Arteta Must Keep Calm as Arsenal Chase Title; Havertz Over Gyokeres for Newcastle Clash

Arsenal find themselves in a precarious position heading into their Sunday evening fixture against Newcastle United at the Emirates. After Manchester City capitalised on their recent victory over the Gunners with a narrow win against Burnley, Pep Guardiola's outfit have seized top spot in the Premier League with just five matches remaining in the 2025/26 campaign.

The north London club's plight has been compounded by consecutive league defeats, leaving them needing an immediate response. Critically, City face their FA Cup semi-final against Southampton this weekend, presenting Arsenal with a genuine opportunity to reclaim the summit—though they cannot afford further slip-ups.

Discussing the Newcastle challenge, former Arsenal winger Perry Groves has outlined a tactical adjustment he believes Arteta should implement. Rather than deploying summer arrival Viktor Gyokeres in the starting XI, Groves advocates for Kai Havertz to lead the line against the Magpies.

"I rate Gyokeres," Groves explained to The Metro. "I've championed him throughout the season because I admire his mentality and his work ethic. He's bagged 18 goals and continues to settle in, whilst we're adapting to him as well. However, what caught my eye in the City match wasn't just our pressing intensity—it was how quickly we went direct. When Raya launched it long to Havertz out wide on that diagonal, he provided something different. He's superior at shielding possession, which gives us better control. Gyokeres will get his opportunity."

The Newcastle encounter presents its own complications. Despite their current struggles—they've won just three of their last 11 Premier League outings—Groves warns that the fixture carries historical baggage. "There's always an edge to these meetings," he noted. "They'll likely deploy a deep defensive shape, though Guimaraes' potential return would strengthen their setup considerably. But ultimately, this is about Arsenal's execution and mindset."

Groves has also stressed the importance of Arteta's demeanour during this crucial period. Chasing a title carries different pressures than defending one, he suggests. "When you're hunting, the anxiety eases slightly. When it's yours to lose, the weight intensifies," he observed. "The manager's temperament filters down. Look at George Graham—his composure was extraordinary. He'd stand there calm and assured, and that belief rubbed off on everyone. That's what Arteta must replicate now. He needs to project that quiet confidence, to tell his players, 'I back your character absolutely. You wouldn't be here otherwise.' These marginal details matter, but fundamentally it comes down to belief."