Mikel Arteta: Newcastle a 'fantastic team' but Arsenal ready for 'tough' challenge

Arteta wary of in-form Newcastle but confident in Arsenal's ability to get a result

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has warned his team that they face a "tough" challenge when they travel to St James' Park to face Newcastle United on Saturday.

The Magpies have been in excellent form this season, winning five of their last six Premier League games, including a 2-0 victory over Manchester United last weekend.

Arteta is aware of the threat that Newcastle pose, but he is confident that Arsenal have the quality to get a result.

"Newcastle is a fantastic team," said Arteta. "They have a very good manager and some excellent players."

"They are in a good moment, so it will be a tough game for us, but we are ready for the challenge.

"We have to be at our best to win, but we are confident in our ability."

Arsenal will be without Thomas Partey for the trip to Newcastle

Arsenal will be without midfielder Thomas Partey for the trip to Newcastle.

The Ghanaian is suffering from a minor muscle injury and is expected to be out for around two weeks.

Partey's absence is a blow to Arsenal, but Arteta is confident that his team can cope without him.

"Thomas is a very important player for us," said Arteta. "But we have other players who can come in and do a job."

"We have a good squad and we are confident that we can get a result without him."

Arsenal will need to be at their best to beat Newcastle

Arsenal will need to be at their best to beat Newcastle on Saturday.

The Magpies are a well-organized team with a good attacking threat.

Arsenal will need to be solid defensively and clinical in attack if they want to get a result.

"We will need to be at our best to win," said Arteta. "We will need to be organized defensively and clinical in attack."

"We will need to be patient and disciplined, and we will need to take our chances when they come.

"I am confident that we can get a result if we play to our potential."