Eddie Howe has insisted Newcastle must be close to their best to earn a result at Arsenal this weekend.
Newcastle travel to face the in-form Gunners in the Premier League on Saturday evening, with the Magpies in need of a result to keep alive their fading hopes of European football.
Newcastle won 1-0 in the reverse fixture at St James’ Park, as Anthony Gordon’s controversial goal condemned Arsenal to defeat in the North East. However, Arsenal arrive into the rematch in fine form and have won five consecutive Premier League games since the turn of the new year.
“We will need to replicate close to our best performance to get something from the game,” Howe said at his pre-match press conference.
“We have had some tight affairs, last year [at Emirates Stadium] was a really battling performance. We are definitely going to need to be at our best.
“Arsenal, statistically, are one of the best teams in the league, they are rightly where they are in the table, so it is a big challenge for us. We need all of our players to fire in all departments.”
Howe provided an update on his squad ahead of the trip to north London and revealed Alexander Isak and former Arsenal midfielder Joe Willock are in contention, after returning to first-team training.
“They have both trained. It’s been good to see them back on the grass. It’s been a long time for Joe. He has been a huge player for us, so I am really pleased for him.
“Alex is also a really important player for us. He has trained well so I am happy with both players. I have been pleased with their progress.”
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