Reports!!! Out of anger Arsenal Mikel Arteta sends a three word message to Newcastle Eddie Howe after yesterday’s defeat at Saint James Park

Newcastle United players had the music pumping after the 1-0 victory over Arsenal as the players celebrated one of the biggest wins of the Eddie Howe era.

As the fist bumps and high fives flowed, across the corridor, there was a stark contrast in the visiting dressing room as the Gunners trudged off following the narrow defeat. Just a year ago, the Gunners’ screams could be heard down the tunnel as they watched a replay of Joe Willock keeping the ball in before Anthony Gordon scored.

This time there was nothing but silent contemplation as Newcastle’s win could not be contested after a fair and square victory. Alexander Isak’s header had proved enough to inflict a bruising defeat on the Spaniard’s team.
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After the game, Arsenal’s William Saliba commented: “We are a bit sad because we wanted to win here today,” he said. “Unfortunately, we didn’t because I don’t think we played our best game. But we have to stick together and be ready for next week.

“Maybe we deserved a point but I do not think we deserved to win today. They had one chance and they scored. We were on top trying to equalise but I think we have to do better. The game is finished and we have to be focused on what’s coming. When you lose, there’s not a lot of positive things but it’s OK, we don’t have to be so sad.”

Mikel Arteta and Jason Tindall pulled apart
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There was a flashpoint during the game when Newcastle’s assistant boss Tindall and Arteta had to be separated as tensions boiled over. When Sean Longstaff and Fabian Schar cleverly stopped a counter attack, Arteta and Tindall exchanged harsh words in the technical area.

It resulted in fourth official Darren Bond having to come over to calm the pair down. Arteta had spent the afternoon in constant conflict with Bond and at one stage issued a death stare when Joelinton made a foul. By the end the Arsenal boss could only hide his face with Eddie Howe then Tindall going over to shake hands- the best team had won and Arteta had nothing to moan about.

Arteta’s Press conference was a tame affair compared to last season when he said he felt “sick” after Willock kept in the ball to set up Gordon for the win. This time he said: “We expect every opponent has their qualities and characteristics and they’re really good at what they do.”

Lewis Hall’s defensive masterclass

The former Chelsea youngster had been criticised for his defensive work earlier in the season by some pundits. However, that could not be levelled at him after the clash against Arsenal.

For many, he was man of the match but probably for the defensive aspects of his game. One big block to deny Mikel Merino in the first half before a clearance off the line in the second half to stop Leandro Trossard were big highlights.

That was all part of a defensive package that featured seven clearances, four tackles and two blocked shots.

Nobby Solano’s big compliment to Anthony Gordon

I spoke to Nobby Solano at half-time and he was really impressed with the first half. He gave Anthony Gordon’s cross for the Isak goal full marks which is a great compliment from the master himself! He told me: “Arsenal will have been watching Newcastle’s crossing closely and were clearly caught by surprise from the first time cross. Great cross.”

That should be one for the scrapbook for Gordon from a player who has 62 assists in total in the Premier League.