Arteta admits Arsenal is preparing for a “really intense match” this weekend

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·26 September 2025

Arteta admits Arsenal is preparing for a “really intense match” this weekend

Mikel Arteta is preparing his Arsenal side for a crucial clash against Newcastle United this weekend, fully aware of the intensity that awaits. In recent seasons, Newcastle have consistently proven to be one of the most challenging opponents for Arsenal across all competitions.

The Magpies have ambitions to close the gap between themselves and the top clubs in England. They secured a position within the Champions League spots last season, highlighting their continued progress. To be considered among the elite in the Premier League, Newcastle need to perform strongly against established top sides, and they have achieved this in recent campaigns.

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Saint James’ Park is widely regarded as one of the most difficult venues for any visiting team, and Arsenal will be facing this challenge when they travel there this weekend. The Gunners are aware that the match will demand maximum concentration and effort from the outset.

Preparing for an Intense Encounter

Arteta has emphasised the need for his team to dominate the game from the beginning. Speaking to Arsenal Media, he said: “You have to dominate when you play against them, we have to be ready because they continue so rapidly, so quickly. It’s a really intense match, we will prepare for that. At the end, we know I always praise the work that Eddie [Howe] and the coaching staff have done there. We know the test, we know that we’re going to have to be much more efficient than we’ve been lately when we played up there to win the game and we’re going to work on that in the next two days.”

Arteta’s comments highlight the importance of preparation and efficiency. He recognises the quality of Newcastle’s coaching staff and the rapid style of play that has become a trademark for the Magpies under Eddie Howe. His team must rise to the occasion to secure a vital victory in a ground that has proved challenging for the league’s top clubs.

(Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

The Stakes for Arsenal

Every top side encounters difficulties at Saint James’ Park, yet Arsenal know they cannot afford to drop points. Arteta referenced other top teams, noting that Liverpool also faced challenges there earlier in the season. A failure to secure a win could make Arsenal’s campaign more difficult, reinforcing the high stakes of the fixture.

With careful preparation and tactical discipline, Arsenal will aim to overcome Newcastle’s intensity and secure the three points. The match represents both a test of resilience and an opportunity to demonstrate the team’s capacity to perform under pressure, particularly at one of the Premier League’s toughest away grounds.

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