Much has been made of our travails on our travels this season. So it’s comforting to be back at the Emirates this weekend.
Before that defeat to Manchester United we’d won 11 consecutive home games in the Premier League - our best run on our own patch since Highbury was a fortress for nine months in 2005.
Let’s be honest - we probably should have won the United game too. We certainly had the chances. So the challenge on Saturday is to be rather more ruthless against a different United - from Newcastle.
You’re in the right place for a comprehensive pre-match briefing. On this page you’ll find classic goals, our exclusive interview with Arsene Wenger, the latest team news, match facts and a chance to test your knowledge.
ONE TO WATCH: NACHO MONREAL
“It looks to me that centre back is his best position now,” said the boss. “He has plenty of experience on the flanks, but it's a bit more demanding there now, physically.
“Also I like to have a right-footed and left-footed player in central defence, because that's where it all starts, and the distribution is better balanced when you can have that.”
TEAM NEWS:
ARSENAL: Ramsey (hamstring), Cazorla (plantaris)
NEWCASTLE: No injuries
THE OPPOSITION:
Former Gunner Adrian Clarke on Newcastle:
“They’re in relegation form. They’re plummeting like a stone. They’ve got a Championship squad and if they didn’t have Rafa Benitez, we’d be expecting them to go down. I was really surprised that they didn’t spend more money last summer.
“They desperately need new bodies in January. It’s never easy to play against Newcastle but I would definitely fancy Arsenal to swot aside a Magpies side that are low on confidence.
“They’re not defending brilliantly and their midfield unit isn’t functioning superbly either. Up top, Dwight Gayle has found a bit of form but I’m not convinced that he or Joselu are real Premier League class.”
THE FINAL WORD… ON BREAKING DOWN OPPONENTS
“We have to continue to do what we do but we have to do it quicker and better,” said the boss. “That means providing our game with more pace, with more penetrating runs, by getting deeper behind the defenders. That's the target.
“Newcastle are going through a difficult period at the moment so they will first of all try to defend well. It's down to us. I believe we have to focus, first of all, to continue to keep clean sheets, and as well at home we know we can create chances and that's what we want to continue to do.”
Matchday Show - Newcastle United (h)
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