EXCLUSIVE: Ameobi insists Newcastle United geared up for challenging Arsenal clash
Eddie Howes side has endured defeats in their previous four outings across all tournaments, their latest triumph occurring versus Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on March 14.
On a larger scale, the Tynesiders have endured eight losses across their most recent 11 top flight fixtures, securing merely three victories, with no squad experiencing more setbacks since January 25.
For Mikel Artetas squad, securing points is crucial as they pursue the championship against frontrunners Manchester City.
Looking ahead to Saturdays showdown in North London, the ex Nigeria forward suggested that Newcastle ought not to sense extra strain and that assurance will stem from adhering to their standard approach.
"Each fixture carries weight, regardless of the opponent. The squad is geared up, fully prepared," Ameobi stated to Flashscore.com amid An Evening with the Ameobis at the Fedash Centre in Sunderland.
"It will prove demanding, undoubtedly. Arsenal are chasing the crown, hence they will feel edgy too.
"Matches versus Arsenal are invariably testing, yet in recent times we have achieved solid outcomes against them, boosting their morale heading in."
Newcastle has faced difficulties on the road at Arsenal historically, without a victory in 13 Premier League away games at the Emirates, managing one draw and 12 losses. They have netted only once during their past nine league visits to North London.
As Mikel Artetas team seeks to achieve the league double over the six time FA Cup holders for the first instance since 202021, after their 2 1 success at St James Park in September, Ameobi stresses that Howes group should prioritise reclaiming their core style over dwelling on the event.
"No, zero added strain. Strain accompanies every match; each has its unique value," he went on.
"Arsenal represent a strong outfit, so the challenge lies in travelling and facing a top team.
"However, if Newcastle execute what they are capable of, which has eluded them lately, returning to their true form, playing the style that yields success, they should fare well."
Newcastles preceding nine Premier League encounters have all hinged on a solitary goal margin, yielding three triumphs and six reversals.
In elite division annals, solely three clubs have recorded ten or more successive single goal results: Everton with 10 in 1911, West Ham with 10 in 196465, plus Southampton with 12 in 1992.
Ameobi rejects idea of Newcastle decline
Newcastle United savoured a standout 202425 term, ending fifth in the Premier League while clinching the Carabao Cup to halt a 70 year wait for silverware at home.
Yet this term has presented greater hurdles, with the Tynesiders placed 14th in the standings, bowing out of the FA Cup at the fifth round stage, and departing the Champions League in the last 16 following a resounding loss to FC Barcelona.
Amid the challenges, Ameobi maintains that the organisation has not slipped back and regards the campaign through a fairer perspective.
"No alterations. You cannot dominate annually. Sustaining success across tournaments is tough," Ameobi remarked.
"Rivals are improving around you. This season we have contested numerous events, including Champions League jaunts, all impacting the group.
"Injuries play a major role too. Superficially it may seem we are off target, but overall it has been positive, qualifying for Europe, our deepest run there, a huge milestone.
"Several fixtures remain, so we shall observe their final standing."