IF NEWCASTLE fail to beat Arsenal at St James' Park tonight it will be seven games without a win at home, writes Will Scott.

Ruud Gullit was boss the last time United went six games without a victory on home soil.

Gullit took Newcastle to the FA Cup final in 1999 but he failed to win the last seven games of the season - after the 2-0 semi final victory over Tottenham - three of which were at home.

The poor run continued the following term and the Magpies failed to record a victory in their first five games, again, three of which were at home.

The curtain was finally drawn on the Dutchman's 12 month tenure when the Magpies lost 2-1against bitter rivals Sunderland, on a rain-soaked August evening at St James' Park nearly five-and-a-half years ago.

Bobby Robson was the man to change the Magpies' fortunes on that occasion. This time Graeme Souness must turn things around.

GULLIT 1999: v Everton 1-3; v Blackburn 1-1; v Middlesbrough 1-1; v Aston Villa 0-1; vWimbledon 3-3; v Sunderland 1-2

SOUNESS 2004: vFulham 1-4; v Chelsea 0-2; v Man Utd 1-3; vEverton 1-1; vPortsmouth 1-1; vSporting Lisbon 1-1.