Arsenal produced a dramatic late comeback to steal three points at St James’s Park.
Mikel Arteta’s side would have felt aggrieved after having a penalty overturned by VAR for a clear foul on Viktor Gyokeres, before Nick Woltemade put the home side in front.
It looked as though Arsenal were going to be thwarted despite dominating the game but substitute Mikel Merino glanced in an equaliser.
The Gunners pushed for a winner and Martin Odegaard’s corner was nodded home by Gabriel Magalhaes to earn a vital three points in stoppage time. Arsenal fans have been discussing the captain’s cameo role.
Arsenal fans praise Martin Odegaard for his display v Newcastle United
Odegaard only returned to training this week following a shoulder injury but made a huge impact from the bench in the victory over Newcastle.
Eddie Howe’s side were defending deep and compact, it took that little spark of creativity from the Norwegian to open them up and the Arsenal fans are delighted.
One Arsenal fan wrote: “Oiii Odegaard man. Those last 10 minutes. Every part of me stood up big bro. Remember when everyone was against him?”
Another Arsenal supporter wrote: “I’ve given him a lot of criticism recently so I gotta give him his props when he balls out too. Odegaard you were special.”
One supporter believes a fully fit skipper could be the difference in the title race this season, they wrote: “That was a captains cameo from Odegaard man. Get healthy and lead us to the title.”
Martin Odegaard match statistics v Newcastle United
The Norwegian may have only been on the pitch for eight minutes, however, his influence on the game was clear for all to see.
He instantly demanded the ball and probed Newcastle’s back five in order to create chances and openings for his team.
| Newcastle v Arsenal match statistics | Martin Odegaard |
| Minutes played | 8 |
| Touches | 20 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Passing accuracy | 89% |
| Crossing accuracy | 100% |
The assist from the corner was the reward that Odegaard deserved and all eyes will now be on whether Arteta can find a way to incorporate him and Eberechi Eze in the same side.
Arsenal thoroughly deserved the win and looked sharper in their attacking play, something that will certainly please their manager and fanbase.
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