How Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyökeres Can Conquer Arsenal’s St. James’ Park Curse Against Newcastle

ARSENAL is gearing up to count on their summer acquisitions Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyokeres to address their challenges against Newcastle.

The Gunners are heading to St James’ Park this Sunday, aiming to recover their form in the Premier League.

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In their previous match, Mikel Arteta’s side managed to earn a draw late in the game against Manchester City, resulting in a 1-1 tie at the Emirates.

Nonetheless, with title contenders Liverpool securing victories, Arsenal must strive to keep up.

Taking on Newcastle is a formidable challenge, given that the Gunners have lost their last three trips to the North East.

Their last victory over the Magpies at their home ground was in 2023, when they won 2-0.

Since that match, Newcastle has dominated, with every game at St James’ Park concluding in a home victory.

Last season, Newcastle bested Arsenal TWICE at home, winning in both the Premier League and the Carabao Cup semi-finals.

How Can Arsenal Overcome Arteta’s Newcastle Challenge?

Arsenal’s clash with Newcastle on Super Sunday is crucial for Mikel Arteta, who is determined to secure a win.

If Liverpool triumphs against Crystal Palace on Saturday, the Gunners will find themselves facing an eight-point deficit behind the league leaders entering this encounter.

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Eddie Howe seems to have Arteta’s game plan figured out. What alternative tactics might Arsenal consider this time around?

The sting from last season’s Carabao Cup defeat to Newcastle still lingers for Arsenal.

Ben White has a confrontation with a Port Vale groundsman after he interrupts Arsenal’s warm-up with humorous antics

In their last three games at St James’ Park, Arsenal has failed to score a goal.

Finding the back of the net is essential for the Gunners.

Declan Rice is expected to play a pivotal role, while Eberechi Eze may take a position on the left flank rather than in the central position.

If Newcastle opts for a high press, Viktor Gyokeres can utilize his pace to exploit the space behind their defense.

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This highlights a critical area for Newcastle; should they push forward, and if Arsenal can navigate their press, a well-placed ball could enable Eze to capitalize on the available space effectively.

To combat Newcastle’s robust midfield, which exhibits both tenacity and skill, Arsenal must adopt a more flexible triangular formation.

This could involve Rice collaborating with Martin Zubimendi in a double pivot, while Mikel Merino provides an outlet between the lines.

Should possession be lost, Merino may join Zubimendi and Rice to bolster defenses against Newcastle’s advances.

Nonetheless, miscalculation in this strategy might leave Arsenal vulnerable to counter-attacks from Newcastle, increasing their risk.

Success hinges on forming a fluid triangle in midfield, with one or two players at the base for effective play buildup.

What Challenges Does Viktor Gyokeres Face?

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Concerns have arisen about the physicality of his game, even with his notable presence in Portugal.

However, this is the Premier League.

Even if he scores against teams like Leeds and Burnley, Arsenal faced difficulties last season against such sides, often missing crucial results.

If Gyokeres accumulates 20 goals, all against lower-table teams, and Arsenal secures victories in those matches, his contribution will be invaluable.

Arsenal is still refining their playing style, and Gyokeres could flourish through more direct methods.

Building rapport is essential; they previously had a clear connection with Kai Havertz, and now it’s imperative to foster it with the Swede.

The positive chemistry was apparent during the draw with Manchester City, where Eberechi Eze and Gyokeres linked well.

This partnership might prove vital for Arsenal’s ambitions this season.

Will Arteta Take Risks in Key Matches?

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Mikel Arteta has emphasized that Arsenal is ready to adopt an aggressive approach.

They are prepared to play with intensity, although not in the same manner as the dynamic attacking football of Ange Postecoglou.

This has been a long-standing critique of Arteta—being overly cautious, especially during transitional moments.