Arsenal must "keep their heads" and show "maturity" if they want to come away with a positive result against Newcastle, according to freelance journalist Jacque Talbot.

Mikel Arteta's side face a crucial clash in their race for the Champions League at St James' Park this evening and know that only three points will keep their destiny in their own hands.

What's the latest news involving Arsenal?

Following the Gunners' defeat in the north London derby last Thursday, coupled with Tottenham's win over Burnley on Sunday, Arsenal travel to Tyneside with the pressure firmly on their shoulders.

They know that maximum points from their final two fixtures will be enough to see them return to Europe's elite competition, but Arsenal have been shaky on the road of late and notably lost at both Crystal Palace and Southampton last month.

And the Gunners are expected to face a ferocious atmosphere against the Toon Army, who are planning a tifo to mark their final home game of the season.

Therefore, Talbot has called for cool heads from Arteta's charges and expects a tough evening, with the Magpies' only dropped points on home soil since the middle of January coming against Liverpool.

What did Talbot say about Arsenal?

He told GIVEMESPORT: "At home Newcastle have got a great record, but Arsenal have done so well this year, they have shown games of brilliance, the win over Chelsea for instance.

"They're so much more capable than they were before and it's these type of games against Newcastle they're going to have to earn it and show they can deal with the pressure and get over the line.

"They're going to have to put in a mature performance, they can beat Newcastle because they've got better players than them, but they need to keep their heads."

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Do Arsenal have to win against Newcastle?

Technically, the Gunners don't have to take three points, but anything other than a victory will leave them heading into the final day needing a favour from already-relegated Norwich, who host Spurs.

Therefore, if Arsenal have genuine top four aspirations, then only a 10th away victory of the season will really be good enough.

It's been a season that's promised so much for Arsenal, which has come alive of late with impressive wins over Chelsea and Manchester United but slipping up at St James' Park could put all of their good work to waste.