“I think they’re a strong-minded team.” Premier League legend praises Arsenal

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·29. September 2025

“I think they’re a strong-minded team.” Premier League legend praises Arsenal

Wayne Rooney was in attendance as Arsenal demonstrated the resilience and character of a team with title-winning potential, defeating Newcastle United 2-1 in the Premier League yesterday.

Arsenal have often found visits to St James’ Park difficult, with Newcastle previously proving a challenging opponent. The Magpies also eliminated them in both legs of the League Cup semi-final last season, a reminder of how tough the fixture can be. With Liverpool having lost the previous day, the pressure on Arsenal to secure a result was considerable. They responded with conviction, delivering a performance that highlighted both their determination and their belief.

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Arsenal’s mentality under scrutiny

The match was far from straightforward. Newcastle offered their customary defensive strength and looked capable of frustrating Arsenal once more. However, the Gunners refused to let the occasion overwhelm them. They pushed persistently, and when the chances finally came, they seized them with composure. The eventual 2-1 victory not only closed the gap in the title race but also underscored the psychological growth of the side, which has often been questioned in previous seasons.

It was this mentality that impressed Rooney most. Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, he said: “I think this is massive. If you walk into the training ground on Monday morning, Tuesday morning if they have a day off that is, I think every Arsenal player there heads will be high, they’d be really confident. I think this is a different Arsenal, I think the mentality is good, I think they’re a strong minded team, they’ve got good characters in there and to win the Premier League you have to overcome challenges.”

(Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

Rooney’s perspective

Rooney’s words carry weight, given his experience of competing in numerous tight Premier League title races. He understands the demands placed on teams at the highest level and what is required mentally to stay the course across a long season. His recognition of Arsenal’s shift in mentality is therefore a notable endorsement of their credentials.

The victory against Newcastle reaffirmed that Arsenal are capable of winning difficult matches in testing environments. They showed the composure to withstand pressure and the belief to capitalise when opportunities arose. If the team can maintain this approach across the remainder of the campaign, their chances of lifting the Premier League trophy next summer will remain strong.

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