Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was impartial, enthusiastic, and uncompromising. Arsenal left St. James’ Park with the win, defeating Newcastle United 2–1. The match ended as a thriller. At the post-match press conference.
Arsenal Fight to the Bitter End: Mikel Arteta Speaks
Newcastle led in the 34th minute, when Nick Woltemade sent the ball into the net after an Arsenal defensive mistake.
Arsenal persisted to drive forward but at the end of the game it felt like for nothing. Then, in the 84th minute, Mikel Merino headed equaliser from a short Declan Rice corner.
The match was by no means over. Six minutes into stoppage time, Gabriel Magalhaes sealed the win with a ruthless header from a Martin Odegaard corner.
That was not a bit of drama – this was history. This was Arsenal’s maiden Premier League victory behind at half-time in 940 days.
The 2-1 triumph had Arsenal second in the league, two points adrift of Liverpool.
What Arteta Said?
Arteta attributed his players’ resilience. “We deservedly won the game,” he said. “The way that we played, the way that we competed.”
He spoke of team bravery, quality, and belief.
One of the biggest issues he mentioned was VAR. He condemned one decision: a penalty had been given to Arsenal but later withdrawn after referral. In Arteta’s opinion, except for a patent and glaring error, VAR ought not to overrule a decision made by a referee.
He also called setbacks learning experiences. He outlined how such experiences form character. “You have to go through them in order to move to the next level,” Arteta said.
He also appreciated Newcastle’s Nick Pope, for making crucial saves.
Arteta was delighted with the way his team tackled the pressure, especially in a stadium where Arsenal had struggled in the past.
Author’s Insight
This result shows that Arsenal is not just challengers—they’re on the upswing. They battled back, stifled nerves, and banked three points.
The win gives confidence. It shouts to the world: Arsenal will fight anyone who wants to fight them.
As featured on GoonerNews.com
