Arsenal come to Newcastle United on Sunday off the back off a 3-1 win over Chelsea last night which has put fire in the belly of Granit Xhaka.
Around the same time last season Newcastle fans made St James’ Park a cauldron when the Londoners visited. Wor Flags created their best display ever and fans bought into it massively. The atmosphere they created immediately had Arsenal on the back foot and Newcastle were able to captialise.
Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka hasn’t forgot what happened and speaking to Sky Sports after the win over Chelsea last night, he said: “We don’t forget the game we had last season when, I have to be honest, they destroyed us.
Xhaka is out for revenge after Newcastle ‘destroyed’ Arsenal last season
“They were much better, they wanted it much more, we have to go there and we have to show them we are ready and deserve to be where we are.
“But it will be a very tough game because Newcastle are doing a very good job.”
MORE NEWCASTLE STORIES
The fortunes of both clubs have changed massively this season compared to that game. Newcastle are looking to secure Champions League football while Arsenal, despite a recent slip, are still in contention for the title.
Wor Flags released a statement this week asking fans attending the game to bring their scarves as they aim to replicate last season’s achievements. Creating that kind of hostile atmosphere again will go a long way to helping the lads on the pitch as Arsenal do seem to struggle when the atmosphere is cranked up against them.
This game is massive for both sides
Newcastle could effectively end Arsenal’s title challenge with a win on Sunday while also practically guaranteeing Champions League football for themselves. Manchester City are only two points behind Arsenal as things stand now, but they have two games in hand over their rivals, therefore Arsenal can’t afford to lose.
Meanwhile Newcastle have a nine point lead over fifth-placed Liverpool, so while it’s not mathematically done yet, it would take an extreme capitulation to miss out on that top-four spot now. I’m sure Eddie Howe won’t be so relaxed about the situation though, and will not rest until the job is mathematically done.
Here’s hoping for a repeat of last year’s fixture and Granit Xhaka has to live his nightmare all over again.