Mikel Arteta makes 'great' St James’ Park claim ahead of Newcastle United v Arsenal

The Gunners return to St James’ Park 12 months on from their 1-0 defeat, where Anthony Gordon’s winner was subjected to three separate VAR checks. Arteta labelled the decision to award the goal as “embarrassing” and “a disgrace”.

Arteta was charged with misconduct by the FA but an independent panel found the charge to be not proven after a hearing.

“That’s part of the past and part of the situation that happened,” said Arteta. “You learn from it and you take a lot of positives as well. We moved on. We talked through it in depth and that’s done. It is a year. A year in football is a long, long time.”

Arsenal gained revenge on Newcastle three months later when they 4-1 at the Emirates. But on home turf, Arteta knows the Magpies are a different proposition.

That is despite Eddie Howe’s side currently sit 12th in the Premier League table having gone five matches without a win. They are, however, boosted by the 2-0 Carabao Cup victory over Chelsea on Wednesday.

Arteta said: “The league position after nine games is very tricky, especially if you look at the fixtures they’ve had and some of the situations they’ve faced. But they are a fantastic team, very well coached.

“It’s a great stadium to play and you know that you’re going to face there, so, looking forward to it.”