Mikel Arteta now has a huge decision to make after what Eddie Howe just said about ‘tremendous’ Arsenal star

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Arsenal moved into second place in the Premier League with an excellent 2-1 victory over Newcastle United.

For much of the contest, it looked as though the Gunners would be heading for yet more frustration on Tyneside as Nick Woltemade gave the home side a first half lead.

Mikel Arteta rolled the dice from his substitutes bench and Mikel Merino glanced home an equaliser from Declan Rice’s cross.

In the dying moments of stoppage time, Martin Odegaard’s corner was thumped home by Gabriel Magalhaes to earn a vital three points and Eddie Howe singled out one Arsenal star for changing the outcome of the clash.

READ MORE: Gary Neville reveals what was said in the VAR room right after Nick Woltemade’s push on Gabriel Magalhaes

Eddie Howe claims Martin Odegaard changed the game for Arsenal v Newcastle United

Speaking at his post match press conference, Newcastle boss Howe singled out the introduction of Odegaard in the second half as the decisive moment in the match.

The home side went to five at the back and were making it extremely difficult for the Gunners attack to find any space and fashion chances.

However, the Norwegian found little pockets of space and played a number of intricate passes to prise open the stubborn resilience on display.

It was Odegaard’s corner that enabled Gabriel to score the winner and capped off a fine return from injury for the Arsenal captain.

Arsenal fans were impressed with Odegaard and will now be hoping that he can continue the road to full fitness following a shoulder problem and continue to contribute to the club’s quest for the title.

Can Mikel Arteta use Martin Odegaard and Eberechi Eze together for Arsenal?

The question now for Arteta moving forward is whether he can utilise his two most creative players in Odegaard and Eberechi Eze in the same side.

Eze started the game in the number ten position, before moving into the eight role following the introduction of Odegaard.

The Norwegian was picking up the ball a little deeper than Eze but the two were working in tandem to provide the spark for the Gunners.

Should Arteta consider playing both in the side, it would mean that either Martin Zubimendi or Declan Rice would anchor the midfield on their own.

Options in different contests is what Arteta has craved over the last few seasons and following a summer of spending by Andrea Berta, he finally has his wish.