Eddie Howe picked out Arsenal playmaker Martin Odegaard as the difference-maker after Newcastle’s tough home loss.
Arsenal leave it late against Newcastle
For much of the night, it looked like Newcastle were about to add another big win at St James’ Park. Nick Woltemade’s first-half header had the home fans rocking. Arsenal seemed on course to drop more costly points in their chase near the top.
Meanwhile, Liverpool’s slip-up against Crystal Palace opened the door. But, Mikel Arteta’s side looked flat and were staring at another frustrating evening in the North East.
But, the script flipped in the closing stages. Mikel Merino came off the bench to level things up before Gabriel rose highest to nod in a dramatic winner from a corner deep in stoppage time. The delivery came from Martin Odegaard, who had only been introduced late but changed the rhythm of Arsenal’s attack. His sharp passing and composure tilted the balance. He gave the visitors the extra edge they had been missing all game.
Howe admits Odegaard made the difference
After the game, Newcastle head coach gave credit where it was due. Eddie Howe confessed that Odegaard had an effect on the match.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Howe said: “I think Odegaard made a difference to their overall performance.”
The Norwegian was good at making Arsenal advance at a time when the pressure was being applied. The manager also pointed to the minor details. He suggested that it was those moments of quality at key instances that ultimately cost them the valuable points.
For Arsenal, this was more than just three points. Having already stumbled earlier in the campaign, clawing back a result away keeps them firmly in the title picture. They now sit second after six games, two points off defending champions Liverpool.
For Newcastle, the defeat will sting. They had Arsenal on the ropes before Odegaard’s entrance turned the tide.
Author’s Opinion:
This game showed how very small margins decide matches at the top level. Odegaard may not have played the full game, but made key impact. Arsenal need that spark if they’re serious about chasing Liverpool down.
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