William Saliba shows true colours with honest Arsenal verdict after Newcastle setback

William Saliba has urged his teammates to stay united after a 'deserved' defeat to Newcastle United on Saturday lunchtime.

Alexander Isak's first-half header was enough , having now failed to win any of their last three top-flight matches. The Gunners could slip out of the top four by the end of the weekend as a result.

, who missed last weekend's 2-2 draw with Liverpool through suspension, admitted that he had a poor game and felt the result was just. "We didn't play the game we wanted to play. We deserved to lose today I think," he told Premier League Productions.

"I think we didn't play how we wanted to play and they were good, as well. It's okay, we are focused on the next week and it's not finished."

He added: "I have to be better than my last game. I was not so good. I have to be back at my good level. After [this game] I will be good and we will be better, but I also have to work to get back to my best level."

Arsenal have failed to keep a Premier League clean sheet since the 1-0 win over rivals Tottenham on September 15. could see his side fall eight points behind top spot should Manchester City beat Bournemouth later on Saturday afternoon - with that game ongoing.

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Saliba has urged his teammates not to stay downcast amid the club's lull in form, however, pointing to previous tough patches the squad has experienced last campaign. "We have to stick together," the Frenchman added.

"Last season we had one period like [this] and we need to stay together and have confidence to get out... We all believe we will come back."