Mikel Arteta faces scrutiny for his selection error in Arsenal’s defeat to Newcastle, with the club now evaluating the value of a key player amid increasing interest from the Magpies. As Newcastle looks to step up their pursuit, Arsenal must assess the situation carefully while Arteta works to address the team’s issues and avoid further setbacks.
Arteta Must Take Blame for Selection Error vs Newcastle
The full impact of this defeat in the North East is unclear, but it will likely be a painful one for Arsenal.
Newcastle showed the Gunners the challenge ahead by thoroughly eliminating Chelsea from the Carabao Cup midweek. While Mikel Arteta and his coaching staff might have taken notice, it was clear that many Arsenal players did not.
Similar to Chelsea on Wednesday, the Gunners were outmuscled in every aspect, controlling possession but failing to be the dominant side in their 1-0 loss.
Despite the pre-match boost that Gabriel had recovered from a minor knee injury to partner William Saliba, Arsenal’s defense struggled against Newcastle’s dynamic front three of Anthony Gordon, Joelinton, and Alexander Isak. Isak was left completely unmarked in the middle to score the game’s only goal with a header from Gordon’s precise cross.
What worried Mikel Arteta and his coaching staff the most was how little time Arsenal had to recover. Isak’s powerful header came in the 12th minute, yet Arsenal lacked creativity and attacking flair. More importantly, they were devoid of any clinical finishing. Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka both missed clear chances, heading wide from good positions either side of halftime, during which Arteta’s pep talk failed to spark his sluggish players.
Although Arsenal’s second defeat of the season was bound to come eventually, Arteta will be concerned by how thoroughly his team was outplayed. His decision to take off Mikel Merino after 61 minutes seemed to acknowledge the failure of his midfield setup, as the game had largely unfolded around the Spaniard on his return to St James’ Park. Despite using all five substitutes, nothing changed the flow of the match.
The defeat leaves the Gunners five points adrift of reigning champions and league leaders Manchester City, who play Bournemouth later. It’s far from the ideal preparation for Wednesday’s Champions League away match against Inter Milan, with Chelsea up next weekend. Martin Odegaard’s return can’t come soon enough.
One couldn’t help but wonder if Arsenal has taken a step back from last season when they narrowly lost the title to City by just two points. It had been a real title race, and Arsenal had been a true contender. They were expected to be contenders again this season and appeared to be on track. However, this performance raises significant doubts.
Club Assessing Player’s Value as Newcastle Shows Interest
Newcastle United could be directed to a €120m release clause if they increase their interest in São Paulo prospect William Gomes.
According to BMC News, they have added their own details today after Newcastle’s interest in Gomes became evident this week.
They mention that Gomes is regarded as a “revelation” in São Paulo’s youth system. As a result, the Brazilian club secured him with a new contract in August, keeping him at the club until 2028 with a €120m release clause.
It’s unclear if they would adhere to that figure, but São Paulo’s board is aware of the interest. They are approaching negotiations carefully and aim to properly evaluate the forward’s market value.
No formal offers have been made yet, but there is anticipation of future developments. Gomes is currently represented by Talents Sports, the agency that facilitated Gustavo Nunes’ move to Brentford this summer.
São Paulo urgently needs sales to balance their finances, and Gomes could play a key role in that. In fact, selling the young talent could provide them with ‘significant financial relief.’
They see Newcastle’s interest in Gomes as a testament to the strength of their youth system and hope it will lead to future “financial opportunities” being seized.
The first would likely be Gomes, whom they are now attempting to properly assess in case Newcastle intensifies their interest.
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