What Arsenal did in training before Newcastle game as Mikel Arteta delivers heartfelt statement

Arsenal paid tribute to those who have suffered from the recent flash floods in Spain ahead of their clash against Newcastle United. The Gunners will lock horns with the Magpies at St. James' Park on Saturday lunchtime as both sides look to climb the Premier League table.

The north Londoners head into the match after the 3-0 win over Preston North End in the Carabao Cup round of 16 on Wednesday evening. Meanwhile, the Tyneside outfit enjoyed a 2-1 victory against Chelsea, avenging their defeat in the English top-flight a few days prior.

Nevertheless, despite such a short turnaround, Arteta has been putting his players through their paces at London Colney. But, before the Arsenal squad began one of their final training sessions, the boss held a period of reflection for families who have been effected by the torrential rain in eastern Spain.

On Friday, Arteta started up his pre-match press conference with a heartfelt message, extending his thoughts and prayers. The Gunners head coach said: "Before we start to talk about football, I would like to talk about the terrible disaster that is effecting my country at the moment.

"We want to send - from our side - our thoughts, our full support and our sympathy to everyone that is getting effected - all the families and all the individuals and obviously all of the country that is pulling together to try to find the best possible solution in this difficult moment.

"From here, we just want to show our full support and ask everybody in the way that they can to support because it's terrible what has happened."

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Later in the press conference, Arteta was quizzed on Newcastle's shaky start to the season. Eddie Howe's men sit 12th in the Premier League after nine games - winning, drawing and losing three-a-piece.

Arteta said: "The league position after nine games is very tricky when you see the fixtures that they've had as well, and certain situations, that they've been through as well... but they're a fantastic team.

"They're really well coached and they're very intense. It's a great stadium to play in, you know what you're going to face there, so we're looking forward to it."

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