Jacob Murphy admits he couldn't get near Arsenal star as "frightening" opponent also named

Newcastle star Jacob Murphy has named one Arsenal player he couldn't get near when the two teams met earlier in the season.

Arsenal are sailing away at the top of the Premier League table following an outstanding campaign in north London, which has seen them establish an eight-point advantage over second-placed Manchester City.

Mikel Arteta made it seven league wins on the bounce against Leeds on Saturday, reeling away 4-1 winners at the Emirates.

Meanwhile, Newcastle got the better of Manchester United on Sunday, winning 2-0 at St James' Park which saw them climb into third place on goal difference.

Versatile midfielder Murphy has labelled Arsenal as his toughest opponent yet this season, claiming it was "tough to get anywhere near them".

Murphy names Arsenal star he couldn't get near

Newcastle travelled to the Emirates back in January, where the game ended in a tense goalless draw, which saw Arteta come under fire for his touchline antics.

On the pitch, however, Murphy described Arsenal's quality, singling out summer signing Oleksandr Zinchenko.

"I think Arteta has done a brilliant job," Murphy told Rio Ferdinand's Five podcast.

"He's made some really clever signings in the summer as well.

"Technically, I think they're superior to a lot of teams. But tactically it's hard to get anywhere near them, it's hard to lock down their shape.

"It was tough playing against Zinchenko. I think he slipped three passes right between me and Sean [Longstaff] in the space of 15 minutes.

"He had no right to put the ball where he did. You think you're in a good defensive shape, but he's still picking out passes like that."

Murphy also mentioned Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, who have been in prolific form this season, scoring 25 league goals between them.

The 28-year-old added: "Saka, deadly. Martinelli, frightening also."