Every word from Mikel's Post-Newcastle press release | Press conference | News

After watching his side suffer defeat at St James' Park, Mikel Arteta answered questions from journalists on Tyneside following our 1-0 defeat.

He was asked about recent performances, our current table position, individual achievements and much more.

Here's everything he had to say:

to the frustrating result:
We started the game really well. I think we were on top, we looked sharp, we looked alive and then in one action, direct play, second ball, which is what they do really well. They bring the ball behind with an incredible cross and finish. After that the dynamic changes, the energy shifts, they know how they want to play and it's clear, and then in this type of game you have two options.

We weren't good enough and didn't have enough answers to get out of there, especially because we created the necessary threat. So in the end you have to rely on two or three big chances, which we had with Mikel, and two with Declan and one with Gabi. Not enough threat to change the game and win at any time. That's the frustrating part, but I also give them credit for what they did.

on the feeling about the league placement:
I understand that we didn't talk about it in the last eight, nine, 10 games last year and we won't talk about it now. It's about how we react. We won't find the right answers or words to describe them at the moment, but we'll definitely have to show how we feel on this field against Inter on Wednesday night.

to the players entering the field early after halftime:
No, that wasn't intentional. We did what we normally do and they left early because they decided to.