Arsenal Eye Redemption at St James’ Park After Liverpool’s Shock Slip

Liverpool’s perfect start to the Premier League season came to a dramatic end on Saturday, as Eddie Nketiah’s 97th-minute strike sealed a 1-0 win for Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. The late heartbreak not only stopped the champions in their tracks but also reopened the title race for rivals like Arsenal.

For the Gunners, this presents a golden chance. Mikel Arteta’s men head to St James’ Park on Sunday knowing that victory against Newcastle United could help close the gap on Liverpool and restore momentum after last weekend’s underwhelming 1-1 draw with Manchester City.

Arsenal’s record in recent visits to Tyneside, however, is less than encouraging. Newcastle won three of the four meetings last season, keeping clean sheets in all of them. This time, the Magpies remain defensively solid with four clean sheets from their first five games, though their attacking edge has been blunted following the departure of Alexander Isak.

With captain Martin Ødegaard back from a shoulder injury, Arteta will be expected to get his team selection and tactics spot on. His choices have been under scrutiny after the City draw, and St James’ Park is the kind of arena where a statement performance could silence critics.

Opinion: Arsenal’s Defining Moment Could Start in Newcastle

This fixture feels bigger than three points. It’s about credibility in the title race. With Liverpool showing cracks and City still lurking, Arsenal cannot afford to stumble. A win at Newcastle would not only boost morale but also signal that Arteta’s side have learned to handle difficult away grounds—an issue that has haunted them in past campaigns.

Newcastle’s resilience will test Arsenal’s creativity, but this is where leadership and experience come into play. Ødegaard’s return, Martinelli’s energy, and Bukayo Saka’s brilliance must combine to break down the Magpies.

If Arsenal are truly to be considered serious contenders this season, these are the nights they must win. St James’ Park could either be a stumbling block or the launchpad for their title charge.