The least Arsenal can get from this game against Newcastle is a draw. While a win is on the cards, a loss here is a no-no for the Gunners.
Arsenal needs to avoid the messy top 4 race by all means. As an Arsenal fan, you wouldn’t expect that Arsenal could probably be fighting for a top-4 spot given that that they have been in second place for a long time but right now, it looks like any slip-ups will see the Gunners wrestling with Chelsea, Villa and City for a place in Champions League next season.
A few weeks ago, the Gunners had the second spot sealed, but a draw to Brentford, a loss to Bournemouth, and another draw to Liverpool at Anfield have now seen them lose the gap they once had over the top 4 hopefuls, Newcastle and Manchester City. Currently, they have 68 points and hold a 2-point gap over Newcastle, Chelsea, and Villa, who sit 3rd, 4th, and 5th, respectively. They also hold a three-point gap over Manchester City, who are 6th and have a game in hand.
This game against Newcastle is a must-win because a loss here will see them lose second place and hold a very small advantage over the rest top 4 teams. If they lose, they lose against Newcastle and City win against Bournemouth, the Gunners will have only goal difference separating them from the Cityzens. Arsenal fans have bragged about their second spot all season, but they may just lose it with two games to go.
Losing the second spot will also bring Arteta under more fire and raise even more questions about his ability to lead the team, given they have gone trophyless yet again.
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Arsenal have both a physical and mental task ahead of them. Newcastle come into this match with a 2-0 win over fellow top-4 rivals Chelsea, which is a huge boost, especially at this stage of the season. Arteta will be without Mikel Merino, who got red-carded against Liverpool, while Declan Rice remains a doubt after picking up a knock in the warmup against Liverpool. It’s a tough battle for the Gunners, and they need not lose, especially with a top-four finish now at stake
