Just two points currently separate Newcastle United and Arsenal in the Premier League table this season.
Newcastle visit the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon where a win will confirm Champions League qualification and take them into second in the Premier League table above their hosts.
The Magpies have won all three of their matches against the Gunners this campaign, starting with a 1-0 win at St James’ Park in the league in November before winning both Carabao Cup semi-final legs 2-0.
Mikel Arteta: ‘Newcastle United are a very difficult team’
“They’re a very difficult team for any opposition, I think,” Arteta said on Newcastle. “What Eddie [Howe], the staff and as a club they’ve have done over the last few years is remarkable. They've been very, very consistent and very difficult to play against, like we've been.
They dominate almost every aspect of the game. They are great when they have to attack a low block and they have a lot of presence in the box. If they need to run set-pieces, run transitions, defend a low block or if the game has to get physical, they are ready to do that.
“The way they compete, they are smart. They try to take advantage of a lot of things like any good team, and you have to dominate a lot of things, even if you're not on top of the table in this league.”
Mikel Arteta: Newcastle United can challenge for the Premier League title next season’
Although Newcastle hope to qualify for next season’s Champions League, they are at the very least guaranteed a spot in the Europa Conference League after winning the Carabao Cup in March.
During their last European campaign in 2023-24, Howe’s side suffered badly with injuries. It still resulted in a respectable seventh-place finish last season, however Manchester United’s FA Cup final win over Manchester City meant they missed out on Europe altogether.
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Some will argue it has proven to be a blessing in disguise with Newcastle rediscovering their best form. At their best, Arteta believes the Magpies are capable of competing for the Premier League title but mentioned the impact of the extra games.
Asked if Howe’s men could be in the conversation of title contenders next season, Arteta replied: “Yeah, they’ve certainly built the squad, they have the quality and a very clear identity. On top of that, it would be very dependent on if teams are in Europe or not in Europe, playing once a week or three times a week. That's a massive change as well and we have all experienced that.”
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