BBC Sport pundit on Newcastle United – So is he on the money? | OneFootball

Some interesting comments from this BBC Sport pundit on Newcastle United.

Chris Sutton speaking ahead of Sunday’s match.

Newcastle United back to Premier League action after a Carabao Cup midweek.

Facing Arsenal at St James’ Park in a 4.30pm kick-off.

The Newcastle United players knowing how massive this will be to get a second consecutive Premier League home win, after the victory over Wolves a fortnight ago.

Chris Sutton talking to BBC Sport – 26 September 2025:

“This has become a bit of a grudge match since Newcastle’s controversial win at St James’ Park in 2023.

“Arsenal have lost on their past three visits but even a draw might not help them much this time, because they cannot afford to fall any further behind Liverpool at the top of the table.

“So, Mikel Arteta really needs a win, but how will he approach this? Does he regard Newcastle as a top side and, if so, will he play his robust midfield trio again in the middle of the park?

“He seems to be quite negative and defensive in games like this, and I think it is a legitimate question to ask if Arsenal can win the Premier League by being that cautious.

“Arteta really needs to go for it more. I am finding Newcastle difficult to predict because they do not score many goals, but they are still hard to beat.

“There are a few reasons why I am backing Arsenal – Bukayo Saka is fit again and, if Eze starts as well, they will carry a real threat. They have got Gabriel Martinelli too – but what happens here is really down to Arteta.

“Prediction: Newcastle 1 Arsenal 2”

The BBC Sport pundit making this all about Arsenal.

The underlying theme throughout what he says, is that if the Gunners turn up and play well, they will win.

As in, Newcastle United are a sideshow in this contest, a belief that Arsenal are clearly a better team than NUFC.

No guarantee NUFC will win but what Chris Sutton says, only make sense if you knew nothing other than the basic scorelines in our matches this season.

The BBC Sport man totally ignoring the hangover and issues from the summer transfer window and limited attacking options for Howe in certain games. Also the fact that United were the better team with 11 and 10 men against Liverpool.

As Sutton says, United have beaten Arsenal last three times up here and not conceded a goal. Indeed, the Gunners have struggled to even create any/many chances in these defeats at St James’ Park.

I am more than happy for Newcastle United to be seen as the underdogs in this game Chris Sutton and others writing off our chances and seeing this afternoon as all about Arsenal.

However, I think there is every reason for Eddie Howe and his players, to believe that  if they turn up and give their best, then no reason at all why Newcastle won’t make it four home victories in a row against Arsenal.

Newcastle United fixtures (All of the Champions League matches will also be available to watch on TV in the UK):

Sunday 28 September– Newcastle v Arsenal (4.30pm) Sky Sports

Wednesday 1st October: Union SG vs Newcastle United (5.45pm)

Sunday 5 October– Newcastle v Forest (2pm) Sky Sports

Saturday 18 October – Brighton v Newcastle (3pm)

Tuesday 21st October: Newcastle United vs Benfica (8pm)

Saturday 25 October – Newcastle v Fulham (3pm)

W/C Monday 27 October – Newcastle v Spurs TBC

Sunday 2 November – West Ham v Newcastle (2pm) Sky Sports

Wednesday 5th November: Newcastle United vs Athletic Club (8pm)

Sunday 9 November – Brentford v Newcastle (2pm) Sky Sports