Paul Merson has been talking about St. James’ Park and Newcastle United right now.
As we approach the twenty-sixth NUFC Premier League match of the season, the former player speaks.
Eddie Howe and his team have already participated in 36 games across all tournaments.
Paul Merson talks about what could happen before Newcastle United plays away against Arsenal, the team he used to play for and supports.
Paul Merson talking to Sportskeeda ahead of Arsenal v Newcastle:
“Arsenal suffered a big blow last night.
Their last European trophy victory was thirty years ago. It just goes to demonstrate how difficult European tournaments may be; prior experience is necessary.
“They had a lot of the ball while they weren’t at home, but they weren’t sure how to use it. I don’t know why they modified the away-goals rule, but as a result, you’ll see games like this one where clubs withdraw from their away games.
“I don’t think their European setback will affect Arsenal this weekend.
“Newcastle have been inconsistent recently but have managed to remain unbeaten in their last five matches.
“They’re scoring goals, but they’re conceding far too many goals as well.
“They cannot go to Arsenal this weekend and defend like that – they’ll get destroyed.
“Newcastle’s defence is struggling at the moment, but they don’t have much to play for.
“I like watching them play because they open games up, but they don’t want to do that against Arsenal – it could get messy.
“Bukayo Saka could have a field day in this fixture, and I expect Arsenal to win this game comfortably.
“Prediction: Arsenal 3-1 Newcastle United”
So is Paul Merson correct and Arsenal will win ‘comfortably’ on Saturday night?
Well I’m sure plenty others, including many Newcastle fans, will be saying the same. However, that doesn’t mean it will be the case.
I saw the Arsenal game last night, and it was amazing to see Porto play so hard just three days (or nights) before NUFC plays them.
The biassed English press calling Porto’s victory a “smash and grab” made me laugh. It is an amusing form of “smash and grab” when the defeated parties are unable to place even one shot on goal! Porto also struck the inside of the post, and Arsenal were incredibly fortunate that the rebound went across the goal’s face rather than in, in addition to the late winner and their keeper not needing to make a stop.
I think Arsenal are good but they aren’t anything special and I don’t think it would be a huge shock if Newcastle United got something on Saturday. I can accept that phrased as maybe a ‘surprise’ for many but hardly a huge shock.
Paul Merson reluctantly acknowledges that Newcastle United has scored 14 goals and gone five games without a loss on this run. Eddie Howe’s club had, in fact, outperformed Man City, the best team in the world, in the last seven games, scoring 19 goals, winning four, drawing two, and losing the one. United was ahead of Man City with 16 minutes remaining.
Indeed, in these last seven games, Newcastle United has scored 19 goals and let up 12 as well. But it’s ridiculous how many people are only interested in discussing the goals Newcastle is giving up.
Before last night, Arsenal had won five games in a row, BUT if you now take their last 13 matches played, it reads won 6, drawn 2 and lost 5.
They are NOT the invincibles.
Arsenal has lost to West Ham, Villa, Porto, Liverpool, and Fulham in the past two months and thirteen games. They have also drawn with PSV and Liverpool.
The last four times that the two teams have met, Newcastle have won twice, drawn once and lost just the one.
Although Paul Merson may believe that his team will have it easy, it’s not out of the question that Mikel Arteta may be upset and lash out on Saturday night.
See more updates on https://sportupdates.co.uk/
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