Time to start firing when Gunners visit

ARSENAL are habitually chief bridesmaid never the bride when standing at the Premier League altar.

- JOHNGIBSON

For the last three seasons the Gunners have finished runners-up, even when Manchester City’s domination was brought to an end.

The baton was handed over to Liverpool not them, much to the anguish of the little-loved Mikel Arteta.

Now Arsenal are going again in an effort to make that last final step yet they are already trailing Liverpool by five points having avoided defeat at home to Man City only through an injury time equaliser last time out.

All of which means they will land at our front door on Sunday dangerously thirsty not to sacrifice more ground. That is unthinkable if their dream is to be realised.

Having lost twice at home to the cream of the crop - Liverpool and Barcelona - can Newcastle avoid an unwanted early hat-trick? Well, recent history tell us we can.

United beat Arsenal twice at SJP last season and three times out of four over the full course. It was 1-0 up here in the Premier League, 2-0 in the League Cup.

Add a stunning 2-0 victory at the Emirates in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semifinal and only a 1-0 defeat down in the smoke in United’s last away match of a long campaign spoiled a full house.