Mikel Arteta Reacts After Arsenal’s Controversial Win Over Newcastle: “Unbelievable Feeling”

Mikel Arteta Reacts After Arsenal’s Controversial Win Over Newcastle: “Unbelievable Feeling”

  • Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has reacted after his side beat Newcastle United at St James Park
  • The Gunners came from behind to defeat Newcastle 2-1, thanks to defender Gabriel Magalhaes’ late goals
  • Both teams had legit penalty appeals waved off during a controversial officiating by the centre referee

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has shared his thoughts about his team's 2-1 win over Newcastle United at St James Park on Sunday, September 28, 2025.

Arsenal maintained the pressure on champions and league leaders Liverpool at the top of the Premier League table with a vital win over Newcastle.

Gabriel Magalhaes, Viktor Gyokeres, William Saliba, Arsenal, St James Park, Newcastle United, England, Premier League.
Arsenal players after Gabriel Magalhaes scored the winning goal against Newcastle. Photo by Stuart MacFarlane.
Source: Getty Images

New signing Nick Woltemade continued his goalscoring run with a brilliant header to give the Magpies the lead going into the end of the first 45 minutes.

Arsenal had a penalty appeal denied despite a VAR check after Nick Pope fouled Viktor Gyokeres. Midfielder Mikel Merino equalised for the Gunners in the second half.

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Newcastle were denied a penalty of their own in the second half when Gabriel Magalhaes handled the ball, before the Brazilian gave Arsenal the late win.

According to Fotmob, it was Mikel Arteta’s side’s first win at St James since 2023 when they won 2-0 against Eddie Howe’s team.

Arteta reacts to Arsenal’s win

Arsenal boss, speaking during his post-match conference as quoted by arsenal.com, admitted that his side got their deserved win in the end, and it made him happy.

“Unbelievable feeling. That's what football is about, and a team. When you get what you deserve right at the end, it's not a better feeling than that,” he said.

The manager added that he is delighted that his team took advantage to close the gap on Liverpool after the Reds lost 2-1 to Crystal Palace on Saturday.

"There are moments in the season and obviously with the start that we had already and the difficult fixtures that we had,” he added.

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“Today, we had the opportunity to close that gap and do it in a stadium that has a very recent and difficult past for us. I think it shows how much the team wants it.”
Mikel Arteta, Arsenal, St James Park, Newcastle United, England, Premier League.
Mikel Arteta after Arsenal beat Newcastle United at St James Park. Photo by Ed Sykes.
Source: Getty Images

Arsenal must keep their momentum to crown their efforts over the past seasons with a Premier League trophy, which has eluded the Gunners since 2004.

Arteta's side has finished second in the Premier League for three consecutive seasons, which has made many lose faith in Mikel Arteta’s project, with many calling for his sack this season if he fails to win.

Another notable point from the match and other English league games this weekend was the level of officiating, with many questionable decisions.

Chelsea's 3-1 loss to Brighton and Newcastle’s 2-1 loss to Arsenal were two matches where fans hit out at the quality of the officiating.

Arteta sends message to Liverpool

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Legit.ng reported that Mikel Arteta sent a message to Liverpool after Arsenal's dramatic comeback victory over Newcastle United at St James Park.

The Spanish manager claimed that his side will continue to push in the Premier League race, with Liverpool their main challenger for the title this season.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Elijah Odetokun avatar

Elijah Odetokun (Sports Editor) Elijah Odetokun is a Nigerian sports editor at Legit.ng. He has five years of working experience and holds a Bachelor of Agriculture from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, and a Diploma in Freelance and Sports Writing from the London School of Journalism. He has covered major Super Eagles games, including FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Email: elijah.odetokun@sportsbrief.com