Arsenal vs Newcastle: Match Start Time and Long Journey for Toon Fans
Arsenal and Newcastle are set to face off at the Emirates Stadium this Saturday in what promises to be an exciting Premier League clash. The match is scheduled to kick-off at the unusual time of 8pm, catching the attention of football fans across the country.
The Gunners are currently on a remarkable run of five consecutive Premier League wins, putting them in contention for the title alongside Manchester City and Liverpool. Mikel Arteta’s men have been playing some fantastic football recently, securing impressive victories over West Ham and Burnley in their last two games. Their confidence will undoubtedly be high as they look to extend their winning streak against the Magpies.
On the other hand, Newcastle has been enjoying a decent spell in the top-flight. Eddie Howe’s side remains unbeaten since their 3-2 defeat against Manchester City in mid-January and has established itself as one of the most prolific teams in the division. However, they have also conceded a significant number of goals, setting the stage for what could be an entertaining clash in north London.
But why is this match kicking off at 8pm? The answer lies in TV selection. The game was originally scheduled to start at 3pm, but it was moved to a later time to accommodate TV coverage. TNT Sports, who holds the broadcasting rights, decided to select this match and opted for an evening slot due to Arsenal’s involvement in Champions League action in midweek. The Gunners will be playing against Porto on Wednesday, necessitating additional time for rest and preparation.
While the change in kick-off time has allowed Arsenal to better manage their schedule, it has caused some inconvenience for Newcastle fans. Traveling from the north-east of England to north London is already a considerable journey, but with the match starting at 8pm, it becomes even more challenging for Magpies supporters. To make matters worse, the last train back to Tyneside without any transfers and long waits departs London at 9pm. As a result, Newcastle fans residing in the north-east are being forced to find alternative travel arrangements to ensure they can make it back home.
This decision has not been well-received by Newcastle supporters, with Wor Flags, a prominent fan group, even unveiling a banner criticizing the move ahead of their team’s 4-4 draw with Luton earlier this year. The frustration stems from the fact that their travel options are limited and they will have to endure a long and arduous journey back after the game.
Despite the challenges faced by Newcastle fans, this match promises to be an enthralling encounter. With both teams aiming for victory, the Emirates Stadium is sure to witness an exciting clash between two sides eager to secure crucial points in their respective campaigns.
In addition to the live coverage on TNT Sports, football enthusiasts can also tune in to talkSPORT for exclusive coverage of the Arsenal vs Newcastle showdown. Faye Carruthers will be hosting the coverage, with commentary provided by Sam Matterface and former Chelsea defender Scott Minto. Fans can access the live stream through the talkSPORT website or listen via the talkSPORT app, DAB digital radio, smart speakers, or on 1089 or 1053 AM.
As Saturday approaches, anticipation builds for what promises to be a captivating match between Arsenal and Newcastle. The unusual kick-off time and the challenges faced by the Toon Army only add to the intrigue surrounding this fixture. Football fans across the country will be eagerly tuning in to witness the outcome of this clash between two Premier League contenders.