Newcastle will come into the upcoming trip to Arsenal as the in-form team, as Pardew has managed to transform their fortunes – and his own – in wonderful fashion. They have transformed from a team that could not buy a win to one that have shot up to 7th in the table and level on points with the Gunners. Five consecutive victories lifted the doom and gloom around St. James’ Park, with Pardew going from a manager on the verge of being sacked to a manager who can do no wrong. However, they are the onl

Can Arsenal derail in-form Newcastle to secure a morale-boosting win?

The wonderful start to the 2013/2014 season continues to feel like a lifetime ago for Arsenal who have found it much tougher to find their feet during the current campaign. A considerable number of injuries, combined with poor results and performances, have increased the pressure on Arsene Wenger who has cut a forlorn figure on the sidelines as his team have capitulated in front of his eyes. Certain sections of fans have called for the Frenchman to leave the club, with the 3-2 defeat to Stoke doing little to allay growing concerns that Wenger’s 22-year spell as manager could be coming to a sad and undignified end.

Defeat at the Britannia ended a rare run of consecutive victories for Arsenal who have only won back-to-back games on two occasions this season, but their hopes of returning to winning ways will be severely put to the test against Newcastle. Alan Pardew’s side have only lost 1 of their last 10 games in all competitions, including a 2-1 victory against Chelsea which ended all hope of the league leaders emulating Arsenal’s infamous ‘Invincibles’ side of 2003/2004. It makes the upcoming game at the Emirates too close to call, but securing three points against a potential Champions League contenders would provide a much-needed boost for Wenger and his players.

Need to improve

The Gunners continue to curse their luck on the injury front with Nacho Monreal and Yaya Sanogo the latest names to find themselves on the treatment table, but it does not excuse the number of fundamental errors that have crept into Arsenal’s game. Stoke may have surprised everyone by immediately taking the game to the visitors, but the manner in which all three goals were conceded angered Wenger who has admitted that his defence need to be much better. The result may have been different if Alexis Sanchez, undoubtedly Arsenal’s shining light this season, had found the back of the net instead of hitting the post after rounding the goalkeeper, but the Gunners could have no real complaints after being on the wrong end of a poor result. Wenger will hope that his side come through the Champions League tie at Galatasaray unscathed, but the return of Olivier Giroud and Wojciech Szczesny could give Arsenal the edge at the Emirates.

Newcastle transformed

Newcastle will come into the upcoming trip to Arsenal as the in-form team, as Pardew has managed to transform their fortunes – and his own – in wonderful fashion. They have transformed from a team that could not buy a win to one that have shot up to 7th in the table and level on points with the Gunners. Five consecutive victories lifted the doom and gloom around St. James’ Park, with Pardew going from a manager on the verge of being sacked to a manager who can do no wrong. However, they are the only Premier League team who can attest to the pain Arsenal have felt through injury absentees this season, with Newcastle missing up to ten players ahead of the game at the Emirates. Rob Elliott’s injury may result in Pardew turning to third-choice goalkeeper Jack Alnwick who impressed against Chelsea, while captain Fabricio Coloccini is also a doubt. The latter was outstanding against Jose Mourinho’s side and would be a major loss for a team that look defensively vulnerable without their talismanic leader at the back.