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Mikel Arteta makes St James’ Park claim ahead of Newcastle United vs Arsenal
Eddie Howe’s side go into this weekend’s game at St James’ Park without a Premier League win in five games.
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | For | Against | Diff | Points |
| 11 |  Bournemouth |
9 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 11 | 11 | 0 | 12 |
| 12 |  Newcastle |
9 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 9 | 10 | -1 | 12 |
| 13 |  West Ham |
9 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 13 | 16 | -3 | 11 |
However, Chris Sutton has stated that Newcastle’s issues have been ‘overblown’. At the start of the season, Howe’s side were playing poorly and getting results, while now it is the opposite.
The Magpies will hope that they have now turned a corner, and should be full of confidence after Newcastle beat Chelsea 2-0 in the Carabao Cup.
Mikel Arteta praises ‘fantastic’ Newcastle United
Eddie Howe will hope that result is a turning point for his team, and Mikel Arteta is under no illusions about Newcastle United’s quality despite their position in the league.
Ahead of Newcastle vs Arsenal, Arteta spoke to the Gunners’ official website about the Magpies’ start to the season.
“They’re really well coached, they’re very intense.
“It’s a great stadium to play in, you know what you’re going to face there, so we’re looking forward to it.”
Mikel Arteta knows what to expect from St James’ Park
Arteta knows exactly what to expect from the Newcastle United crowd. The atmosphere was much better on Wednesday night, as the Toon Army roared on Eddie Howe’s high pressing side.
The crowd was just as raucous last season, especially given the controversy. Ahead of that game, Arteta praised the Newcastle atmosphere, and called on his players to embrace the challenge. Sadly for him, it ended with Newcastle winning 1-0.
As is always the case at St James’ Park, the Newcastle crowd will play an important role. Games against Arsenal have become very heated, and the Newcastle players will be keen to get the fans involved as much as possible.
That was true of Lewis Hall last season. Now Hall is one of Newcastle’s most in-form players.
This year, it is taking Will Osula a bit of time to look comfortable in a Newcastle United shirt. But he is a project player, with Newcastle aware that Osula is very raw.
Even experienced players can take time to settle on Tyneside, as Lloyd Kelly has found since his free transfer from Bournemouth.
Lloyd Kelly reflects on the start to his Newcastle United career
Kelly is yet to cement a place in the Newcastle United starting XI since his arrival. He has been a bit-part player for Eddie Howe, who has often asked the 26-year-old to play at left-back.
He has been in and out of the team, while Kelly has not necessarily stood out when he has played.
Now the defender has reflected on the start to his Newcastle United career, and Kelly has told the Northern Echo that he now feels more settled in a black and white shirt.
“Coming into a new club, you want to get settled as quickly as you can. I think I’m finally starting to feel a bit more settled. Adjusting to how the gaffer wants to play and the teammates and things of course takes a bit of time. I think I’m finally starting to find my feet.
“It can be different and difficult to move, but there are loads of people here who gave me a helping hand and the squad made me feel welcome. Of course it’s going to be different, changing location and teammates, but everyone has helped me settle.”
Kelly just produced his best Newcastle United performance
Kelly’s comments come on the back of his best performance since joining Newcastle United. He played at centre-back alongside Fabian Schar on Wednesday night, as Newcastle beat Chelsea 2-0 in the Carabao Cup.
The former Bristol City player looked much more comfortable in the middle of defence, and he was happy with how he played. Kelly wants to be a ‘leader’ for Newcastle, and it looks like he is now finding his voice.
That presents Eddie Howe with a selection dilemma. Kelly looked really good at centre-back against Chelsea, and that should be his main position moving forwards. However, getting into the starting XI would mean replacing Dan Burn, who is one of Howe’s most trusted players.
It will be a challenge for Kelly to consistently play for Newcastle, but he has certainly shown that he is capable after finally finding his feet on Tyneside.
