Adrian Clarke looks at key tactical points and players who can be decisive in Matchweek 19.
Sven Botman (NEW)
A model of consistency at the heart of Newcastle United's back four, Botman has been the Premier League's best left-sided central defender this season.
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The 6ft 3in Dutchman has oozed composure and class, quickly adapting to the rigours of English football.
Newcastle have conceded only eight goals in Botman's 15 appearances so far, and the 22-year-old did not feature in their only defeat, a 2-1 reverse at Liverpool.
His physical presence has solidified Eddie Howe's side, and he will be an integral figure for them when they face leaders Arsenal at Emirates Stadium.
Immaculate defending
Botman reads the game intelligently and times his challenges well.
Shifting across to cover the left-back, he is regularly seen tidying up potential danger, and very rarely does he get drawn into making a mistake or ill-timed tackle.
Sven Botman making it look easy. 😎🇳🇱 pic.twitter.com/SFh4m781Ov
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) November 18, 2022
Winning 69 per cent of his aerial duels, the Dutchman has been incredibly reliable.
He is statistically one of the Premier League's cleanest central defenders, too.
Botman has made only five fouls and is one of only three centre-backs (that have made at least 13 starts) to have avoided a caution so far.
Fewest fouls/yellow cards 2022/23*
| Fouls conceded | Yellow cards | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Botman (NEW) | 5 | Botman (NEW) | 0 |
| Webster (BHA) | 5 | Zouma (WHU) | 0 |
| Zouma (WHU) | 6 | Dunk (BHA) | 0 |
| Van Dijk (LIV) | 6 | - | - |
| Konsa (AVL) | 6 | - | - |
*minimum 13 starts
The former Lille star has also visibly enhanced Newcastle's quality on the ball.
Once he regains possession, Botman has the calmness to measure up the right pass, often sliding a ball into one of the midfielders' feet.
When given time and space, Botman also has the confidence to drill long diagonal forward passes to right-back Kieran Trippier, or to one of the Magpies' forwards.
He is the team's most accurate passer with an average of 86.8 per cent, and is also successful with 65.5 per cent of those longer balls too.
Newcastle's top pass accuracy 2022/23
| Pass accuracy % | Long pass accuracy % | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Botman | 86.8% | Saint-Maximin | 75% |
| Willock | 84.1% | Willock | 66.7% |
| Almiron | 84.1% | Wood | 66.7% |
| Guimaraes | 83.2% | Botman | 65.5% |
| Joelinton | 82.2% | Joelinton | 61.9% |
*minimum 50 passes attempted
The summer signing acquitted himself well in a tough 0-0 draw at Manchester United and the 2-1 win at Tottenham Hotspur, but a visit to north London could present an even tougher challenge.
Arsenal have won 10 consecutive Premier League home matches, scoring at least twice on each occasion.
It is the first time the Gunners have achieved this feat since November 2017.
Acid test against Saka
Botman will have his hands full containing the movement of Eddie Nketiah but may be kept busier by Bukayo Saka, who loves to drive inside from the right flank.
This will be complicated by Martin Odegaard, who also drifts right as a matter of course, building a tremendous rapport with Saka.
Whenever Saka skips infield, he will regularly encounter Botman.
The winner of that duel over the course of 90 minutes could have a major say in the outcome.
