3 differences between Newcastle vs Arsenal in 2023 compared to 2022

3. Structural advancements

A year ago, Arsenal were a very young team who played exciting football with overlapping full-backs. A year on, they play controlling football with an extremely high line and an inverted fullback in Zinchenko, who operates as an auxiliary midfielder.

Zinchenko’s inclusion has changed the way Arsenal play, as the six now has an option at all times, and the team can control the ball with ease, facilitating efficient build-up play and sustained pressure.

Against Newcastle, this is going to be tough with their midfield running power and Howe’s excellent press. Moreover, the space Zinchenko leaves at left-back could be exploited by Miguel Almiron or Jacob Murphy, but if Arsenal get it right, that structure could pin Newcastle into their defensive third as they did at the Emirates in January.

Similarly, Newcastle have improved their structure massively, and are an incredibly well-coached side that can exploit Arsenal if they lose their shape, or get complacent in any way.

This is a game that will be defined by character and concentration. Both teams have the quality to punish each other. For Arsenal, it’s about keeping their structure and letting their quality break down Newcastle.