Arsenal’s impressive Newcastle stats set for fierce test on Tyneside

Joe Bradshaw, BBC Sport

Eleven Premier League games unbeaten and two points off the top, Arsenal’s title challenge seems to be back in full force.

So what better fixture to keep their march to the summit on track than against one of their favourite opponents?

Arsenal have enjoyed feeding on Newcastle – stats such as their 30 clean sheets against the Magpies being more than any side has kept against another in Premier League history certainly something to cheer the travelling Gunners fans up the A1.

That, combined with Arsenal winning on eight of their last visits to St James’ Park, should give plenty of grounds for optimism.

However, although a deepening injury list is handicapping Eddie Howe, this Newcastle side remains a fearsome proposition. Just witness what they did to Paris St-Germain a few weeks ago.

The joint highest scorers in the league – and the best finishers with a shot conversion rate of 18.6% – Newcastle will certainly put David Raya’s goal under pressure.

Indeed, their main striker Callum Wilson has a staggering average of a goal every 60 minutes so far in the Premier League.

Of course Arsenal have their own hotshot in Eddie Nketiah, with last week’s hat-trick against Sheffield United making him the club’s joint top scorer this season. He is averaging a goal every 137 minutes – finding another one during the 90 minutes on Saturday would be handy.

Mikel Arteta’s side will need to put aside the disappointment of Carabao Cup defeat at West Ham on Wednesday if they are to keep their impressive statistics against Newcastle intact.

Amid a feverish teatime atmosphere on Tyneside, it could be tasty.

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