Arsenal claim crucial 2-0 win against Newcastle, keeping their Premier League title hopes alive. Odegaard and Schar’s own goal seal victory.

  • Arsenal secured a crucial 2-0 victory against Newcastle, closing the gap to one point behind Manchester City in the Premier League title race.
  • Martin Odegaard’s first-half strike and Fabian Schar’s own goal in the second half sealed the win for the Gunners.
  • The victory showcased Arsenal’s resilience and determination, despite Newcastle’s Stokesque tactics and weak refereeing.
  • Martin Odegaard, Jorginho and Aaron Ramsdale give their thoughts on the game.
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - MAY 07: Martin Odegaard of Arsenal celebrates after scoring the team's first goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Arsenal FC at St. James Park on May 07, 2023 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – MAY 07: Martin Odegaard of Arsenal celebrates after scoring the team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Arsenal FC at St. James Park on May 07, 2023 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

In a high-stakes clash at St James’ Park, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal displayed their intent to keep their Premier League title dreams alive by overcoming Eddie Howe’s in-form Newcastle side.

A first-half strike from Martin Odegaard and a Fabian Schar own goal in the second half secured a vital 2-0 victory for the Gunners, putting them just one point behind leaders Manchester City.

Despite Newcastle’s recent impressive form in pursuit of a Champions League spot, the Magpies were unable to withstand Arsenal’s quality. The visitors endured a frenzied match, with both sides missing a wealth of chances on either side of the break.

Arsenal's Brazilian midfielder Gabriel Martinelli (C) is congratulated by Arsenal's Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus (R) after celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the English Premier League football match between Newcastle United and Arsenal at St James' Park in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, north east England on May 7, 2023.(Photo by LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal’s Brazilian midfielder Gabriel Martinelli (C) is congratulated by Arsenal’s Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus (R) after celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the English Premier League football match between Newcastle United and Arsenal at St James’ Park in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, north east England on May 7, 2023.(Photo by LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP via Getty Images)

The referee’s leniency towards Newcastle’s thuggish play, allowing kicking, raking and elbowing without punishment, did little to dampen Arsenal’s resolve. While it threatened to spill over at numerous points, Arsenal managed the game much better than they have in recent weeks.

Jorginho, player of the match, provided the assist for Odegaard’s superb 20-yard drive in the 14th minute. The goal exemplified the Norwegian’s growing influence on Arteta’s side as they chase their first league title in 19 years.

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With just 20 minutes left on the clock, Schar inadvertently doubled Arsenal’s lead while attempting to clear a cross from Martinelli who had ran half the length of the pitch with the ball.

The own goal served as a testament to the Gunners’ relentless pressure on the Magpies’ defence throughout the match and served as a bit of karma for Schar who was lucky to still be on the pitch after a series of nasty challenges.

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - MAY 07: Eddie Nketiah of Arsenal and Fabian Schaer of Newcastle United clash during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Arsenal FC at St. James Park on May 07, 2023 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – MAY 07: Eddie Nketiah of Arsenal and Fabian Schaer of Newcastle United clash during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Arsenal FC at St. James Park on May 07, 2023 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Newcastle had their share of opportunities, with Murphy hitting the post in the first minute and later having a penalty overturned by VAR. Aaron Ramsdale made a few good saves, too, but fewer than Nick Pope was called on to make. Despite these chances, they failed to capitalise, leaving Eddie Howe’s men vulnerable in their quest for a top-four finish.

Reflecting on the match, Gary Neville commented on Sky Sports: “Arsenal have been wobbling in the last few weeks, they were on the ropes, but they have been able to recover. And it means City have to go to Goodison Park and be really serious about that game.”

Arsenal’s performance at St James’ Park demonstrated the character and resilience needed to maintain their Premier League title bid.

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This crucial victory has undoubtedly sent a message to Manchester City, keeping the title race very much alive.

Martin Odegaard and Jorginho post-match

Arsenal's Italian midfielder Jorginho (L) fights for the ball with Newcastle United's English midfielder Elliot Anderson (R) during the English Premier League football match between Newcastle United and Arsenal at St James' Park in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, north east England on May 7, 2023. (Photo by LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal’s Italian midfielder Jorginho (L) fights for the ball with Newcastle United’s English midfielder Elliot Anderson (R) during the English Premier League football match between Newcastle United and Arsenal at St James’ Park in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, north east England on May 7, 2023. (Photo by LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP via Getty Images)

Following the match, goal scorer Martin Odegaard and man-of-the-match Jorginho shared their thoughts with Sky Sports cameras.

“We showed something special today,” Odegaard remarked, emphasising the team’s growth, “This is a big step for us, a young team coming here and doing all the things we did, it shows we’ve come a long way.”

Jorginho acknowledged the tough nature of the league, stating, “We know sometimes we can’t win every game playing beautiful football, the way we want. I’m really pleased to see our team can play this type of game.”

He also expressed pride in the team’s fighting spirit, “We have to understand it’s not possible or easy to go through with passes, sometimes we need to fight and I’m very proud of the team for the way we fought until the end.”

The vibrant atmosphere at St James’ Park was also mentioned, with Jorginho praising the motivational effect of the passionate crowd, “This atmosphere is so beautiful, it just motivates us to play, gives us so much fire inside. It’s the atmosphere every one of us dream about as a kid and now it’s time to enjoy it. It’s just beautiful.”

Odegaard acknowledged the significance of the victory, especially after last year’s defeat, “That’s a big factor as well. Last year here was one of the toughest days in my career to be honest. After dropping a few points and after the City game, to come back and beat Chelsea and then come here and win again, it shows the mentality and how far we’ve come.”

Regarding the twists and turns ahead in the title race, Odegaard reminded that in football, anything can happen, “We have to be ready to do our part and then we’ll see.”

Aaron Ramsdale

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - MAY 07: Aaron Ramsdale of Arsenal makes a save during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Arsenal FC at St. James Park on May 07, 2023 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - MAY 07: Aaron Ramsdale of Arsenal makes a save during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Arsenal FC at St. James Park on May 07, 2023 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – MAY 07: Aaron Ramsdale of Arsenal makes a save during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Arsenal FC at St. James Park on May 07, 2023 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Arsenal’s England international produced a series of crucial saves, earning his first clean sheet in nine games, and later shared his thoughts with Sky Sports.

Ramsdale described the atmosphere in the dressing room as a mix of “immense pride” and “relief,” especially given the painful memories of last year’s defeat.

In fact, Mikel Arteta had shared a clip from last season’s documentary to remind the team of that experience, sparking a “burning desire” to ensure a different outcome this time.

The goalkeeper emphasised that the clip provided an extra boost of motivation, especially when the team needed to dig deep. He enjoyed playing in the intense atmosphere, stating, “There’s nothing else you can ask for than so many fans screaming for one team, our away fans packed out the away end, singing all day.”

Ramsdale was humble about his saves, admitting that he felt “a bit lucky” with his save from Joe Willock’s attempt. He also praised the save from Fabian Schar’s header, crediting his training and work with the goalie coach on reactions and getting set.

Commenting on the gameplan, Ramsdale highlighted Jorginho’s pivotal role, “We played the other day against Chelsea, and it was a similar theme. We spoke before the game, there’s no shame in going long and winning territory, every team does it, so we tried to weather the storm for the first 10-15 minutes and then played through him [Jorginho].”

Ramsdale conveyed a clear message to Manchester City, stating, “We’ll be going as hard as we can for three games. It’s not in our hands at the minute, but we’ll be pushing every step of the way. Hopefully, if they slip up, we’ll be there to pick up the pieces.”