Alan Shearer gives his opinion on who will win in 'huge game' between Newcastle United and Arsenal
Ever since Anthony Gordon scored that controversial goal to win the game for Newcastle United over Arsenal in 2023, the two fanbases have found it hard to get along.
Despite being analysed to death and most pundits, commentators and journalists agreeing that the goal had to stand, those with links to Arsenal weren't having it and wouldn't let it go.
It took months for Arsenal fans to even stop mentioning it on social media, going on like it was the biggest injustice to ever face the game.
What that did was create a rivalry that really has no right to exist when you look at the geography and the trajectories of each club over the years. But that goal and the fact that Newcastle are now breathing the same air as Arsenal at the top of the Premier League has caused this fixture to have a bit of added spice of late.
Alan Shearer is expecting some fire on Sunday
Thankfully, that seems to suit Newcastle more than Arsenal, as Eddie Howe has got the better of Mikel Arteta more often than not, especially at St James' Park.
All of this could be why Alan Shearer has backed his former side to bag the win, but also believes it will be a 'bad-tempered' affair, according to his prediction for Metro Sport.
"Huge game for two sides that both drew at the weekend. I think with Newcastle at home, I’m going to go with Newcastle to beat Arsenal in a bad-tempered game."
Newcastle will feel they have a psychological edge over Arsenal on Sunday
Newcastle have beaten Arsenal on the last three occasions at St James' Park and even beat the Gunners three times out of four last season.
It's not as easy as saying that means they'll win on Sunday, but it certainly won't hurt from a psychological perspective.
We're expecting an exciting match with another raucous St James' Park atmosphere however it goes.
