Arsenal vs Newcastle Sunday match preview

Following what was, frankly, an abysmal performance against Bolton at the Reebok Stadium last weekend where they were beaten 1-0, Arsenal simply must take all three points from Sunday's encounter with Newcastle at Highbury.If the Gunners falter again and, as one would expect, Chelsea beat Portsmouth at home on Saturday, Arsene Wenger's men will find themselves 13 points adrift of the Premiership leaders and, therefore, faced with a seemingly insurmountable task to retain their crown.However, providing Arsenal's morale has not been affected by last week's game, they should simply be too strong for the Magpies.Newcastle have failed to lower the Gunners' colours in their last eight meetings, Arsenal winning five, three ending as stalemates. The last match between the sides, Arsenal landed the spoils, courtesy of a Patrick Viera goal at St James' Park in December. Arsenal were value for the winning margin that day, enjoying the lion share of the possession and goal-scoring opportunities, consistently exposing Newcastle's defensive frailties.Although Newcastle have recruited Jean-Alain Boumsong from Rangers subsequently, their defence still looks vulnerable to an Arsenal side rich in pace and attacking flair. In contrast, Arsenal's usually watertight defence - goalkeeper deficiencies notwithstanding - look at least the equal to Newcastle's strike force.Newcastle registered a 2-1 home victory over Southampton last weekend, adding to the south coast side's plight, and always looked a potent threat when in attack mode; Craig Bellamy put in a particularly impressive display and looks the most likely source of Newcastle ammunition at present. But, what stood out most was the unease with which they defended against a team lacking strength in depth and, had Southampton's finishing been more clinical, they could have taken something from the game. The likely superiority of Arsenal in this game has not been lost on the bookies, however, and as such the odds for a home win are prohibitive. But, not to be perturbed, several firms are offering evens about Arsenal/Arsenal in the half-time/full-time market, which makes plenty of appeal as a betting medium.The Gunners are invariably quick out of the blocks, especially at Highbury, so, with the likes of Henry and Reyes beating down on the Magpies' defence, we should see some early goal-mouth action, and Arsenal should establish a lead which they ill carry into the interval, before adding gloss to the shine in the second-half.