Mikel Arteta delivers honest verdict on Newcastle United fans after they mocked him last season

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Mikel Arteta was the subject of ridicule at St James’ Park last season, as Newcastle United got the better of Arsenal.

The two sides met four times in all competitions, with Newcastle United winning three.

That was because they were drawn against each other in the Carabao Cup semi-final, with the Magpies winning both legs. After the first leg at the Emirates Stadium, Mikel Arteta made comments about the ball, seemingly using it as an excuse for his side’s inability to score.

In the return leg at St James’ Park, Newcastle fans aimed a chant at Arteta. The sold out stadium sang ‘Mikel Arteta, it must be the ball’, as Eddie Howe’s side eased their way into the Carabao Cup final.

Having been the subject of ridicule, it would be easy for Arteta to fire back at the Newcastle United fans ahead of his team’s trip to Tyneside. However, the Arsenal manager has taken a different approach.

Mikel Arteta says St James’ Park atmosphere is ‘beautiful’

Ahead of Newcastle United vs Arsenal, Arteta has spoken to the media.

He was asked to give his verdict on the atmosphere at St James’ Park, where he has lost three games in a row.

“Incredibly beautiful,” he said, as reported by Arsenal’s official website.

“I think it’s one of the best football atmospheres in this country. As a player, as a fan, as a coach, you want to live in this atmosphere, they play every single ball with you.

“It’s electric, there is so much support there and it’s one team, one city, I think that makes it different as well, and to play it’s such a challenge and opportunity as well so it’s a great game to play.”

Mikel Arteta’s record against Newcastle United

While Arteta has struggled against Newcastle United in recent years, he has largely got the better of the North East outfit.

During his managerial career, Arteta has faced Newcastle 14 times. He has won eight, lost five and drawn one. All five of those losses came after Eddie Howe replaced Steve Bruce as Newcastle United manager.

Even as a player, Arteta largely got the better of the Magpies. During his time with Everton and Arsenal, Arteta played against Newcastle 16 times. He won 10, drew three and lost three. Across those games, he scored once and provided six assists.

However, the tide has started to turn when it comes to Arteta taking on Newcastle. His last three trips to St James’ Park have ended in defeat, including a controversial 1-0 win for Eddie Howe’s side in November 2023.

Anthony Gordon scored the only goal of the game, but the decision to allow it infuriated the Gunners. There were claims of fouls, offsides and the ball being out of play, but Gordon’s goal was given and Howe secured all three points.

After the game, Arteta went on an incredible rant, branding the decision as a ‘disgrace’.