Newcastle could now do something on Sunday vs Arsenal they haven’t achieved in 12 years

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Newcastle United have a chance to do something against Arsenal on Sunday that they’ve not managed since the 2010/11 season.

There was a time when Newcastle United absolutely hated going to London to face any team as we went on a horrendous run of not winning in the Capital. Thankfully that particular curse has long since been lifted, but there still remains a bit of an issue with Arsenal.

We have to go all the way back to 2011 when we finished a season without a defeat to Arsenal blotting our record book in the Premier League, and even then we made hard work of it.

The last time Newcastle avoided a PL defeat to Arsenal was the year of the comeback

Under Chris Hughton, Newcastle managed a 1-0 victory at the Emirates thanks to a trademark Andy Carroll header on the the stroke of half-time. That victory was Newcastle’s first at Arsenal since 2001.

Later in the season when Arsenal came to St James’ Park, with the Magpies now under the tutelage of Alan Pardew and without Andy Carroll following his £35million switch to Liverpool, the Sky Sports cameras were in town about to broadcast one of the craziest games in Premier League history.

Arsenal ran rampant in the first half racing to a 4-0 lead going into the break, but when the second half came around it was Newcastle’s turn to shine. With a little help from Arsenal losing their heads and going down to ten men, Newcastle clawed back the deficit with two Joey Barton penalties, a rare Leon Best goal and an even more rare Cheick Tiote goal. An absolute screamer from outside the box.

The game finished all square and Newcastle ended that season taking four points from Arsenal. Since then, Newcastle haven’t managed to repeat the feat of avoiding defeat in a Premier League season.

The Newcastle crowd can play a big part in ending this run

That could all change this weekend as Eddie Howe‘s super Mags face the Premier League title contenders at St James’ Park after holding the Gunners to a 0-0 draw on their own patch.

Newcastle ‘destroyed‘ Arsenal at St James’ Park in their final home game of last season, spurred on by an amazing display from Wor Flags and a terrifying atmosphere generated by the Toon Army. There have been calls for a repeat performance on Sunday and I’m sure the fans won’t let the side down.

If the fans can make the atmosphere hostile enough, and the players can put in a performance akin to the one we saw in the second half against Southampton, then there’s every chance that the Magpies can hit reset on that record.

I’m sure this stat isn’t something the players will be thinking about, or even be aware of, but it adds a bit of extra spice from a fan’s point of view.