'Irrelevant' - Eddie Howe's blunt response to Mikel Arteta's Newcastle United claim after Arsenal win

For the second consecutive season, Arteta’s side lost 1-0 at St James’ Park. Anthony Gordon was the goalscorer last year and this time he was the provider as his cross was headed home by Alexander Isak in the 12th minute.

The Gunners, despite their superior possession, were unable to break down the Magpies’ defence to suffer their second consecutive away loss. Newcastle, meanwhile, ended a run of five Premier League matches without a win.

Arteta said: “We started the game really well, we were on top of it, looked sharp then one action with an unbelievable cross and finish and the momentum changes.

“You know the game they want to play, it’s clear. You can too often get dragged into that type of game and we weren’t good enough. Credit to them to what they do.

“When we went behind we lacked purpose and a threat. In transition we allowed them to sustained attacks and we gave 17 or 18 free-kicks so that stops the game constantly. It is not a good outcome for us.

“They are really good at what they want to do and we got dragged into that today.”

When Arteta’s comments were put to United head coach Eddie Howe, he replied: “It’s irrelevant to me what anyone says really a part from my team, and that’s how we’ve always looked at it. There is always outside noise so we just try to do what we do to try and win games on a consistent basis.

“We know it’s been inconsistent this season, they’ve had good bits and not so good bits. I think generally the last few games our performance level have definitely increased and we’ve consistent with it.

“Initially the results didn’t come but the last couple of games I think we’ve been rewarded for that upturn and now we have to make sure it stays.”

Howe added: “Yeah everyone pleased a big part in that win today. It’s been a really good few days for us, it goes to show how quickly football can change - two big performances against two very good teams.

“Today was built on all of our qualities we’ve shown historically - heart, determination, desire and quality as well. A good day for us.”-