s transitions and win every second ball.
If Arteta again adopts a defensive and pragmatic approach against Newcastle, then that will be counted as one of the Human Being’s 8th deadly sins.
Players like Rice and Saka will control the tempo of the game, with Saka dictating attacking transitions on the counter. Marking these players should be the top priority for Newcastle.
Eddie Howe thrives on a high-intensity, compact counter-punching style of play. Newcastle’s pressing has been one of the most dominating and intimidating presses, but this season, it looked quite weak. Individual brilliance, like Gordon’s running through channels and Guimaraes’ vertical passing, will control and act as a catalyst for quick transitions.
As we know, Arsenal heavily relies on set pieces; therefore, Newcastle will try to prevent as many fouls as possible in critical areas.
At the end of the day, the midfield is what wins you games. Who controls the midfield for the most number of minutes and is clinical at the same time will be the winner. Anyway, Arsenal should win as Title Contenders.
Predicted Lineups:
Newcastle United
- Gordon
- Woltemade
- Murphy
- Joelinton
- Tonali
- Guimares
- Hall
- Burn
- Botman
- Livramento
- Pope
Manager: Eddie Howe
Arsenal
- Gyokeres
- Eze
- Saka
- Rice
- Zubimendi
- Merino
- Calafiori
- Gabriel
- Saliba
- Timber
- Raya
Manager: Mikel Arteta
Fan Expectations:
Lots of people not that sure about the Arsenal fixture this week – and St James Park is always tough – but Newcastle have only managed 3 goals this season.
0 V Villa (10 men)
2 V Liverpool
0 V Leeds
1 V Wolves
0 V BournemouthGood chance of an Arsenal clean sheet I think.
— CharlieVantFPL (@CharlieVantFPL) September 23, 2025
Newcastle grind out a draw against Bournemouth, but when it comes to facing Arsenal, suddenly it’s like they’re playing a Champions League final
Bro, watch how their midfield will press like mad, every tackle will feel like life or death, and Nick Pope will turn into prime Buffon https://t.co/hKGUK4402j— NELLY GOONER 🇪🇦 (@Nelly1Kremlin) September 21, 2025
Key Injuries:
Newcastle United
| Player | Injury | Possible Return Date |
| Schar | Head Injury | Late October |
| Ramsey | Ankle Injury | Mid October |
| Wissa | Knee Injury | Mid October |
Arsenal
| Player | Injury | Possible Return Date |
| Jesus | Cruciate Ligament Injury | Early October |
| Havertz | Knee Injury | Mid October |
| Odegaard | Shoulder Injury | Mid October |
| Madueke | Knee Injury | Late November |
| Hincapie | Physical Discomfort | Mid October |
