Eddie Howe conceded that Martin Ødegaard’s late cameo proved decisive at St James’ Park, admitting the substitute’s introduction “changed it” as Newcastle lost 2-1.
Eddie Howe admitted that one Arsenal substitution turned Sunday’s contest on its head.
Speaking after his side’s 2-1 defeat, the Newcastle United head coach told Sky Sports: “Odegaard’s introduction changed it.”
For over 80 minutes, Newcastle had contained an Arsenal side frustrated by missed chances and refereeing controversy.
But the introduction of Martin Ødegaard with less than 10 minutes of normal time remaining shifted the balance decisively.
The Norway international brought immediate control, stitching together passing patterns on the left with Leandro Trossard and Declan Rice, and helping force the corner that led to the equaliser.
His full influence showed in stoppage time. In the 95th minute, with the game seemingly heading for a draw, Ødegaard’s whipped in a ball from the left. Gabriel Magalhães rose above the Newcastle defence to meet it, his header powering beyond Nick Pope to secure all three points.
Speaking the BBC Howe added, “Odegaard made a difference to their overall performance because he started to break our lines. Towards the end of the game we were struggling to get out and it was the weight of pressure that told.”
Arsenal finished the game with 64% possession, an xG of 2.05 to Newcastle’s 0.49, 20 shots to their eight, seven on target v three, and 12 corners to their seven.
The weight of pressure, indeed.