Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta praises Newcastle United man’s ‘incredible numbers’ with record set to be broken

Howe’s first match in the dugout as Newcastle United head coach was a 2-0 defeat at Arsenal in November 2021. On Tuesday night, The Magpies return to the Emirates Stadium as a completely different beast compared to their previous visit.

The United boss helped transform the club in 2022, guiding them to Premier League safety and carrying that momentum into the 2022-23 campaign. Newcastle head into the match against Arsenal (7:45pm kick-off) sitting third in the table, 12 games unbeaten in the Premier League and with the best defensive record in the division.

But Arsenal are enjoying an even better season as they sit nine points above Newcastle at the top of the table and will be looking to stretch their perfect start to the season at home to eight matches for the first time in the club’s history. The Magpies could also break an all-time club record should they avoid defeat as the side has never gone 13 games unbeaten during a single top-flight season.

But Newcastle haven't beaten Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium since 2010, losing each of their last 11 visits and not scoring in their last seven.

Still, Arteta expects a ‘big test’ from the in-form Magpies as he said in his pre-match press conference: “They are a very good team, really well coached. I think what Eddie has done in a short period of time and you look at the numbers it’s incredible, so big credit to him and the coaching staff.”

After accumulating a dismal 37 points in 42 matches in 2021, Newcastle picked up 72 points in 36 matches across 2022 with only Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City earning more in the Premier League.

"They have created a belief and momentum around the team that they play the same way against any opponents, so we will start to prepare for that game,” Arteta added.

“It is going to be another big test, but we will play at home in front of our crowd, and I’m looking forward to it."