Bukayo Saka admits Arsenal found it so hard to play against ‘unbelievable’ Newcastle player

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Arsenal got the win over Newcastle United, but one of Eddie Howe’s players made the task incredibly difficult for the Gunners to overcome.

A statement win over the Magpies saw Arsenal reduce Liverpool’s lead at the top of the Premier League table to just two points. 

Gary Neville thinks Liverpool realised Arsenal’s true quality after the win against Newcastle, predicting that the Gunners will make the title race a thriller.

It was a joyous three points for Mikel Arteta’s side, but at one point, it looked as though the goals would never come. 

• READ MORE: Mikel Arteta now has a huge decision to make after what Eddie Howe just said about ‘tremendous’ Arsenal star

Bukayo Saka was impressed by Nick Pope’s performance against Arsenal 

Arsenal fired nine shots on goal in the first half at St James’ Park, but the scoreline going into the interval read 1-0 to the hosts.

It was a frustrating contest and one that made Arsenal wait for three points, with the two goals coming from set pieces.

A win would’ve felt unjust, as Arsenal controlled the game and threatened going forward, but Nick Pope made all the difference.

Speaking to Arsenal’s official website after the game, Bukayo Saka took the time to applaud the Newcastle goalkeeper’s impact on the contest.

“In the past, we’ve come here and had decisions to go against us and whatnot, and almost today, with the penalty and some of the decisions, and Nick Pope having an unbelievable game.”

It’s rare that the opposition single out one player for praise, but Pope’s performance clearly had the Arsenal squad talking behind the scenes, and for good reason. 

For the first time since 2023, Pope made four saves in the first half of a Premier League match at St James’ Park, with the last time ironically coming against Arsenal. 

More salt in the wounds for Aaron Ramsdale

The England international made life incredibly hard for the Gunners, just as he did for his teammate Aaron Ramsdale. 

Arteta stood by his decision to replace Ramsdale with David Raya in 2023, and ever since, the former Arsenal goalkeeper’s career has been on a downward spiral. 

After leaving Arsenal, Ramsdale was relegated with Southampton, leading him to spend the 2025/26 season on loan at Newcastle, where he’s being benched by Pope.

Against the Gunners, Pope showed exactly why he’s Eddie Howe’s number one, with Ramsdale watching from the sidelines as his competitor earned praise from the opposition.