BBC Sport pundit on Newcastle United – On the money now with two games remaining? | OneFootball

Some interesting comments from this BBC Sport pundit on Newcastle United.

Chris Sutton speaking ahead of Sunday’s match.

Newcastle United facing Arsenal away with a 4.30pm kick-off.

The Newcastle United players knowing they will end the weekend second in the table if getting the win.

More importantly, a victory would also guarantee Eddie Howe’s side Champions League football next season.

Chris Sutton talking to BBC Sport – 15 May 2025:

“This is a big game with second place up for grabs, and it is a bit of a grudge match too.

“Newcastle have beaten Arsenal three times already this season and their meetings have been quite spiky since the Magpies grabbed a controversial win over Mikel Arteta’s side in 2023.

“Arsenal will be absolutely desperate to put one over them this time, but I can see this turning into a real battle and I would not be surprised if it ends up in a draw.

“That is a better result for the Gunners, because a point would all but guarantee them a Champions League place – their goal difference is much better than the other teams in that race – even if their fans will want more.

“Prediction: Arsenal 1 Newcastle 1”

So is the BBC Sport pundit on the money here?

I can’t disagree with most of what he has to say.

The BBC Sport man correctly predicted that Newcastle would win against Chelsea last weekend and now I think Chris Sutton could well get it right again with his 1-1 draw prediction.

Only Everton (15) have drawn more Premier League matches than Arsenal (14) this season and the Gunners have drawn six of their last ten PL matches.

There again, Newcastle United have only drawn one of their last 22 Premier League matches. Indeed, only Everton and Spurs (five each) have drawn less PL games than NUFC’s six.

The fact is though, that the two teams couldn’t be in more different form.

Newcastle United have won eight of their last eleven Premier League games, whilst Arsenal have failed to win eight of their last eleven.

Even despite that though, where I would disagree with the BBC Sport man, is that I think a draw would be a better result for Newcastle United than Arsenal. I think the Gunners are getting Champions League even if they lose to Newcastle, especially with Southampton in their final game. I believe most Newcastle fans would take a draw if offered now. As the win over Chelsea has put them in a really strong position and with a massive goal difference advantage over both Forest and Villa, plus a four goal one ahead of Chelsea, so if adding another point at Arsenal it would be positive for Newcastle and could even see United qualify , if results elsewhere went their way at the weekend.