Gunners’ boss acknowledges his team’s poor record at a ground he calls “one of the best atmospheres in the country,” with his side desperate for a win.
Mikel Arteta has admitted his Arsenal team must conquer one of the most intimidating grounds in football as they travel to face Newcastle United, a venue that has recently been a “house of horrors” for the London club.
The Arsenal manager is openly preparing for an “intense and electric” atmosphere at St James’ Park, where his team has suffered four defeats in their last five visits, failing to even score a goal in their last three trips.
The pressure is already building for the title challengers, who could find themselves a significant eight points behind league leaders Liverpool by the time Sunday’s fixture kicks off. This makes a positive result against Eddie Howe’s men all the more critical.
Despite Newcastle’s own patchy form, with just one win so far this season, Arteta holds a deep respect for the challenge they pose at home.
“It’s one of the best football atmospheres in the country,” Arteta said. “As a player, as a fan, as a coach, you want to experience this. They play every single ball with you, it’s electric.”
He added that to succeed, his team must be ready for a battle. “We know the test, and we know that we’re going to have to be much more efficient than we’ve been lately… You have to dominate when you play against them.”
A key figure from last season’s clashes, Alexander Isak, who scored the winner against Arsenal for Newcastle, has since departed for Liverpool. While the Magpies have struggled to find the net without him, Arteta was quick to dismiss the idea that their threat has diminished, pointing to their dominant chances in a recent Champions League loss to Barcelona.
In team news, Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard could make a welcome return from a shoulder injury, pending a late fitness test. The Gunners will also be boosted by the return of Bukayo Saka, who is set to start after making his first appearance in a month during the week.
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