Pain in the Arsenal
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3 key battles that will decide Newcastle vs Arsenal

By Adam Keys

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 03: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal crosses the ball ahead of Dan Burn of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Newcastle United at Emirates Stadium on January 03, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 03: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal crosses the ball ahead of Dan Burn of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Newcastle United at Emirates Stadium on January 03, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /
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Dan Burn will face up against Bukayo Saka on Sunday. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Dan Burn will face up against Bukayo Saka on Sunday. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /

2. The wide areas

With Kieran Trippier and Dan Burn, Newcastle have two very different options on either side of the pitch. Trippier is a tricky, overlapping full-back who gets involved in everything, and Burn is a big, solid defender whose primary job is to defend and drop into a back three when Trippier goes forward.

At the Emirates, Newcastle had a lot of joy nullifying Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka, but it came at the expense of any form of attacking play. Burn and Trippier defended valiantly but had protection from Miguel Almiron, Willock and Joelinton, which prevented them from causing problems at the other end.

If Newcastle are to play their normal game, they will press high as a unit, which will create space for the Arsenal wingers, and they are the players who have caused the most damage this season. Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard have notched a combined 53 Premier League goals and assists.

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