Declan Rice reveals the bold three-word message Mikel Arteta told the Arsenal squad before Newcastle win

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Mikel Arteta did not hold back when motivating the Arsenal squad ahead of the Gunners’ clash against Newcastle United.

For the fourth time this season, Arsenal faced Newcastle in a competitive match, and finally, Arteta’s side came out on top. 

A sumptuous strike courtesy of Declan Rice early in the second half was enough to claim three points, as Arsenal beat Newcastle 1-0. 

In the final game of the 2024/25 campaign at the Emirates, fans were treated to a win, which was exactly what Arteta wanted to happen.

• READ MORE: ‘Obvious’ Declan Rice claim made by Arsenal fans after Newcastle performance, it ‘couldn’t be more clear’

Mikel Arteta’s clear message to the Arsenal squad vs Newcastle 

Heading into the game having not won in almost a month of action, Arteta’s demand to win needed no explanation.

That being said, the Arsenal manager’s motivation behind his team-talk wasn’t to do with recent form, as match-winner Rice admitted post-match. 

Speaking to Sky Sports following the Gunners’ win, the midfielder revealed the three-word message that Arteta said to his players before kick-off. 

Referencing the fact that Newcastle had beaten Arsenal three times this season, the boss urged his players to take the trio of defeats personally.

“The manager’s message was clear: take it personally,” Rice said after the 1-0 victory.

It was a much-needed win for the hosts after Newcastle knocked Arsenal out of the Carabao Cup before winning the tournament, but the revenge wasn’t as sweet as some would’ve hoped. 

Alexander Isak was a big miss for Newcastle

There was a deflating end-of-season feel at the Emirates as, for the third consecutive year, Arsenal said goodbye to fans having missed out on winning the Premier League title. 

Still, a win is a win, and if there was one decisive factor behind the Gunners’ victory, it was Alexander Isak’s absence.

Arsenal fans joked about Isak missing the game, suggesting that the Swede didn’t want to face the Gunners amid transfer links.

It’s understood that Isak is Arteta’s dream transfer target, and for good reason, as the striker has punished the North Londoners this season.

In three appearances against the Gunners this term, the 25-year-old has scored two goals, both resulting in defeats for Arteta’s side.

Isak was the difference in the Carabao Cup and the away fixture in the Premier League, but was unable to feature at the Emirates on matchday 37 due to injury.