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Mikel Arteta lays into Arsenal’s woeful display in crucial match vs Newcastle

After Arsenal’s 2-0 loss to Newcastle United last night, manager Mikel Arteta was ruthless in his criticism of his players.

With defeats to Spurs and Newcastle in the previous week, the Gunners have let a good position in the top four competition slip away from them, and Arteta was clearly dissatisfied following yesterday night’s dismal performance at St James’ Park.

Despite having nothing to play for, Newcastle were the better team throughout the game, whereas Arsenal were the ones who needed a win.

Arsenal’s fate is now out of their hands as the season draws to a close, with the north Londoners requiring a win versus Everton and hoping Norwich City can surprise Tottenham with a win. Arteta isn’t known for his outbursts, but it appears he couldn’t defend his players after their poor performance in such a crucial game last night.

“The performance was nowhere near the level we need to be at if we want to play in the Champions League,” the Spanish tactician is quoted by the Independent.

“Normally, I sit here and I can defend [the display]. Today Newcastle were 100 times better than us in every department from the beginning to the end and it is very hard to accept it.

“We didn’t compete. We never got into the game. We put ourselves in trouble. We lost every duel. Newcastle deserved to win the game, probably by a bigger margin. We have to put our head down and swallow every poison possible.

“I am incredibly disappointed. It’s a very painful one. It was in our hands and today it’s not in our hands.”

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