Bukayo Saka handed aggressive role in new Arsenal set-up, Mikel Arteta’s masterplan will blow Newcastle away
Arsenal are vying to get back to winning ways in the Premier League, after drawing 1-1 with Manchester City last time out.
Mikel Arteta will be pleased that Arsenal continued their Carabao Cup run with a win over Port Vale, but they sit five points behind top-flight leaders Liverpool.
If Arne Slot’s men defeat Crystal Palace on Saturday, 27 September, that gap will increase to eight points before the Gunners head to Newcastle United on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are keeping tabs on Eintracht Frankfurt star Nathaniel Brown amid their battle to win silverware.
Arsenal must start Bukayo Saka to be more attacking against Newcastle than in previous away games
In their two away games in the Premier League this season, Arsenal defeated Manchester United 1-0, before losing to Liverpool by the same scoreline.
At both Old Trafford and Anfield, the North Londoners absorbed plenty of pressure, failing to demonstrate their attacking prowess.
Meanwhile, upcoming opponents Newcastle United have faced fewer shots and have a lower xG (expected goals) against than any other side in the Premier League this season.
At the same time, only Aston Villa have a lower shot conversion rate than the Magpies in the top flight this season.
Therefore, the North London outfit must take the game to Newcastle at St James’ Park on 28 September, and begin on the front foot by pushing their wide forwards higher up the pitch.
Arteta must start Bukayo Saka to spearhead those efforts, in a move that will help the academy graduate kickstart his season and could blow Newcastle away.
Bukayo Saka stands on the brink of historic feat ahead of Newcastle clash
In the summer transfer window, Arsenal acquired attacking talents Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke, and Eberechi Eze, while Max Dowman has emerged as an exciting young prospect.
| Bukayo Saka stats | Premier League 2025/26 |
| Appearances | 3 |
| Expected goals (xG) | 0.29 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Expected assists (xA) | 0.33 |
| Assists | 0 |
However, the Gunners remain highly reliant on England winger Saka, who was recently sidelined by a hamstring injury before returning to action against Port Vale.
If Saka scores or assists against Newcastle, the 24-year-old will become the second youngest Arsenal player to reach 100 goal involvements in the Premier League, behind Cesc Fabregas.
Arteta needs his key players, like the England man, to produce their best performance against Eddie Howe’s men.
Failure to beat Newcastle would already hand a major dent to the North London side’s title credentials.
Meanwhile, Arteta is vying to lead his side to victory in the first home game of their Champions League campaign, when they welcome Greek Super League outfit Olympiacos to the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, 1 October.