4 talking points ahead of Newcastle vs Arsenal

Arsenal travel to Tyneside and face Newcastle on Saturday afternoon as they look to get back to winning ways upon their return to Premier League action.

In their previous game, the Gunners beat Preston 3-0 in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup. Last time out in the Premier League, Mikel Arteta's side drew 2-2 with title rivals Liverpool, with Bukayo Saka and Mikel Merino getting on the scoresheet before Mohamed Salah equalised late on.

In a game that is arguably very decisive in terms of Arsenal's title hopes, there are four key talking points ahead of this tie at St. James' Park.

1. A must-win game

Arsenal are winless in their last two Premier League games having lost to Bournemouth and drawn with Liverpool before their cup win on Wednesday. This is the first time the Gunners have failed to win in two consecutive league games since December 2023.

It's possible that another game without a win could see Arteta's side lose significant ground in the title race, as they remain in third and five points off leaders Manchester City. As a result, it is crucial for the Gunners to win on Saturday.

Arsenal can ill-afford to create too big of a buffer between themselves and the perennial champions.

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