‘Headache’ - Mikel Arteta gives honest Arsenal answer before Newcastle United clash
Newcastle United are aiming to make it four wins on the bounce at St James’ Park against Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta has admitted the depth of Arsenal’s squad is giving him a “headache” before their St James’ Park visit.
Newcastle United have won three home games on the bounce against the Gunners - including two last season. Tyneside has not been a happy hunting ground for Arsenal since the Saudi-backed takeover, winning just once from five attempts.
Neither side have been at their marauding best in the opening six weeks of the campaign. Newcastle are still adjusting to life without Alexander Isak - firing three blanks already this season - while Arsenal attracted criticism for their cautious approach last weekend.
Mikel Arteta on Arsenal ‘headache’
Arsenal needed a last-gasp strike to draw 1-1 with Manchester City, with pundits like Gary Neville calling for a more offensive style of play. The Gunners now possess serious depth, making nine changes against Port Vale last night while naming Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze in the starting line-up.
Speaking post-match, Arteta opened up about his selection dilemmas ahead of their trip to Tyneside. He told reporters: “It (Saka substitution) was planned - 60 minutes was the maximum. We had four, almost five players already in the line-up that we had to get him out for different reasons, especially for load and coming from long periods out, so, we planned for that.
“The good thing is that nobody got injured, so he has no muscular issues. So that's a very positive thing again. That's exactly what we want, that they're giving us and me those headaches, because I mean that they are so connected with the team that they really want to help the team and deserve to play, and everybody will play a lot of minutes.”
Newcastle United unscathed
Eddie Howe highlighted his plan to pick a team on a “game-by-game basis” following last night’s win. Speaking after Newcastle came through unscathed against Bradford City, the Toon boss said: “We take it on a game-by-game basis. After Barcelona, it was a case of who we felt would be fatigued going into the Bournemouth game, trying to pick a team to try and win that game.
"Then we do the same again, depending on who's fresh and who we feel might need a rest. So today it was quite a few changes to the team, but the rhythm of the team was really good.
"Players took an opportunity. Whoever played took an opportunity to impress. That only galvanises the group and helps the group in our long-term mission to win consistently.”
Joelinton on Newcastle United style
Speaking to the club’s media channel, Joelinton insisted Newcastle want to regain their attacking identity. The Brazilian netted twice in a 4-1 win over Bradford City to show glimpses - albeit against League One opposition - of regaining that offensive swagger.
“It (gives me) confidence, scoring two goals,” Joelinton said. “Everyone on the team, we played really good football tonight, created a lot of chances and could’ve scored more. We want to play positive football and attack as much as possible.
“The start of the season has been difficult, we haven’t created many chances. But we are playing well and I hope the confidence from today’s game can be built on.”