Mikel Arteta's handbrake tactics have to change if Arsenal are to shift through the gears in the Premier League title race

Mirror. Signal. Manoeuvre. 

Arsenal have been left in the rearview mirror of the last three Premier League champions and their manager Mikel Arteta has this week railed against suggestions that his 'handbrake tactics' have been to blame. 

Those assertions will be put to the test on Sunday when the Gunners visit St James' Park, a ground they have struggled to get out of first gear at in recent seasons.

The Gunners have failed to score on four of their last five trips to Newcastle and with Liverpool winning their first five matches despite not being at full throttle, Arteta’s side are already playing catch up.

The Spaniard has never been short of an excuse whenever the Gunners have fallen short against Newcastle. 

After a 2-0 EFL Cup defeat at home to the Magpies last season, Arteta took umbrage with the different brand of ball compared to one used in the Premier League.

When his side lost 1-0 at St James’ in 2023 Arteta said the decision to allow Anthony Gordon’s winner was an "absolute disgrace" and "embarrassing" following a four-minute VAR check for four potential infringements.

The time for excuses is running out, though. Liverpool are already ominously out in front and could be eight points clear of Arsenal by the time the Gunners kick off on Sunday.

Arsenal forced Manchester City into an extremely un-Pep Guardiola performance last weekend as the Citizens were happy to sit deep and allow Arsenal the ball. It almost paid off but Gabriel Martinelli finally ended City's resistance with a stoppage-time leveller.

Bukayo Saka's Arsenal have struggled against Newcastle in recent seasonsCredit: Arsenal FC via Getty Images

However, carving out chances from open play remains a big issue for Arsenal. Taking away dead-ball situations, an area the Gunners have made their own, they have created chances worth a total of just 3.91 expected goals in their first five games.

That is a big worry against a typically solid Newcastle side who have allowed just 2.1 expected goals from open play this season, the least in the entire division.

In recent years the Gunners' issues against Newcastle have primarily originated in midfield, where they have struggled to cope with the Magpies’ press and the combativity of Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton and Sandro Tonali.

But Barcelona recently demonstrated an effective antidote to the Toon's physicality. The ball retention of Frenkie De Jong and Pedri managed to mitigate Newcastle's press before two moments of brilliance from Marcus Rashford helped Barca put themselves out of reach.

Summer signing Eberechi Eze could be crucial if Arsenal are to do likewise on Sunday; if Arteta is bold enough to take the handbrake off and play him from the start that is.

The physicality of Joelinton has long been a thorn in Arsenal's sideCredit: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA

The return of Bukayo Saka is a big plus but it is Newcastle’s right flank which the Gunners must exploit if Kieran Trippier lines up. The former England international was consistently exposed by Rashford against Barcelona.

The role of targeting Trippier could fall to Martinelli, although he has to prove he is just as impactful from the outset after scoring two crucial goals as a substitute recently. 

And if all else fails Arteta may have to rely on a player who is not even old enough to drive to provide Arsenal with the extra gear they have lacked at times. 

The pace and fearlessness of 15-year-old Max Dowman has already been seen to great effect this season and he is a potential gamechanger.

Rio Ngumoha, another teenage star, was Liverpool's hero on Tyneside earlier this season, and if Arsenal want to signal a meaningful manoeuvre in the title race they may have to mirror the champions' example.

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