Arsenal

Keown is right to praise ‘ferocious’ Newcastle factor

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OPINION

Martin Keown has indirectly issued a rallying cry to Newcastle fans after praising the atmosphere at St James Park ahead of Rafa Benitez’s side taking on Arsenal.

The former Gunners defender shared his prediction for Saturday’s game between the two sides and Magpies supporters should read his thoughts as a message to create an atmosphere that will cause their opponents problems.

“Watching their team play must be so energy-sapping for the Newcastle fans. Rafa Benitez’s side set up to limit the damage and get a point or three by hitting teams on the break,” wrote Keown for the Daily Mail.

“This will still be a difficult test for Emery. The atmosphere at St James’ Park is quite magnificent and the roar from their fans is ferocious.”

Keown goes on to admit that the Gunners are still working out how to be creative in the final third but avoids making a prediction for the game.

However given the Magpies currently sit in the relegation zone with just one point whereas the Gunners sit ninth with six points from four games then many will expect the London Club to walkout victorious on Saturday.

Yet supporters of Benitez’s side should realise that with Emery’s side having been given a scare against Cardiff City ahead of the international break then the Gunners’ team maybe easily be unsettled by a loud atmosphere generated by Magpies fans.

Keown acknowledges that Benitez’s style of playing against the so-called bigger sides drains all the energy from fans as it’s hard to cheer them on but supporters should be aware their side need them.

It’s very likely that Emery’s side will be unsettled by the Magpies’ passionate support which will mean they will be there for the taking, allowing the Magpies to pick up vital points.

Therefore Magpies fans must see Keown’s prediction as a rallying cry for them to personally cause the Gunners problems on Saturday as it may see the Magpies pass their upcoming test against side packed with world-class talent.

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