Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side were beaten 1-0 by Newcastle United at St James’ Park earlier this Saturday.
It was another brilliant performance from Eddie Howe’s side who come into this match having beaten Chelsea 2-0 in the Carabao Cup in their previous game.
The Magpies have had a tough season so far, but the last two games have shown they can turn it around and move up the Premier League table in the coming weeks.
Alexander Isak’s first-half goal, brilliantly assisted by Anthony Gordon, was the difference between the two sides.
The Gunners were unable to make the most of their possession and Newcastle United kept them quiet with their composed defensive performance.
Arteta was particularly impressed with one Newcastle United player, whose physical appearance earned the Spaniard praise.
Speaking after the game, Arteta praised Newcastle United’s Joelinton.
“They’re all big and very physical, Joelinton especially was him with him (Thomas Partey) having to deal with him, especially playing right next to him.” he said, as quoted by the Arsenal official website.
“I love my players and I wouldn’t trade them for anyone else.”
It was another poor result for the Gunners who suffered defeat against Bournemouth and drew with Liverpool in their last games.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is going through a difficult phase
Defeat at St James’ Park has left the Gunners seven points behind league leaders Liverpool.
It was the perfect weekend for Arne Slot’s side who saw Arsenal and Manchester City lose their games while managing to win theirs with a comeback win against Brighton at Anfield.
Arteta’s comments about Joelinton’s physicality show the Spanish manager is looking for something similar in his squad, but he couldn’t find it against a strong Newcastle side.
The Magpies needed this win against the Gunners to change the mood of the club and this win could be the result they were looking for to push further and turn their season around.
