“Wouldn’t change them for anybody” Mikel Arteta defends players after massive upset against Newcastle United

Mikel Arteta said that he loves his players and that he wouldn't change them for anyone else after the 1-0 loss to NUFC.

“Wouldn’t change them for anybody” Mikel Arteta defends players after massive upset against Newcastle United

Mikel Arteta was quick to defend his players after the 1-0 loss to Newcastle (Via X/@NUFC & Arsenal)

Arsenal let slip a golden opportunity to close the gap between Manchester City as they fell 1-0 to Newcastle United. The Gunners were far from their best as a solitary goal in the early minutes from Alexander Isak sealed their fate. Arsenal only have themselves to blame as several missed chances and a lack of shots on target put them under the line of fire.

Following the game, Mikel Arteta didn’t seem rather pleased with the result as he spoke to the press. When quizzed about the need for a striker like Alexander Isak in the squad, the Spaniard was quick to proclaim his confidence in the squad. One notable takeaway from the game was the fact that Arsenal failed to register a single shot on target in the second half while chasing.

YouTube video

I love my players and I wouldn’t change them for anybody else.

Mikel Arteta told the press

A fan commented that Arsenal’s title charge ended before it even picked up pace to begin with. Another laughed at Mikel Arteta for still being behind Erik ten Hag in terms of trophies despite spending a lot more.

FS Video

Arsenal play their next game against Inter Milan in the UCL before making the difficult trip to Stamford Bridge.

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Not many expected Arsenal to come back empty handed from the clash against Newcastle United. Eddie Howe managed a brilliant 1-0 result as Alexander Isak bagged the winner for the hosts. Mikel Arteta praised Howe for his tactics and for the way in which he ‘drags’ teams to suit their style of play.

Eddie Howe and Mikel Arteta
Eddie Howe stated that Mikel Arteta’s praise is irrelevant to him (Via X/@NUFC & brfootball)

Despite the praise, Howe seemed to ignore his comments as Newcastle jumped to 9th in the table.

It’s irrelevant to me what anyone says really apart from my team.

Eddie Howe told the press via Hayters TV

As for the game itself, Alexander Isak rose the highest to head home from an Anthony Gordon cross in the 12th minute for the winner.

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A supporter pointed out that Arsenal have conceded the same number of goals as Erik ten Hag’s United, with the only difference that the latter got sacked. With Manchester City also falling to Bournemouth, Arsenal would have closed the gap to a single point had they won. As it stands, Arsenal are fourth with 18 points in ten games.