Arsenal vs Newcastle – Statistical Preview

Arsenal host Newcastle at the Emirates this weekend as they look to hold on to fourth position and a place in the Champions League.  Arsene Wenger will be looking to take advantage of Newcastle’s recent form and record their third win in a row. 

Lukas Podolski is Arsenal’s in form attacking player, scoring four goals in his last two games for the Gunners.  With Everton still breathing down Arsenal’s neck for fourth place, Arsene Wenger will want the German to continue firing.  Podolski scored two goals and provided three attacking contributions (assists, crosses and shots) against Hull.

Aaron Ramsey was Arsenal’s star man for the first half of the season and he returned from injury to start against Hull with a fine performance.  Scoring Arsenal’s first goal and assisting the other two, Arsenal fans will be wondering  ‘what if’ had he remained fit this season.  The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows Ramsey and Carzola both made 41 passes, more than any other Arsenal player and the Welshman also provided the most attacking contributions (5).

With Ramsey, Podolski and Giroud all attacking against Hull it was Arteta who protected the back four.  Losing a tooth in the first half didn’t stop him from making the most tackles (4) at a 75% success rate.  Laurent Koscielny also stood out making 20 defensive contributions (tackles, blocks, clearances and interceptions) throughout the game.

The Magpies, who are struggling with results, have lost their last five Premier League matches, scoring just one goal.  Alan Pardew will make his return to the touchline following his seven-match ban following his clash with Hull’s David Meyler.

Newcastle will want to keep Arsenal’s attack at bay and Cheike Tiote did exactly that against Swansea until he conceded a late penalty that handed the Swans a 2-1 win.  The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows Tiote and Gosling made seven and eight tackles respectively, more than any other Newcastle player.

Shola Ameobi played the full game for Newcastle against Swansea and scored their only goal in five games.  Loic Remy may have only played 50 minutes but made the most attacking contributions (5), showing how important he is to Newcastle’s attacking line.

Newcastle’s stand out player in defence against Swansea was Paul Dummett.  The young Welshman made 22 defensive contributions, the most in the Newcastle side, and only Loic Remy made more attacking contributions.  He will be looking to attack down the left wing against Arsenal and provide crosses to his strikers.