Arsenal are set for a huge test in their hopes of winning the Premier League title as they face Newcastle United at St James Park. The Gunners head into the clash a point behind Manchester City, but could find themselves four adrift of their title rivals at kick-off on Sunday afternoon with City in action the previous day against Leeds.
After a run of four games without a win, Mikel Arteta's men secured three points for the first time since April 1 with a mid-week victory against London rivals Chelsea. Another test will now arrive this weekend against high-flying Newcastle who have lost just once in the league at home this season amid their pursuit of a Champions League qualification spot.
The clash is also of great significance to a number of Arsenal stars and Arteta as it was this exact fixture last season which took a top-four spot out of the Gunners' hands. A 2-0 defeat allowed north London rivals Tottenham to swoop in and take the final Champions League spot.
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With full knowledge of last campaign's shortcomings on Tyneside, Arteta will have likely been working his players hard at London Colney this week. With that said, football.london has rounded up all the things noticed from Arsenal training ahead of the weekend.
Partey recall hint
Thomas Partey was one of three changes to the team that beat Chelsea on Tuesday evening with Jorginho coming in. Over the last few weeks, Partey has struggled to perform at the high standards he has set this season and a starting XI omission could do him the world of good.
Against his former club, Jorginho impressed in his place, but the 29-year-old could be set for an immediate return. In training, on two separate occasions, Partey received the ball under significant pressure but both times was able to lay off a quick and clever pass to move possession on garnering the plaudits of several staff members.
Partey was criticised for his role in West Ham winning a penalty a few matches ago with his nonchalant flick intercepted by Declan Rice, but it looks as though the Arsenal lynchpin has learnt from his past error.
Smith Rowe joy
Emile Smith Rowe has struggled to earn consistent minutes this season with injuries significantly halting his progress. With the 22-year-old seemingly behind both Reiss Nelson and Leandro Trossard in the attack depth options, Mikel Arteta looks to have made a big positional call.
In training, Smith Rowe has been getting used to the 8-role which Granit Xhaka occupies and in training it was clear to see that reflected. Likely buoyed by another chance to get into the team, Smith Rowe was heavily involved in the clips filmed and every time he was spotted with a smile on his face.
Gabriel Jesus battle
One of the drills completed in training was performing a header behind a manikin and there was one special version saved for Gabriel Jesus. While most of the Arsenal stars competed for their header unchallenged, Mikel Arteta rushed over when it was Jesus' turn to put significant pressure on the Brazilian by leaning into his back.
The former Manchester City man is an expert at dropping deep and finding gaps in opposition defences, but at times he could be more physical against central defenders. Spotting this opportunity, Arteta perhaps saw it as a great chance to reflect a possible in-game situation for his star striker.
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