Arteta Declares Arsenal Ready to Challenge Liverpool's Title Dreams After Crushing Victory
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta enthusiastically praised his team for reaching "the next level" following a satisfying triumph against Newcastle United on Sunday afternoon.
Following a rejected first-half penalty appeal, all the energy generated from Arsenal's dominant opening to the encounter at St James' Park was deflated by Nick Woltemade's expertly executed header in the 34th minute. The Gunners, who had suffered defeat in their last three visits to Newcastle without finding the net once, looked set for another disappointing result.
There was a clear sense of uncertainty during the remainder of the opening period before Arteta's squad returned from halftime reinvigorated. Arsenal's relentless attacking pressure finally paid off through their most reliable method of scoring, as two headers from corner kicks secured maximum points.
The victory proved crucial given Arsenal's poor historical performance against Newcastle and the broader Premier League championship battle. Liverpool's flawless campaign beginning was ended by a late defeat to Crystal Palace on Saturday, presenting their title competitors with an opportunity to narrow the points difference at the top.
Having frequently missed chances to benefit from Liverpool's occasional slip-ups in the previous season, Arteta celebrated their dramatic success on Sunday.
"There are key moments during the season and clearly with our beginning and the challenging matches we've faced, today presented us with the chance to reduce that deficit and achieve it at a venue that holds very recent and painful memories for us. I believe it demonstrates the team's desire," Arteta expressed enthusiastically after the match.
"We talked about advancing to the next level, initially you must learn from history and we certainly gained valuable lessons from very different and painful experiences at this venue.
"Today offered another opportunity that football provides during a crucial week in the Premier League after all the demanding venues we've already visited early this season to demonstrate our identity, our aspirations, our goals and our playing philosophy. I believe the squad accomplished that today in an exceptional manner."
Arsenal faced a challenging initial schedule of matches. However, despite already confronting four of the previous season's top seven teams, the Gunners have collected 13 points from six matches. Liverpool are merely two points ahead at this early point in the season despite facing only two teams that finished above ninth position last campaign.