‘You have to’: Mikel Arteta gives honest verdict on the atmosphere at Newcastle

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Mikel Arteta knows exactly what to expect when his Arsenal team head to St James’ Park to play Newcastle United on Saturday.

Newcastle are a spectacular team, but they are a different beast at home. The Magpies’ record at St James’ Park under Eddie Howe is impeccable. The only teams who have been his Newcastle side there are Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund…and Cambridge United.

Arsenal’s win at St James’ Park last season was very impressive. They won 2-0, as they continued their bid to win the Premier League title, which eventually saw them finish second behind Man City.

But Arsenal were amazing that day. They did a real job on Newcastle, ensuring they kept the crowd quiet with a display that was immensely irritating to watch as a home supporter.

It was a complete contrast to the time before that when Newcastle played Arsenal at St James’ Park. That was Newcastle’s final home game of the 2021/22 Premier League season, and the atmosphere was absolutely incredible.

It was one of the best in recent memory, and Arsenal got stage fright. Newcastle bullied them that night, leaving their Champions League hopes in tatters. The result left Mikel Arteta furious, and we all saw just how angry he was during the Gunners’ Amazon Prime documentary.

Arteta knows what kind of impact the Newcastle crowd can have, and he has addressed the St James’ Park atmosphere ahead of his trip to Tyneside.

Mikel Arteta speaks about he atmosphere at Newcastle ahead of Arsenal game

Arteta has spoke to the media ahead of Saturday’s game between Newcastle and Arsenal, and admitted that he is looking forward to experiencing the St James’ Park noise once again.

“You play football, you want to play in those atmospheres,” he said, as reported by Football London.

“You have to embrace the moment and enjoy it. These are the arenas you want to be tested in.”

St James’ Park crowd will have a huge impact on Saturday’s game

St James’ Park is an incredible arena to play football in, and it is a place where the atmosphere can have such an impact.

Arteta will be eager for his team to manage the crowd and do their best to keep them quiet, as he will know that will give them a great chance of victory.

As for Howe, he needs his players to give the Toon Army something to get behind. Whether it is a big tackle or a wonderful bit of pressing, the Newcastle fans will respond with a roar. It is up to his to help give the players that extra 10% and that belief that they can come out on top.

There have been so many big games at St James’ Park already this season, and this is another one. Arteta is excited, and it will be interesting to hear what he says about the Newcastle atmosphere after Saturday’s game.