Preview: Arsenal can go four points clear of Everton with a victory on Monday night
It was not that long ago that Arsenal was looking up at Everton in the league standings, but all that has quickly changed. The Gunners are now one point ahead of the Toffees, and a victory over Newcastle on Monday night would put them four points clear.
Injuries may have led to Arsenal’s dip in form, but at the moment, they need to put all of that behind them.
Monday’s meeting with Newcastle presents them with an opportunity to distance themselves from Everton. And it will also allow them to be more comfortable, heading into the final stretch of the season.
The return of Aaron Ramsey and Mesut Ozil look to have brought much more creativity going forward. Against Hull City, Arsenal’s offensive movement looked very much like that of the team that led the Premier League for nearly two months. They attacked with a purpose and had pace going forward, which was very difficult to stop.
Taking on Newcastle at the Emirates will give the Gunners another opportunity to showcase their offensive power.
With a victory in their last four meetings against Newcastle, Alan Pardew’s side will face a tough challenge. The Gunners have outscored Newcastle 11-4 in those four matches, and given the Magpies current form, things do not look promising for the visitors.
Newcastle has lost nine of their last Premier League matches, but they still remain in the top half of the table. They have scored just one goal in their last five defeats, while they have conceded 14.
Since the sale of French international Yohan Cabaye, Newcastle has struggled to adapt to his absence. Things have just been getting worst, with Alan Pardew’s sideline antics resulting in a suspension as well.
They seem to have checked out mentally a while ago, and bad enough they lost their key player, but trying to motivate a squad that has nothing else to play for is not easy. Not to mention Pardew may have lost some respect from his squad after the incident against Hull City.
Arsene Wenger will want to take advantage of Newcastle’s current situation, as he looks to solidify his place in the top four.
The Frenchman has reportedly announced in an interview with beIN Sports that he will stay at Arsenal. Booking a place in next season’s Champions League is fundamental for the Gunners, while they will also have a chance to break their negative streak of titles at Wembley against Hull City.
The visitors are struggling at the moment, and Monday does not look like the greatest opportunity to bounce back. A convincing performance against Hull City, coupled with an Everton defeat at the weekend should have the Arsenal players up for this fixture.
Where to watch this match - live stream, start time, TV channels, live scores
Watch Arsenal vs Newcastle live on Monday, April 28, 2014:
In Canada at 15:00 ET on: Sportsnet World, TalkSport Radio
In the UK at 20:00 ET on: Sky Sports 1/HD, BBC Radio 5 Live, TalkSport Radio, Sky Go, Sky Go Extra, Arsenal Player
In the USA at 15:00 ET on: SiriusXM FC, NBCSN, NBC Sports Live Extra, TalkSport Radio
For those fans who are outside these viewing areas, please visit the Arsenal vs Newcastle match page for full TV listings of this English Premier League match.
