Mikel Arteta makes ‘incredible’ St James’ Park claim ahead of Newcastle United v Arsenal

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta heads to St James’ Park this weekend knowing three points will take his high-flying Gunners back to the Premier League summit.

However, the Spaniard knows the task of taking three points off Newcastle United on home turf is easier said than done.

With league leadersTottenham Hotspur not playing until Monday evening, where they face Chelsea, Arsenal have the chance to keep the pressure on their North London rivals with victory on Tyneside, much like they did last season. In May, a goal from Martin Odegaard and a Fabian Schar own goal was enough to see the Gunners head back south with top flight gragging rights.

In that regard, Arteta admits his side know the job at hand - and how to complete it. He does, however, expect his side to have to deal with one of football’s ‘great’ atmospheres.

“When you play football, you want to play in those atmospheres. Like going to Seville, you know what you are going to get. It’s an incredible privilege to play in those grounds, you have to embrace the moment, enjoy it and go for it because it’s worth it. These are the arenas you want to be tested in,” said Arteta, who welcomes back skipper Odegaard after a two-game absence.

“[St James’ Park is] An incredible football atmosphere.

“It’s one of the toughest places to go and win. We’ve done it and there is nothing new to it, we know what we’re expecting. It is very clear what they do, what their strengths are, and where the opportunities are for us. We will try to take the game where we want.”

Things have been animated between the Newcastle and Arsenal coaching staffs in the past, but Arteta admits he has nothing but admiration for Howe and the job he has done at United.

Arteta said: “Huge credit to him, I think he has transformed the club, the environment, the atmosphere and what he created in the team as well. They have such a belief in what they do and that’s a huge complement to him for what they’ve done.”