Newcastle welcome Arsenal to St James’ Park this weekend for the fourth game of the Premier League season. The Magpies are in search of their first win of the season, while the Gunners arrive on Tyneside on the back of a 0-0 draw at home to Liverpool.
Ahead of the game, I caught up with ReadArsenal writer Rusty Gorelick to discuss Arsenal and get his insight into the game.
How have Arsenal played in the first few weeks of the new season?
Arsenal have had their moments, but they need to reach the level they played at the end of last season in order to complete the dream of winning the league.
Do you believe Arsene Wenger has recruited well over the summer?
Somewhat, but he needs to bring in a striker because Olivier Giroud was as energetic as a rock in Monday’s match against Liverpool. He made some great additions to the youth teams and Cech will help the defense a lot, but there are not nearly enough goals in the squad.
Which Arsenal players have impressed you in the opening games of the season?
I have been impressed by Mesut Ozil, Santi Cazorla and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (who deserves an extended run in the team, in my opinion). Gabriel and Cech were very good against Liverpool, while Coquelin and Bellerin have had their good and bad moments.
How will Arsenal approach this weekend’s game? Will they be confident or nervous?
Arsenal should be a mix of both nerves and confidence. They should be confident in their abilities but wary as Newcastle tend to be a dangerous side. If they get overconfident, then this will be another version of the 2-0 loss at home to West Ham, and the team cannot afford to start the season that way.
Who should Newcastle be wary of in a red shirt this weekend?
They should be wary of Santi Cazorla and Alexis Sanchez, who are always dangerous, Mesut Özil, who could open up their defense with one pass, and Olivier Giroud, who should be looking to prove himself this weekend. Also, they should be aware of how good Bellerin and Gabriel are in defense even though they are both young.
Are there any Newcastle players that you would take at Arsenal?
I would take Ayoze Perez because he would be great to sub off the bench when the team needs a goal, kind of similar to what Chicharito was to Manchester United. Also, Florian Thauvin because he could be very good someday and has already done well in England despite him just joining, so his quick adjustment is impressive. I would also welcome Chancel Mbemba as no team can have too many defenders, and Arsenal’s defenders tend to get injured more than most others do.
Lastly, your predicted line-up and score prediction
I think Wenger will keep it pretty similar to what he has been going with, but without Koscielny because of his back injury. Also, I think Ramsey should not be played out wide: Cech, Bellerin, Mertesacker, Gabriel, Monreal, Coquelin, Cazorla, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Özil, Alexis, Giroud. I think it will end in a hard-fought 2-1 win to Arsenal with Thauvin scoring early off a counter-attack, which will scare Arsenal into playing well which happens way too often. Alexis and Oxlade-Chamberlain will score with Giroud and Özil assisting.
