3 differences between Newcastle vs Arsenal in 2023 compared to 2022

2. The lineups have changed significantly

Last season, Arsenal lined up with an injured Takekiro Tomiyasu at right back, who lasted 30 minutes, Ben White who was struggling with a hamstring injury, Nuno Tavares at left-back, Mohamed Elneny in midfield, Emile Smith Rowe on the left and Eddie Nketiah up front.

By contrast, Newcastle had everyone fit barring Kieran Trippier and Joe Willock but had just been smashed 5-0 by Man City in their previous game, so again, confidence was not exactly soaring, and they relied on the energy from the crowd.

This year, both teams have improved a lot, with Alexander Isak and Sven Botman adding significant quality. However, much of Newcastle’s personnel is the same. Eddie Howe, though, has evolved them into a much more efficient and structured unit.

Arsenal have added a lot of quality and will have either Jorginho or Thomas Partey in midfield, Oleksandr Zinchenko at left-back, Jakub Kiwior at centre-back, Gabriel Martinelli or Leandord Trossard on the left and Gabriel Jesus up front. If they can get those players playing, they will cause real problems.

Continued on the next slide…