Arsenal extended their lead at the top of the Premier League table with a 4-2 win against Brighton on New Year's Eve. The Gunners moved seven points clear at the summit as reigning champions Manchester City dropped points as they drew against Everton.
Newcastle have found themselves embroiled in a battle to stay inside the top four and currently sit just nine points behind Arsenal. The Magpies have amassed 34 points in their opening 17 fixtures, a huge improvement compared to last term when Eddie Howe took charge at St. James' Park with the club facing relegation.
Gabriel Jesus may be sidelined until February for Arsenal, but Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Eddie Nketiah has shown they are able to share the attacking burden with all three having scored against West Ham and Brighton. Martin Odegaard has urged his teammates to "stay calm and keep winning" as they look to pick up a third win in a row following the resumption of the Premier League.
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Jesus' injury remains the only serious concern facing Mikel Arteta's squad at present, with Takehiro Tomiyasu having recently returned to first team training as Emile Smith Rowe also gets closer to a first team return. The same cannot be said for Eddie Howe, who has been hampered with injuries to a number of key players.
Howe revealed after the goalless draw against Leeds United on New Year’s Eve that Matt Targett had become the Magpies’ latest casualty. The Newcastle boss said: "Matt Targett has a heel problem.
"He’s been managing it for a couple of months but it’s got to the point where it’s too painful for him to carry on. When I say a couple of months, I’m including the break in that as well."
Newcastle's club-record signing Alexander Isak remains out with a thigh problem, although Howe admitted the Swedish striker is "very close" to resuming full training. Jonjo Shelvey will miss the clash against the Gunners as he continues his recovery from a calf injury.
Emil Krafth and Paul Dummett also remain unavailable for the trip to the Emirates Stadium leaving Howe slightly short of options for cover in defence should the injury crisis continue. Arteta will hope that his side can pick up another three points and avoid any setbacks as sporting director Edu Gaspar looks to reinforce his squad with new signings in January.
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