Pundit tips Arsenal ‘to crumble’ against Newcastle under ‘pressure’ of top-four race

Joe Williams
Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale appeals to the referee

Jamie O’Hara has tipped Arsenal “to crumble” against Newcastle United tonight as they compete with Tottenham for fourth position.

Spurs beat the Gunners 3-0 in their crucial north London derby last Thursday and backed it up with a 1-0 win against Burnley over the weekend.

Arsenal travel to Newcastle tonight with their destiny still in their own hands despite Tottenham moving two points clear of them in the table.


Thierry Henry and Alexis Sanchez in an XI of double runners-up captained by John Terry


And former Spurs midfielder O’Hara is tipping Arsenal to fold under the pressure as they travel to St James’ Park tonight.

O’Hara told talkSPORT: “Arsenal are going to crumble tonight. Howay the lads. I’m very confident Newcastle will get a result tonight. It’s pressure time for Arsenal and it’s a tough game.

“We saw yesterday with Tottenham, that was a tough afternoon. The pressure was on and there were nervy moments. Arsenal have to win and it’s a big, big night.”

O’Hara thinks Mikel Arteta’s ability to get the current Arsenal team challenging for the top four is “incredible”.

He added: “This is a tough game. Newcastle have been in great form with Eddie Howe and fair play to Arsenal, they’ve given themselves a chance. Their destiny is still in their hands, they win all their games then they’re in the top four, simple as that.

“They’ve had a great season. I was on the Sports Bar the other night and Arsenal fans were phoning up after the derby saying ‘Arteta out’ and I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.

“He’s just put this team together and they are fighting for a top four spot, which really and truthfully is incredible. I think they’ve had a good season. I still think Spurs will get there.

“When it comes to the crunch, this is an inexperienced Arsenal side. You saw with Tottenham on Thursday night they were shocking, they fell apart and crumbled under the pressure.

“I said it for months leading up to the game, it’s whether they can bounce back and get a result to pick themselves up off the floor. I just think the pressure is going to carry on and get to them. It’s amazing it’s all to play for still, the title, top four and relegation. What a season.”