Where else would you rather play in the world? Newcastle United star’s St James’ Park verdict | OneFootball

Newcastle United return to St James’ Park on Sunday.

A harsh 1-0 defeat at Arsenal, as United failed to take any of the numerous chances they created, meaning they didn’t even come away from the Emirates with the minimum of the point they undoubtedly deserved.

The fact that David Raya was named man of the match on Sunday, perfectly sums up which had been the better team and had created more and better chances.

Nick Pope made one outstanding reflex save in the first half but other than that, barely had a save to make, Rice with a very good strike from just outside the box that gave the Newcastle keeper no chance.

The Newcastle United star and his teammates though now have this final game at St James’ Park, having won all of their last six home Premier League matches.

If they make it seven in a row at St James’ Park on Sunday, that guarantees Champions League football.

Nick Pope has been looking forward to next weekend’s match and also reflected on the defeat to Arsenal, speaking to BBC Newcastle:

“I think we had our chances [against Arsenal], can’t say we didn’t have our moments.

“It was a high level game and we need those fine margins to go in our favour to get a result and unfortunately for us that didn’t happen.

“We performed well and there’s definitely positives to take.

“Not the result we wanted of course but, we’re 37 games into the season and we have the chance to finish on a real high so, that is all the motivation we need for next Sunday.

“We have got one game [against Everton], one game we need to win.

“It is very simple and there’s nothing else to look into and we have got to concentrate this week at the training ground and put in a performance.

“Where else would you rather play in the world [than St James’ Park]?

“They are going to be right behind us and we are ready for a big atmosphere, looking forward to playing in it.”

Arsenal 1 Newcastle 0 – Sunday 18 May 4.30pm

(Stats via BBC Sport)

Goals:

Newcastle United:

Arsenal:

Rice 55

Possession was Newcastle 48% Arsenal 52%

Total shots were Newcastle 14 Arsenal 12

Shots on target were Newcastle 5 Arsenal 4

Corners were Newcastle 7 Arsenal 10

Touches in the box Newcastle 33 Arsenal 33

Newcastle team v Arsenal:

Pope, Botman (Krafth 64), Schar, Burn, Livramento, Gordon, Tonali, Bruno, Barnes (Willock 76), Wilson (Osula 64), Murphy (Miley 63)

Unused Subs:

Dubravka, Lascelles, Longstaff, Neave, Ruddy

(Arsenal 1 Newcastle 0 – Match ratings and comments on all Newcastle United players – Read HERE)