Newcastle vs Arsenal: 3 Key Battles to Decide Tyneside Duel

Newcastle vs Arsenal: 3 key battles on Tyneside

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - MAY 07: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal is challenged by Dan Burn of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Arsenal FC at St. James Park on May 07, 2023 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) /

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Bukayo Saka will be looking to get the better of Dan Burn. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /

3. Bukayo Saka vs Dan Burn

It is somewhat misleading to present this as a one-on-one scenario.

Dan Burn versus Bukayo Saka looks like a mismatch on paper (not just because of height) and briefly proved to be one last January when Saka bamboozled the full-back on his first attack. But our Starboy was teamed up by 2/3 Newcastle defenders for each subsequent foray and will face a similar issue on this visit.

Despite not having the same burst of pace as Saka, Burn can still nullify him through good positioning and generally times his tackles to perfection. He is also surprisingly composed on the ball for someone of his tall frame and is therefore adequately equipped to deal with the Arsenal press, although he will be severely tested.

A no-nonsense style and extra defensive help mean Saka has a big job on his hands to create from the right flank, but he stands as good a chance as any winger and may even benefit from having his own supporting cast- namely in the form of Ben White.

If for no other reason, Bukayo, please do it to spare us another Fortnite routine.

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