Micah Richards points out that Newcastle embarrassed Arsenal in one area, they did it 45 more times

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Newcastle United have now taken points off Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester City in the Premier League this season.

In the big games, Newcastle step up. Eddie Howe‘s side have emerged from a treacherous run of fixtures in great form after beating Chelsea and Arsenal in back-to-back games to get the season back on track.

Newcastle made a fairly underwhelming start to the season in terms of the side’s performances, but their best displays have come against the best teams the Premier League can offer.

The 1-1 draw with Manchester City had been the best performance this season to date, but Saturday’s 1-0 win over Arsenal has now taken that crown.

Alexander Isak scored his fourth goal of the season – and the only one of the game – with a fantastic header from Anthony Gordon’s pinpoint cross from the right flank.

Newcastle have now climbed to ninth in the Premier League table and are just three points off Arsenal in fourth place.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
9	NewcastleNewcastle	10	4	3	3	10	10	0	15

Micah Richards wowed by Newcastle stat vs Arsenal

Howe deserves praise for his team selection. He identified what worked well against Chelsea midweek and implemented it against the Gunners brilliantly.

Sean Longstaff was “magnificent” against Arsenal after keeping his spot in the starting lineup. It extends his incredible unbeaten record as a starter.

There were also brilliant performances from full-backs Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento, who locked down Arsenal’s biggest threats out wide.

But the most impressive thing from Saturday’s performance was the overall energy levels and intensity from Howe’s side – something fans have grown familiar with in recent seasons.

Speaking on BBC Match of the Day, Micah Richards pointed out one Newcastle stat which he claimed was the “most important”.

“It wasn’t just the togetherness and the chemistry of the team, it was how they worked as well,” Richards said.

“If you look at the numbers, the duels won, the aerial duels, the tackles… but the one for me – the most important – is the sprints.

“That, for Newcastle fans at times this season they have looked a bit leggy, but today they were on it.”

Richards pointed out that Newcastle had made a staggering 134 sprints against Arsenal – 45 more than Mikel Arteta’s side made in the same match.

Eddie Howe has found his best Newcastle XI

There have been a few selection headaches for Howe to work his way around this season, but it seems he has now stumbled across his best lineup.

Anthony Gordon was compared to David Beckham after starring on the right flank which allowed Joelinton to thrive on the left wing.

READ MORE: Joe Willock calls for ‘magnificent’ Newcastle player to get more ‘respect’ on social media

Howe was full of praise for Joe Willock for his role in midfield, while Longstaff settled the debate over whether he should start.

Up next for Newcastle is another very difficult Premier League clash against third-placed Nottingham Forest next Sunday.