2022 was a year full of fantastic highs and very low lows for Arsenal as the side took a step towards being more competitive at the back end of last season, but missed out on a return to the Champions League in the final few games. A summer of new recruits showed there was no sign of a hangover from the previous campaign, with the Gunners coming out the traps quickest.
That has showed little to no sign of slowing up as they ended the year top of the Premier League table and seven-points clear of Manchester City in second. There's still plenty to do, but if they continue their good form then 2023 could prove to be the year they lift the title once again.
However, they face the ultimate test of those credentials early on this year as they face Newcastle, Tottenham, Manchester United and Manchester City in the opening weeks. First up are the Magpies, who have become competitors at the top of the league after a huge turnaround at the club.
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"A very good team. Very well coached," Mikel Arteta replied when asked of his assessment of their opponents. "I think what Eddie has done in that short period of time, you look at the numbers, it’s incredible. Big credit to him and his coaching staff. Then they have created a belief, a big momentum around the team that they play the same way against any opponent. We are going to play at home in front of our crowd and we’re looking forward to it."
One of the big dilemmas facing the Spaniard going into the clash could be over key defender William Saliba, who was thrown into action against Brighton very shortly after returning from World Cup action. The Frenchman struggled at times in the clash and could require some respite to be in top condition for this run of games.
Arteta also has some returning players in his backline that could allow him to shuffle his hand should he need to make some changes. football.london takes a look at the players the Spaniard has available to him for the Newcastle clash.
Goalkeepers: Aaron Ramsdale, Matt Turner, Karl Hein.
Defenders: Ben White, Gabriel Magalhaes, Rob Holding, William Saliba, Kieran Tierney, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Lino Sousa.
Midfielders: Granit Xhaka, Thomas Partey, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Martin Odegaard, Fabio Vieira, Mohamed Elneny, Matt Smith, Amario Cozier-Duberry, Ethan Nwaneri.
Forwards: Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Eddie Nketiah, Marquinhos, Emile Smith Rowe.
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