Jamie Carragher thinks Mikel Arteta will be ‘furious’ about Arsenal and Newcastle United

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Newcastle United are among a raft of teams with a huge amount to play for during what remains of the season. 

While much has been made about the fact the Premier League title race and relegation battles are all but sewn up, the race to qualify for next season’s Champions League is as fierce as ever.  

Newcastle sit fifth in the Premier League table, which currently puts them on course to reach Europe’s elite club competition next season. 

Chelsea and Aston Villa in sixth and seventh respectively are just two points behind which is a worry but the same can be said of the teams above Eddie Howe’s side.  

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
2	ArsenalArsenal	34	18	13	3	63	29	34	67
3	Man CityManchester City	34	18	7	9	66	43	23	61
4	Nottm ForestNottingham Forest	33	18	6	9	53	39	14	60
5	NewcastleNewcastle	33	18	5	10	62	44	18	59
6	ChelseaChelsea	33	16	9	8	58	40	18	57
7	Aston VillaAston Villa	34	16	9	9	54	49	5	57

Nottingham Forest in fourth are only a point ahead. Third-placed Manchester City (who have played one game more than Newcastle) are clear by just two points.

Even Arsenal in second are a relatively small eight points above Newcastle, with some very difficult games ahead for the Gunners.

Indeed, Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher believes Mikel Arteta will be furious about that. 

• READ MORE: What Eddie Howe told staff ahead of Newcastle United return

Jamie Carragher reveals Mikel Arteta fury before Arsenal vs Newcastle United

Arsenal and Newcastle have started a rivalry of late, having clashed on the pitch during the last few seasons.  

The Gunners are still to host Newcastle on Sunday 18 May, 2025.

While Carragher believes the north London side will certainly qualify for the Champions League, he says the fact they have not yet sewn up second place will irk Arteta, who watched his side draw 2-2 with Crystal Palace on Wednesday night.  

“If they lose the next two games, the others are a point behind you,” he said.

“I mean, you’ve got Newcastle!”

When put to him that Arsenal’s clash against Newcastle in north London could be a “crunch” game, Carragher said: “Exactly!

“That’s why I think he’ll be furious.”

Newcastle United fans have mocked Mikel Arteta

Newcastle fans mocked Arteta during the Carabao Cup semi-final win over Arsenal, after the Gunners boss had suggested the ball used in the competition had impacted his team’s finishing.  

That was the latest instalment of what is seemingly becoming a rivalry on and off the pitch between the two clubs.

Arteta was furious when Anthony Gordon’s controversial goal against Arsenal was allowed to stand in November 2023, deciding what was already a fiery game.  

When the two meet again in May, it’ll be fascinating to see what happens. Arsenal could yet reach the Champions League final, which takes place on Saturday 31 May.

If they are, then perhaps Newcastle can pounce…