Arsenal is Back in the PL Title race

Arsenal is back in the premier league title race a point behind PL leaders Manchester City, who have a game in hand.

Arsenal beat Newcastle 2-0 with goals from Odegard and an own goal from Newcastle’s own Schar. Arsenal once again showed a potent mixture of quality to return to the Champions League next season.

Mikel Arteta’s side, who have played one game more than the champions, responded superbly to the pressure exerted by Manchester City‘s victory over Leeds United to prevail in an action-packed, edgy encounter littered with chances on Tyneside.

Newcastle attempted to strengthen their push for a place in the Champions League next season with Jacob Murphy hitting the post and having a penalty award overturned by VAR.

Arsenal’s main concern was that they would suffer for failing to exploit one of the numerous golden opportunities in the first half, but thanks to Schar’s own goal, they were able to seal the victory.

Martin Odegaard, followed up his two goals against Chelsea in midweek by scoring his 15th Premier League goal of the season after 14 minutes, beating Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope from 25 yards out as Arsenal, though, demonstrated their dominance.

“Last year here was one of the toughest days of my career, to be honest. After dropping points against Manchester City, to win against Chelsea then come here and win shows the mentality. In football, anything can happen and we have to be ready.”
Odegaard

Arsenal’s goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, also made crucial saves from Joe Willock and Fabian Schar, and Alexander Isak’s header hit the post before the Gunners broke free to secure the victory. In the 71st minute, Schar turned Martinelli’s cross into his own net.

This was a thorough study of all of Arsenal’s improvements this season as they stepped into the St James’ Park hothouse, with Newcastle United chasing Champions League football.

Arsenal showed they’ve added another side to the game with their attempts to slow the game down to break up Newcastle’s rhythm and momentum.

Arsenal stay in second with 81 points, one point behind man city. Newcastle stays third, two points ahead of Liverpool in fifth, the good news for Howe and his players being that they remain firmly in control of their own destiny.