Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta unwilling to concede defeat in Premier League title race yet following 2-0 win over Newcastle

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has refused to give up on the Premier League title despite Manchester City’s lead at the top of the table.

The Gunners won their game against Newcastle United today to keep the pressure on the Manchester club.

A Martin Odegaard strike and an own goal by Fabian Schar helped the Gunners to win the match.

However, Arsenal can consider themselves fortunate to have come away with the win. The Magpies hit the woodwork twice and had a penalty call overturned.

Newcastle won the corresponding fixture last season and Arteta admitted they were eager to set the record straight this time around.

He said (via Arsenal’s official website): “It meant a lot. It was a real test. They hurt our pride last year, and in sport, when you have another opportunity, you have to make sure you learn from it. 

“We had to remember how we felt a year ago when we were here. Today had to be different.

“We had to play the game with a different level of implication, intelligence, and maturity, and we showed a real fight today and a desire to win.

“They are creating something important here. That atmosphere was rocking. They have a great team. Great organisation, great individuals, and we won here.

“That, in my opinion, is a big statement as well with how far we have come.”

The Gunners have now secured back-to-back wins after defeating London rivals Chelsea and high-flying Newcastle this week.

They are still putting pressure on City for the title with three games left. Arteta is happy with where they are but asked his side to keep pushing.

Arsenal are chasing their first league title in 19 years but recently dropped points against West Ham United, Liverpool and Southampton.

They also lost to Man City, allowing Pep Guardiola’s side to overtake them. But Arteta is not ready to throw in the towel yet.

“It has been critical because it is the most important part of the season – the nicest part of the season,” Arteta added.

“Today, we are second, but to play for the championship with three games to go against this team, and win, it doesn’t get better than that. 

“If you want to be involved in elite sport, you have to embrace those moments. There is no giving up. I saw a lot of people after the City game almost turning back and I hate that. 

“I am not going to accept that from anybody – from the team or any members of staff. 

“We have to keep going because you never know. We have to keep digging – we have done it for ten months, now is the moment to do it even harder than before.”