Mikel Arteta Praises Newcastle's Intensity After Barcelona Draw

Mikel Arteta Press Conference 

Mikel Arteta hails Newcastle United's high-pressing style after 1-1 draw with Barcelona. Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta praises Newcastle's intensity and discusses friend David Moyes ahead of Everton clash.

“I realise what is happening in the Premier League what is happening the other day...”

Mikel Arteta is standing firm on Arsenal's corner tactics, insisting “rules are rules” amid criticism from opponents. The Arsenal boss addressed the media ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash with Everton, emphasizing that teams need to adapt to the game's evolution.

Arteta's side has been praised for their set-piece prowess, with Everton manager David Moyes defending Arsenal's tactics, saying it's “part of the game” and that criticism is unwarranted. Moyes also hailed Arteta as a “brilliant manager” who's done an incredible job with the Gunners.

Arsenal currently leads the Premier League by seven points over second-place Manchester City and aims to continue their fine form with a win over Everton. 

Arteta Praises Newcastle's Intensity

Mikel Arteta praised Newcastle United's intensity and high-pressing style after their 1-1 draw with Barcelona, calling them a “very intense” team. He also discussed his friendship with Everton manager David Moyes and the struggles of Premier League sides in Europe.

“A big part of his staff have huge memories, he changed my career after my decision to go back to Spain. He brought me to Everton and a lot of incredible things we shared together. 

“I realise what is happening in the Premier League what is happening the other day. Barcelona is one of the exciting teams to watch. They face Newcastle, intense, so good in transition and we see a game that Barcelona never play. Huge credit to Newcastle.”

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Read every word from Mikel Arteta's pre-Everton press conference 👇

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 13, 2026

Arteta Stands Firm on Corner Tactics

Mikel Arteta is standing his ground on Arsenal's corner tactics, saying “rules are rules” amid criticism from opponents. The Arsenal boss believes teams need to adapt to the game's evolution, rather than complaining about tactics. Arteta's side has been praised for their set-piece prowess, with Everton manager David Moyes defending Arsenal's approach, saying it's “part of the game.”

Arteta has provided a fitness update on Odegaard and Trossard 👇

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 13, 2026

Former Chelsea player John Obi Mikel has criticized Arsenal's playing style, calling it “illegal” and saying they're “trying to cheat their way to winning the Premier League.” However, Arteta remains defiant, saying he's upset Arsenal doesn't score more from corners and wants his team to dominate every aspect of the game.

“That's why there are the rules. Don't want to see long throws? Make it so you can't take longer.

“The biggest issue is the man-to-man. If you say you cannot man-to-man, you will have a different league.”