Mikel Arteta’s blunt response to Newcastle United’s Premier League title question

Mikel Arteta says he ‘doesn’t know’ if Newcastle United are contenders for the Premier League title, despite holding his Arsenal side to a goalless draw.

The 40-year-old cut a frustrated figure during his post-match press conference after bemoaning two “scandalous” penalty decisions in the second half.

Arteta demanded a spot-kick for Dan Burn’s shirt tug on Gabriel and when Granit Xhaka’s cross hit Jacob Murphy’s arm during the latter stages.

Neither were awarded by referee Andrew Madley, or VAR, which left Arteta irritated when he faced the media after the game.

Newcastle stopped Arsenal from scoring in a Premier League match for the first time this season, as well as ending their 100 per-cent home record.

Eddie Howe’s side are third, eight points behind leaders Arsenal, but Arteta refused to say they are title challengers.

“I don’t know,” Arteta said. “I think there is still a lot to pay for and we will see. When there are 10 games to go, I can probably respond to that question.”

Arteta did, however, call the Magpies a “really good side” after insisiting his players did everything to try and win.

“It’s a football match. It’s very competitive, the way we play and the way they play - we are close in the table.” Arteta said. “This is the beauty of the league. I think we were really composed.

“They (Arsenal players) wanted to win and they threw everything at it to try and get the points. We could not do it but I think we should proud of the performance against a really good side.”