‘Destroyed’ - Arsenal star makes candid Newcastle United claim ahead of St James’ Park clash

Granit Xhaka has called on Arsenal to rise to the occasion against Newcastle United after being “destroyed” at St James’ Park last season.

The Gunners travel to the North East requiring a win to stay in the Premier League title race. Mikel Arteta’s side have given up control to Manchester City following a four-match winless streak last month, although returned to winning ways after beating Chelsea on Tuesday.

And Xhaka is keen to avoid a repeat of his last visit to Tyneside. His side arrived needing a result to keep their Champions League qualification dreams alive but suffered a 2-0 defeat.

“We don’t forget the game we had there last season,” Xhaka told Sky Sports. “I have to be honest they destroyed us. They were much, much better, they wanted it more. We have to go there and show them we are ready and why we are where we are.

“We deserve to be where we are at the moment. But it will be a very tough moment because Newcastle are doing a very good job.

‘We have to go there and believe and to play our game and hopefully, we can take the three points back to London.’

Newcastle, meanwhile, require three wins from their remaining five games to mathematically secure a top four finish. Liverpool are United’s closer chasers, while Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa and Brighton haven’t given up hope.

Both the Magpies and Arsenal played out a goalless draw at the Emirates Stadium in January.

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