Arsenal vs Newcastle United 17/02/20

17 February 2020

The two sides stuck in mid-table and level on points will face off at the Emirates Stadium this weekend, as Arsenal and Newcastle United go head-to-head in what can be a ‘low-scoring Premier League (PL) affair.’

Although they run unbeaten in their last seven competitive matches, the hosts have picked up just three wins during that run (D4), with 71.43% (five) of those fixtures featuring under 2.5 goals. Moreover, all four of Arsenal’s previous league games have ended in a stalemate, with Mikel Arteta’s men shipping the opening goal in three. Additionally, the Gunners have won just once in their last eight PL home outings (D4, L3), scoring under 1.5 goals in five. With their European hopes on the line, the Londoners now have to beat the side they’ve outplayed in each of their previous seven top-flight H2Hs held here, shutting them out in four of the last five. Importantly, ten of Arsenal’s 12 PL home fixtures have ended separating the sides by under 1.5 goals, with 71.43% of their home results (win/loss) seeing the winner on the day open the scoring.

As for the visitors, they’ve secured only one victory in their last seven PL matches (D3, L3), netting one goal or less in six. Newcastle’s immense problems in the attacking third have seen them score just 24 league goals overall, which makes them the second joint-worst attack in the PL. Only 46% (11) of those goals came in the first half, so it’s not strange that they’ve allowed the opening goal (if any) in 13 of their 25 league outings (52%). Steve Bruce’s players could end up leaving London empty-handed if they fail to open the scoring, considering they’ve lost five of six PL away fixtures in which they’ve shipped the opener (D1). Also, the Magpies head to the Emirates on a run of four consecutive PL away games without a win (D2, L2), with three of those matches seeing both teams on the scoresheet.