Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has hailed his side’s display after they recorded a stunning comeback win over Newcastle United on Sunday evening.
The Gunners fell behind in the first half of the match, but produced a spirited fightback to claim maximum points and close the gap on leaders Liverpool to two points.
The North London side had lost on their last three visits to the St James Park, but started the game brightly as they seek to end their poor run at the stadium.
They were denied a penalty as VAR ruled that there had been no foul between Nick Pope and Victor Gyokeres, much to the dismay of the traveling supporters.
However, Newcastle took the lead in the 34th minute when Nick Woltemade headed in a brilliant cross from Sandro Tonali.
“That’s how you get to a different level. Going through those tough moments and taking experiences from it”, Arteta said after the match.
“We discussed that in the game, and it’s a massive opportunity now to make a statement and to prove to everybody and ourselves the team that we are.
“And we certainly did with the performance and thankfully with the result as well at the end.”
Arsenal came off the blocks early in the second half, but were unable to conjure an equalizer until the 84th minute, with substitute Mikel Merino heading in past Pope.
Gabriel headed in a late winner from a Martin Odegaard’s corner kick, to give the Gunners a deserved win.
“That was a statement? Well, for ourselves, yes, just to prove, because it’s a terrific team that’s so difficult to play against, and we already played at Old Trafford. We played at Anfield, we played Man City”, the Arsenal boss added.
“We already played here very early in the season. And again, the level of consistency and quality we showed in the performance today was top.”
Arsenal’s attention will now shift to the UEFA Champions League, with a clash against Olympiacos on Wednesday at the Emirates.
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