The Toon Army has warmed up the Howitzer and is aiming for the Gunners! League leaders Arsenal cruise into St James' Park to face a Newcastle side buzzing after holding red-hot Wolves.

But Arsenal arrive armed with an Eddie of their own in Nketiah, the hat-trick hero from last week. Mikel Arteta's men brushed Sheffield United aside with swagger and now target three more points on the road.

The Toon faithful will roar their side on, hungry for a statement win. But Arsenal's slick attacking artillery could blow Newcastle away if they misfire. Let battle commence on Tyneside.

Newcastle United vs Arsenal

The match will take place on Saturday, 4th November 2023, at St. James' Park

Gunners Purring After Nketiah Inspires Blades Destruction

With Arsenal's star striker Gabriel Jesus injured, there were doubts whether Eddie Nketiah could step up and fill the void. But the Gunners youth product delivered a towering performance, showing he's more than ready for the challenge.

Handed the responsibility, Nketiah led by example, scoring a scintillating hat-trick to blow away the Blades. He first showcased his predator's instinct, arriving right on cue to clinically convert Declan Rice's pass.

His second demonstrated his desire, bravely heading home while under pressure from the keeper. And his third was a touch of genius - a thunderous long-range rocket into the top corner.

It was the complete striker's display from Nketiah, blending skill, determination, and leadership. After questions over his ability, this was a statement performance from Arsenal's homegrown hero.

Ice Cold Saka Pulls the Strings

While Nketiah took the headlines, Arsenal's beating heart Bukayo Saka put in another masterclass. The young winger was a constant threat bombing down the right flank.

Saka's quick feet tied Sheffield United in knots all afternoon. He created space to deliver crosses and cut-backs which the Blades struggled to handle.

On top of his attacking output, Saka showed maturity beyond his years to lead the team excellently when handed the armband. His vision and decision-making continue to belie his age.

Watertight Defense Denies Blades

At the back, Arsenal's rearguard was rarely troubled, denying the Blades any sight of goal. Center-backs Gabriel and William Saliba dominated aerially and made crucial blocks.

Left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko was alert to mop up any danger down his flank, while right-back Ben White played with confidence and aggression.

In goal, Aaron Ramsdale commanded his area and ensured a comfortable afternoon by sweeping up behind his defense assuredly. Arsenal's defensive unit is shaping up to be title-winning quality.

Arteta's Arsenal Ooze Class

This demolition highlighted the gulf in class between the top and bottom sides this season. Arsenal simply had too much quality across the pitch.

The Gunners oozed confidence in possession, slicing through Sheffield United's desperate ranks seemingly at will. At their slick-passing best, Arsenal are capable of demolishing any opponent.

Arteta will be thrilled his depleted side delivered such a statement performance. The only downside was a late injury to Odegaard, who Arsenal will hope returns swiftly to spearhead their title charge.

Joelinton Lights Up Gloomy Night for Magpies

It was a quiet night for Newcastle's big guns Bruno and Miguel. But Joelinton came to the rescue with a superhero performance!

The Brazilian midfielder was a bundle of energy, zooming all over the pitch. His clever passes sliced open the Wolves defense like a lightsaber.

Joelinton unlocked the door for Callum and Anthony to score by sliding them through on goal with defense-splitting passes. On a tough night, this Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle stepped up!

Gordon Gives Trippier Troubles

Winger Anthony Gordon came in as a replacement for injured star Allan Saint-Maximin. He caused chaos down the left like a wrecking ball!

Gordon's pace and funky dribbling gave poor Trippier a headache all night. He turned the defender inside out like knots in headphones!

Trippier just couldn't keep up with the speedy Gordon. The youngster whipped in the cross for Callum's first goal to cap off a great display. What a performance from the young grasshopper!

Wilson Gobbles Up His Chance

Callum Wilson barely got a touch all game. But when he finally got a sniff, the predator pounced!

Wolves keeper Jose Sa made a blunder when he fumbled Gordon's cross. Quicker than a cheetah, Wilson reacted first and hooked in a slick finish.

The striker showed ice-cold composure again from the penalty spot to double his tally. He might not see the ball much, but this apex predator only needs one chance to kill off opponents!

Refereeing Blunders Cost Magpies

Boss Eddie Howe set his team up well to beat Wolves - Newcastle were 2-1 up don't forget!

But some silly decisions from ref Anthony Taylor flipped the game on its head. He awarded Wolves a super soft penalty when Newcastle were ahead. 

Then he allowed Wolves' second goal to stand even though there was a nasty foul in the build-up. 

These crazy calls ruined Eddie's brilliant game plan. Without them, Newcastle would have grabbed the win.

Schar Suffers Without Botman

With star defender Sven Botman out injured, Fabian Schar struggled. He had a night to forget.

Schar was caught napping for the Wolves' first goal. Then he gave away the penalty with a tangle in the box.   Oops and double oops!

Newcastle missed Botman's cool head and mega skills at the back. Schar's confidence looked shattered after his mistakes.

Let's hope Botman returns soon to fix the leaky defense! His spider senses at the back could've saved Newcastle here.

Predicted Lineups

Newcastle United: Nick Pope, Dan Burn, Fabian Schar, J. Lascelles, K. Trippier, Joelinton, S. Longstaff, Bruno Guimaraes, A. Gordon, M. Almiron, C. Wilson

Arsenal: David Raya, O. Zinchenko, Gabriel, W. Saliba, Ben White, Declan Rice, M. Odegaard, Jorginho, G. Martinelli, Bukayo Saka, E. Nketiah

Key Battles

Joelinton vs Partey

A midfield duel for the ages could unfold between Newcastle enforcer Joelinton and Arsenal sentinel Thomas Partey.

Joelinton has been a revelation this term, providing graft and guile in equal measure. His box-to-box running could shackle Partey.

But if the Ghanaian powerhouse stamps his authority, he can dictate the tempo and supply Arsenal's forward line.

This clash of styles and strengths could define who rules the midfield engine room at St. James'.

Conclusion

If new boy Nketiah hits the ground running again, Arsenal may have too much-attacking firepower for the Magpies.

But playing in front of a raucous Geordie crowd can inspire Newcastle to pull off a shock result.