Gunners boss Arteta admits they were not upto the mark in defeat to Newcastle United yesterday at St. James’ Park.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta had no complaints about his side’s defeat at Newcastle. But refused to concede that the title race is all but over.
“I am very frustrated, we deserved to lose today,” said Arsenal’s manager after Alexander Isak’s fine first-half header secured Eddie Howe’s team a first win in six Premier League games. “We got dragged into the game Newcastle wanted and not the one we wanted. But you have to be at your best in every game to give you a chance to win.”
Not that Arteta has given up on his goal of overtaking Manchester City and Liverpool at the top of the standings. His team’s deficit is seven points.
“After 10 games we are not going to find the answer now,” he said. “It is not about winning the title, it is about being our best version every week. We have to put it right on Wednesday.”
Arteta will have to deal with the injury to his key midfielder Martin Ødegaard once more if Arsenal’s Champions League matchup with Internazionale at San Siro is to be an exciting litmus test of the team’s resiliency.
“We don’t have him,” he said bluntly. “We can discuss that all day long but we have many other answers that are very effective.”
Those options fell short against a Newcastle team that even Arteta, who hasn’t always agreed with Howe, appeared to reluctantly respect in this match.
“They are really good at what they do,” he said. “They’ll drag you into the sort of game they want. They are all big and very physical, Joelinton especially.”
Asked whether he needed an Isak, Arteta demurred, insisting. “No, I love my players and I wouldn’t change them for anyone.”