Newcastle United host Arsenal in Saturday’s 5.30pm Premier League clash with both sides looking to bounce back from poor form in recent weeks.
Second-placed Arsenal remain firmly in the Premier League title race, but their form has dipped at a crucial time – and Manchester City moved into top spot after a midweek win at Burnley, where they secured a vital 1-0 victory.
Just one win in their last six games in all competitions has seen momentum slip away for Mikel Arteta’s Gunners, with back-to-back league defeats against Bournemouth and Man City adding pressure.
Newcastle sit 14th in the table and come into the game on a run of four straight defeats.
Confidence has clearly dropped, something Eddie Howe has been open about.
Howe reflects on poor form
“We’re all feeling that pain at the moment,” Howe admitted in a press conference.
“It’s been a difficult period for us. We’re very determined to try and put that right and to try and win as many games as we can.”
Howe believes a lack of confidence is affecting performances.
“I feel the players are currently maybe lacking a little bit of confidence,” Howe said on Sky Sports.
“We’ve lost a bit of our normal flow and rhythm… There’s only one way to re-find that, though, and that’s through, in my opinion, hard work, a really good period of training, players staying very stable mentally.”
Lack of confidence
That lack of confidence has translated directly onto the pitch.
Howe pointed to the recent defeat against Bournemouth as a clear example of a team not performing at its maximum level.
“We’ve lost a little bit of confidence. I think that was clear against Bournemouth on Saturday,” he added.
“With the recent results we’ve had and just the way things have fallen against us, players aren’t playing to their maximum level. You can see that.
“We’ve got some very, very good players in the squad that are underperforming and you can’t put a figure on how confidence can damage the individuals.”
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Injury setbacks ahead of Arsenal clash
Injuries have also played a part. Tino Livramento is set to have a scan to assess his latest issue in what Howe described a “frustrating season” for the defender.
Anthony Gordon will also miss the Arsenal game after failing to train this week, although Howe stressed the issue is not serious.
There is some good news, though, with Bruno Guimaraes back in training and pushing to return.
“I’ve been very pleased with him, the week he has had this week will serve him really well,” said Howe.
“He’s such an important player for us on so many levels that of course we’re keen to get him on the pitch as quickly as possible.
“It’s been great to have him back around the group, though. He’s such a positive person that he can only help and inspire the players around him.”
Newcastle under pressure to improve
Despite the poor run, Howe is trying to stay positive and sees this game as a chance to respond.
“It is definitely an opportunity for us because the next game is always an opportunity, whatever moment you’re in, to prove yourselves all over again – most importantly to ourselves.
“We owe it to everybody connected to the club to commit everything we have to try and get a result.”
Attitude hailed
He also highlighted the recent performance against Chelsea as something to build on, especially in terms of effort and team spirit.
“We did that very recently against Chelsea,” he said. “I think we can take a lot from that game in terms of our attitude, how we played and the endeavour, spirit, togetherness we showed.”
“We have to tap into those games where we performed really well.”
With Newcastle struggling for confidence and dealing with injuries, the game could be a big opportunity for Arsenal to pull three points clear of Man City and regain control of the race.
Arsenal will view this as an opportunity to bounce back from recent setbacks, while Newcastle aim to end their losing run and rebuild confidence.
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