Newcastle United's Eddie Howe talks up Arsenal, provides Sandro Tonali update
Arteta's side arguably exceeded expectations last season as they pushed Manchester City all the way for the Premier League title, falling short in the final few weeks of the season before finishing second.
The North Londoners have since strengthened their squad in the summer as they endeavour to compete at the summit once again as well as enjoy a strong run in the Champions League.
Arsenal are one of only two Premier League teams who are yet to lose this season after 10 games, with Arteta's men sitting second in the table and seven points clear of Saturday's opponents Newcastle in sixth.
Ahead of the contest between the two clubs in the North East, Howe has talked up the improvements made by Arsenal and has encouraged his Newcastle players to step up for the «big test» this weekend.
«It speaks for itself what [Arsenal] achieved (last season),» Howe said at a press conference on Friday. «They recruited really well in the summer. Declan Rice is a really impressive individual.
»I think they have moved on from last year and performed very well, mentally moved on and stepped it up. They are unbeaten (and) it is a really big test of our credentials. Mikel has done a brilliant job there.
«We are going to have to find ways to make it very difficult for them but we are looking forward to the game.»
Newcastle enter Saturday's match in high spirits after securing an impressive 3-0 victory against Manchester United in the EFL Cup fourth round on Wednesday, despite missing a number of key players and Howe's decision to make widespread changes to his side.
Howe has
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