Premier League: Second Place Up for Grabs in North London

Arsenal vs Newcastle United

As the Premier League season approaches its climax, I look back at the earlier fixture between these clubs, in early November, as a real marker.

It was a contest in which Newcastle United won 1-0 at St. James’ Park, thanks to an early goal from Alexander Isak, and the Gunners arguably never recovered.

Sure, there was still plenty of time remaining in the campaign at that stage, but injuries to key defenders around that time saw them drop points over three successive weekends (admittedly against tough opponents) and they have not been able to bridge the gap at the summit since.

This Sunday, Arsenal meet Newcastle again and, with three defeats against the Tynesiders already this season (two in the Leaue Cup semi-finals), the hosts know a fourth loss would lead to them being leapfrogged in second place in the Premier League table.

Premier League 2025 highlights seem inevitable give what is at stake.

Talking Points

Defensive problems have returned for the North Londoners during the past month and their Champions League semi-final exit to Paris St Germain a few weeks ago, means they will go a fourth successive season without silverware, ever since their 2020 FA Cup triumph.

A runners-up spot for the third year in a row won’t exactly make up for that but should signal that, with the right strengthening and a bit more luck on the injury front, they will be ready to mount a serious title charge next term.

Silverware has not been something the Geordies have been regular acquaintances with but their League Cup triumph in March means Eddie Howe and his players will be lauded for quite some time yet, regardless of whether they can secure a top five finish which brings the caveat of a Champions League berth.

The Magpies earned a huge three points in the European race last weekend as they cruised to a comfortable 2-0 win over top-five rivals, albeit a 10-man Chelsea, at St James’ Park.

On the same day, Arsenal showed real fighting spirit to come back from 2-0 down to draw at newly crowned champions Liverpool and they will be boosted by the returns of Kai Havertz and Declan Rice for this contest.

Both men took part in full training this week. Rice missed the draw at Anfield with a hip issue, but Havertz’s absence has been far more protracted. He underwent hamstring surgery in February and was expected to be out for the remainder of the season but has recovered quicker than expected and is available for selection again.

Mikel Merino’s late heroics secure a crucial draw for Arsenal against Liverpool in the Premier League — Arsenal’s midfielder Mikel Merino celebrates after scoring their second goal vs Liverpool

Leandro Trossard is a doubt as the Belgian has been dealing with a hamstring niggle and jack-of-all-trades Mikel Merino will miss out through suspension after being shown two yellow cards against the Merseysiders.

Sven Botman is a doubt for Newcastle after he came off at half-time against Chelsea with what Howe described as a minor knee issue.

Joe Willock and Kieran Trippier are set to miss out with minor injuries, though Brazilian midfielder Joelinton could return.

With the home faithful hoping to give their boys an end-of-season boost in what will be Arsenal’s final home match of the campaign, they may just edge it.

History

What a rich history these two clubs have, dating back to their first ever meeting in 1893.

Traditionally, Arsenal have the edge with 85 wins to the Toon’s 72 and a further 39 draws.

However, in recent years it has been one-sided as Arsenal have actually won 20 of their last 25 meetings.

That was until this term.

They lost out 1-0 in the North East in early November when Isak scored the only goal of the contest just 12 minutes in.

And, of course, they were 4-0 winners in their two-legged League Cup semi-final.

Isak and Anthony Gordon were on target in North London before Jacob Murphy and Gordon again scored the goals in the second leg.

Newcastle have only scored in six of their past 14 meetings with the Gunners.

In the corresponding league fixture last season, Arsenal ran out 4-1 winners in North London, courtesy of an own goal, Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Jakub Kiwior.

Former Gunner Joe Willock netted the consolation for the visitors.