Rafa Benitez will be a worried man with his Newcastle side having picked up just a point from their first four league games. They were also knocked out of the League Cup earlier this month, and will quickly want to get back to winning ways. However, they face a tough task today, when they welcome Arsenal to St James’ Park.
The Gunners lost their first two league matches but beat West Ham United and Cardiff City in the last two games to find some form. They are favourites to win this game but Rafa is expected to set up his side defensively, to frustrate the visitors, which could prove to be a tricky test for the Gunners. The home team needs all it’s players to put in strong performances, but here are three players who will be crucial for them, if they are to take anything from this game.
Salomon Rondon
With just an assist in two starts so far this season, the Venezuelan international is yet to make a real impact under Rafa. He is still getting used to his role under the Spaniard but needs to step up his game today, to try and trouble the Arsenal back line. The likes of Shkodran Mustafi and Stephan Lichtsteiner have crumbled under pressure previously this season and Rondon needs to consistently test them, to try and get something from this game. The striker has won 3.3 aerial duels per game, and if the hosts can provide enough service, Rondon could be a real threat for Arsenal.
Jonjo Shelvey
After missing the last few games, Shelvey is finally back to full fitness and should jump into the first team. Having registered 3.5 key passes per game along with two tackles and an interception this season, Shelvey adds balance to the Newcastle United midfield, that could be crucial in this game. He will be up against the likes of Mesut Ozil, Aaron Ramsey and Henrikh Mkhitaryan. If he can keep them quiet, Newcastle United will be in a stronger position to take something from this game.
Jamaal Lascelles
The skipper of the side, Lascelles, has not been at his best so far this season. He has won two tackles, 2.7 interceptions and four aerial duels per game this season, all of which are impressive numbers but when it mattered the most, he has fallen short time and again. This weekend, he will be up against Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette, both of who are devastating in front of goal. So if Lascelles can put in a strong performance, it could ease the pressure on their backline.
Stats Courtesy: Whoscored