Mikel Arteta gives his view on Newcastle United's performance against Arsenal
Mikel Arteta admitted that Arsenal had Bernd Leno to thank after knocking Newcastle United out of the FA Cup.
Arteta’s side won last night’s third-round tie 2-0 thanks to extra-time goals from Emile Smith Rowe and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang at the Emirates Stadium.
However, the outcome would have been different had Bernd Leno not denied Andy Carroll in added time.
Arsenal dominated the first half, but Newcastle gave a better account of themselves after the break – and Arteta – who was offered the United job after Rafa Benitez’s departure – was frustrated that his team hadn’t taken their earlier chances.
Asked about Newcastle’s performance against his team, Arteta said: “Yes, we knew that was going to be the case (that they would make it difficult), and we made that many changes around the team as well.
"I think we had more than enough chances to put the game to bed much earlier, but when you don’t do it in the opponent’s box, and the game is open, you know that you’re going to leave a situation or two for them to score.
"That’s when, in knockout stages, you need your goalkeeper to save you, and Bernd did at a crucial moment, and then we took our chances and won the game, and, overall, fully deserved to be through.”
United head coach Steve Bruce said: "You have to take your chances when they come along.
"We had the opportunity in the final few minutes and didn't grasp it. As a cup tie, it could have gone either way, and we rue the missed chances.”