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Arsenal showed their mettle and came through a devilishly difficult fixture at Newcastle to keep the title race alive with a 2-0 win at St James’ Park.
In a compelling encounter played in a ferocious atmosphere, Arsenal stood firm and stuck to their principles with Martin Odegaard firing them in front from 30 yards on 14 minutes before a Fabian Schar own-goal wrapped it up in the second half.
Newcastle had won eight of their last nine games and suffered defeat just twice in their last 24 Premier League home games but could not find a route to goal despite Jacob Murphy and Alexander Isak both striking the woodwork.
It leaves the Gunners a point behind Pep Guardiola’s side, who still have a game in hand. Murphy was unfortunate to see a second-minute shot come back off the foot of a post and Arsenal were rocking and looked to be in trouble when referee Chris Kavanagh pointed to the spot after defender Jakub Kiwior appeared to block Bruno Guimaraes’ shot with his hand.
Arsenal were given a reprieve, though, as the official changed his mind after being advised to review the incident which showed the ball deflected off the defender’s knee.
Newcastle fans were still venting at the referee when Odegaard was given time and space on the edge of the box to fire a left-foot drive past the helpless Pope to give the visitors the lead against the run of play.
That moment of brilliance settled the away side into their stride as they took control of the game.
Pope had to save from Gabriel Martinelli and Odegaard in quick succession and then denied Bukayo Saka one-on-one after he had been played in by Granit Xhaka.
Aaron Ramsdale was called into serious action within four minutes of the restart when, after Isak’s header had hit a post, he clawed away Schar’s header from close range.
Martnelli then clipped an effort off the top of the crossbar as there was little break from the breathless pace of the game as play switched rapidly from end to end.
The next goal was going to be crucial and Arsenal got it 19 minutes from time when Martinelli’s driven cross ricocheted past Pope off Schar and into the net.
This was a victory to dispel any notion that this Arsenal team will not be able to sustain the charge. I am sure I will look back at some moments and rue some moments we didn’t get quite right.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said, “If Jacob’s (Murphy) chance goes in early on, it is a totally different game. When you give Arsenal transitions they are a very dangerous team and so it proved.”
“The result would tell you they did [imposed their style on the game], but in truth I think neither were dominant. You have to do your most, and you might lose still – this is sport – but it had to be different today.”
“Jorginho was exceptional, he was man of the match, there were question marks because it was going to be really physical, but if you want to go physicality against physicality, you have no chance to win the game so we had to try something different.”
“He understood the game really well, he’s a really intelligent player.”
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