Gary Neville believes Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is under pressure ahead of his side’s trip to Newcastle United this weekend.
Newcastle United are hosting Arsenal at St James’ Park on Sunday in what already feels like a huge game.
Eddie Howe’s side really need something to kickstart their season and beating the Gunners – against whom they boast a fine record – at home would be a start.
Arteta’s side, meanwhile, could do with a statement win themselves to prove they can really challenge Liverpool for the Premier League title after failing to lay much of a glove on them last season.
While Newcastle’s early season form is hardly a disaster, things do need to improve if they are to scale the heights they managed last season. Still, Neville believes it’s Arsenal who are under more pressure.
- READ MORE: What Newcastle United fans were chanting towards Mikel Arteta during pre-season loss to Arsenal
Gary Neville’s early preview for Newcastle United vs Arsenal
The Sky Sports pundit was speaking on his podcast following Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City on Sunday.
The video was posted on YouTube and Neville believes Arteta is under pressure to prove he is not always defensively minded in big games.
The former Manchester United defender said: “We’ve got Newcastle and Arsenal next Sunday, haven’t we? So, that will be interesting because, again, it’s a big one for Arsenal.
“It’s another difficult game and if you lose that, you’re eight points behind Liverpool. So, there’s a bit of pressure on Arsenal.
“He [Arteta] won’t get massive criticism off the back of this game because they’re playing against Manchester City but there’s still those questions that will be asked.
“Forget us asking them, these fans that were behind our ears shouting ‘Play forward, get him on, get him on’ – they’re asking the same questions as us.
“We’re all in the same boat.”
Newcastle United’s record against Arsenal
Howe’s side, of course, beat the Gunners three times last season – including in both legs of the Carabao Cup semi-final.
In fact, the North London giants have won only one of their last five trips to St James’.
As such, there should be confidence that Newcastle can get a result. The two teams have developed something of a rivalry of late and it’s bound to be a fiery occasion.
Generally, Newcastle have a fine record at home under Howe and will no doubt hope to claim another morale-boosting win over Arsenal.
If they do, perhaps things will start to turn around quickly.
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