The new Premier League season will be kicking off this weekend and Newcastle, for the third consecutive season, will be at home against a top six side on the opening day.
In many ways, it has been a difficult summer for Newcastle fans, one that will be remembered for the wrong reasons. Following the long wait on confirmation regarding Rafa Benitez's future at the club, many fans were livid that the Spaniard decided to part company with Mike Ashley and the club. There were numerous reports that a takeover was occurring but has failed to materialise to add to the fans' frustrations.
A number of potential new managers were touted by the bookmakers. The likes of Sam Allardyce and Roberto Martinez ruled themselves out of the job. Following another long wait, Steve Bruce was eventually appointed after pre-season had already begun.
Following the frustrations towards Mike Ashley's ownership of the club, a number of fans have decided to boycott and have announced their intention of not going back until Ashley is no longer at the club. In most cases, the boycotters have been aggressors in abusing fellow fans who want to support the team which has been unacceptable and needs to stop.
As for Arsenal, it has not been a glorious summer for them either. Transfer targets like Wilfried Zaha (at the time of writing) appears to have failed to materialise and many fans believe that the £72million paid for Lille's Nicolas Pepe could have been better spent on more Premier League proved players. In addition, defender Laurent Koscielny announced his intentions in wanting to leave the club, leaving Arsenal's arguably vulnerable defence even more exposed.
Facts and Figures
All Competitions
Arsenal wins: 77
Newcastle wins: 67
Draws: 38
Premier League
Arsenal wins: 28
Newcastle wins: 10
Draws: 10
Premier League at St. James' Park
Arsenal wins: 10
Draws: 8
Newcastle wins: 6
Previous ten (all competitions)
Arsenal wins: 9 (18 goals)
Newcastle wins: 1 (5 goals)
League Record
Home: Played: 84, Won: 41, Drawn: 19, Lost: 24, Goals For: 148, Goals against: 95, Goal difference: +53, Pts: 142 (56%).
Away: Played: 84, Won: 22, Drawn: 17, Lost: 45, Goals for: 86, Goals against: 145, Goal difference: -59, Pts: 83 (33%).
First met in the league: 1893/94
Doubles achieved: 8
Doubles conceded: 16
Last home win: Newcastle United 2 (Ayoze Perez 29, Matt Ritchie 68) Arsenal 1 (Alexandre Lacazette 14) - 15/04/2018.
Last home draw: Newcastle United 0 Arsenal 0 - 13/08/2011.
Last home defeat: Newcastle United 1 (Ciaran Clark 90) Arsenal 2 (Granit Xhaka 49, Mesut Ozil 58) - 15/09/2018.
Arsenal's Last 10
15/04: Watford (a), Premier League, Won 1-0, 66 points - 4th place.
18/04: Napoli (a), Europa League Quarter-Final 2nd Leg, Won 1-0 (3-0agg.).
21/04: Crystal Palace (h), Premier League, Lost 2-3, 66 points - 5th place.
24/04: Wolves (a), Premier League, Lost 3-1, 66 points - 5th place.
28/08: Leicester (a), Premier League, Lost 3-0, 66 points - 5th place.
02/05: Valencia (h), Europa League Semi-Final 1st Leg, Won 3-1.
05/05: Brighton (h), Premier League, Drew 1-1, 67 points - 5th place.
09/05: Valencia (a), Europa League Semi-Final 2nd Leg, Won 4-2 (7-3agg.).
12/05: Burnley (a), Premier League, Won 3-1, 70 points - 5th place.
29/05: Chelsea (n), Europa League Final, Lost 4-1.
Average placing last 20 years: 3rd (3rd in the Premier League)
Biggest win: Newcastle United 7 - 0 Arsenal (03/10/1925)
Biggest defeat: Newcastle United 0 - 4 Arsenal (27/10/2010)