'We deserved to lose': Mikel Arteta has no complaints after Newcastle defeat | first division

Mikel Arteta did not complain about his team's defeat in Newcastle but refused to admit that the title race is almost over.

“I'm very frustrated, we deserved to lose today,” said the Arsenal manager after Alexander Isak's fine first-half header secured Eddie Howe's side their first win in six games. first division games. “We were dragged into the game that Newcastle wanted and not the one we wanted. But you have to give your best in every game to have a chance to win.”

Not that Arteta has completely given up hope of overtaking Liverpool and Manchester City at the top of the table. “After 10 games we are not going to find the answer now,” he said. “It's not about winning the title, it's about being our best version every week. We have to fix it on Wednesday.”

If Arsenal's looming Champions League date against Inter at San Siro promises to offer an intriguing litmus test of the team's resilience, Arteta must once again make do without his key midfielder Martin Ødegaard, who is injured. “We don't have it,” he said bluntly. “We can argue about that all day, but we have many other responses that are very effective.”

Those alternatives failed against a Newcastle team that even Arteta, who has rarely seen eye to eye with Howe, seemed to grudgingly admire here. “They're really good at what they do,” he said. “They drag you into the type of game they want. “They are all big and very physical, especially Joelinton.”

Asked if he needed an Isak, Arteta demurred, insisting: “No, I love my players and I wouldn't trade them for anyone.”

The Swedish striker, long rumored to be on Arsenal's shopping list, had only Newcastle on his mind. He described the victory as “kind of a statement for us and for the fans” and said: “We've had a bad run, but I hope this can break the ice for us.”

Howe was equally optimistic. “The pressure eased a little after beating Chelsea (in the Carabao Cup) last Wednesday, but we had to be very strong mentally,” he said. “Today were 95 minutes of concentration and perseverance. We controlled and managed some very good Arsenal players quite well. We looked good. It's only three points but it means a lot. It's been a while since we won in the Premier League. I am sure that he will do us the power of good. But now we must ensure that this is not an isolated moment.”