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Wenger - It’s always tight at Newcastle

Arsene Wenger believes Saturday’s game against Newcastle United will be another tough test for Arsenal.

Olivier Giroud scored twice as the Gunners won 2-1 on their last visit to St James’ Park, but they were indebted to David Ospina who made a series of vital saves in the final minutes to secure a hard-fought three points.

That victory stretched Arsenal’s unbeaten streak against Newcastle to nine games, including seven consecutive wins, but Wenger has urged his side to approach Saturday’s Premier League game with caution.

"It’s important that we prepare well and we give absolutely everything to win this game before the break"

Arsene Wenger

“We want to do well at Newcastle but it’s always very, very, very tight and very committed there because the crowd is always behind their team,” he said.

“They have just come out from a good result at Manchester United so it’s important that we prepare well and we give absolutely everything to win this game before the break.

“We have always done very well away from home. Last season and the season before, it was the last game of the season that we had to win. There has always been something big at stake, but we like pressure.”

Newcastle are under new management this time around, and Wenger believes that Steve McClaren’s experience abroad will help him in his first season back in the Premier League.

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“I would encourage more English coaches to go abroad because sometimes, especially when you have managed the national team, the best thing is to get out of the country for a while and then come back,” Wenger said.

“I believe we had a good example with Bobby Robson who did that. I think it was a clever move for Steve McClaren and he has done well.”

 

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