Gunners can kick-start season against Magpies
BEN CLEMINSON PREVIEWS THE BEST OF THE WEEKEND’S PREMIER LEAGUE ACTION
ARSENE WENGER was right to describe his side as “very average” after Liverpool held Arsenal to a 0-0 draw on Monday night, but after the dreadful opening day performance versus West Ham it would have been a huge relief to avoid another home defeat to a team growing in confidence.
Liverpool will argue it was only an inspired Petr Cech that prevented them taking three points, yet Aaron Ramsey’s strike – wrongly ruled out – suggests honours were even.
The north London club head up to Newcastle for tomorrow’s early kick-off and should be backed to continue a remarkable unbeaten run over these opponents.
You have to go back to August 2011 – seven games – for the last time the Magpies even took a point in this clash, and November 2010 for a win. They haven’t beaten Arsenal at home since 2005.
Steve McLaren’s Newcastle have had a difficult start to the campaign, taking only two points so far, but a battling display at Old Trafford ended Manchester United’s 100% record last weekend.
A similar performance would make the best-price 3/5 with Betway still look a little skinny on the visitors winning, yet Arsenal’s hard-fought win away to Crystal Palace showed they have the grit for these potentially tricky away ties.
If they build on the second-half showing against Liverpool, Arsenal should be tough to beat and buying their supremacy at 1.15 with Sporting Index is recommended.
McLaren’s new signings – particularly Georginio Wijnaldum and Chancel Mbemba – have shown promise, but the team is still gelling together.
The hosts’ defence will need to work hard to keep out Olivier Giroud, who got off the mark for the season at Selhurst Park and has plundered an amazing eight goals in his last six games against Newcastle.
The Frenchman’s goal minutes are therefore worth a small buy with the spread betting firm at 27.
▀ Pointers…
Buy Arsenal supremacy at 1.15 (Sporting Index)
Buy Olivier Giroud’s goal minutes at 27 (Sporting Index)