Mikel Arteta insists Arsenal's latest trip to face Newcastle United will be a 'very different game' after seeing their top-four hopes end on Tyneside last season. However, the Gunners boss admits they will have to 'play better' if they are to emerge with the victory required to keep the pressure on Manchester City in the title race.
Having led the Premier League for most of the campaign, Arsenal now trail Pep Guardiola's side and could be four points adrift come kick-off on Sunday afternoon. St James' Park will not hold fond memories for the title challengers however, with a 2-0 defeat to Newcastle in May last year all but ending their bid to qualify for the Champions League.
Eddie Howe confirmed he would not be looking to last season's memorable encounter for inspiration in his pre-match press conference on Friday, arguing both sides have made huge improvements in the intervening year. Arteta echoed the words of his counterpart, but warned his side will have to be at the top of their game to pick up a win in the North East.
