Mikel Arteta lauded his Arsenal side's performance following their dramatic 2-1 victory over Newcastle at St. James' Park. The Gunners snatched the win with two late goals from Mikel Merino and Gabriel, turning a 1-0 deficit into a crucial three points.

Speaking after the game, Arteta expressed his pride in the team's character and determination. He felt they deserved the win based on their overall performance and the chances they created. "What a moment! This is what we do," Arteta exclaimed, emphasizing the significance of the victory. He praised the team's incredible performance and the way they competed throughout the match.

Arsenal had to dig deep after Nick Woltemade put Newcastle ahead in the first half. Arteta acknowledged the difficulty in breaking down Eddie Howe's well-organized side. However, he was particularly impressed with his players' response to going behind, highlighting their emotional dominance in a challenging environment. "You really have to be dominant emotionally in these grounds, especially when things start to go against us," Arteta noted. He further added, "When you feel you deserve more and with certain decisions and then you concede a goal - the way the team reacted to that, the way we continued to play, it was, in my opinion, outstanding".

Arteta emphasized the importance of pushing the team to "the next level," particularly in demanding moments of the season. He believes that overcoming setbacks and finding ways to win under pressure are crucial attributes that separate good teams from great ones. According to Arteta, the resilience displayed against Newcastle showcased the team's consistency and relentless quality. "That is how you get to a different level. By going through those moments and taking lessons from it. It was a massive opportunity to show who we are," he explained.

Once again, Arsenal's substitutes proved to be game-changers, with Merino netting a goal, and Martin Odegaard providing both assists on his comeback from injury. Arteta praised their impact and the team's collective effort in turning the tide in their favor. He also acknowledged the tactical gamble of introducing additional attacking players late in the game, a move that ultimately paid off.

Arteta also singled out Newcastle's goalkeeper, Nick Pope, for his exceptional performance.