Arsenal star makes ‘painful’ St James’ Park claim ahead of Newcastle United clash

Granit Xhaka admits Arsenal’s previous visit to St James’ Park was a “painful” experience - but believes his teammates are better equipped to rise to the challenge.

The Gunners arrived on Tyneside in the penultimate game of last season needing a result to keep alive their Champions League qualification hopes. However, Mikel Arteta’s side were blown away by a red-hot atmosphere and succumbed to a 2-0 defeat.

Arteta said after the game Newcastle were “100 times better” than his side. And reflecting on that evening, almost 12 months on, Xhaka told Arsenal.com: “It was a very painful day. I hope we’re a different team now.”

This afternoon’s game (kick-off 4:30pm) has a similar feel to last May. The Premier League title is on the line for Arsenal and they must avoid defeat to stay within touching distance of league leaders Manchester City.

Newcastle celebrated retaining their top-flight status last term but a win today will see Eddie Howe’s men take a big step towards sealing a top four finish and therefore end their 19-year absence from Europe’s elite competition.

Xhaka continued: “We’re in a different position as well - we have respect for Newcastle because what they’re doing is amazing and nobody would have expected that from them, but maybe [the same for] us as well before the season.”

The two sides played out a goalless draw in the reverse fixture at the Emirates Stadium in January.

“We know how strong they are, they’re stronger than last season, that’s for sure,” the Switzerland international added. “At home when we played against them, we had the better chances and were the better team, but they are very organised.

“They know exactly what they are doing with a great coach as well, and we have to be 100 per cent focused. Hopefully with luck, with our intensity and with our level, we can beat them.”

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