Football

Arsenal Take ‘Big Step’ With Performance That Earned Them Victory Over Newcastle

Arsenal Take ‘Big Step’ With Performance That Earned Them Victory Over Newcastle
7th May 2023; St James' Park, Newcastle, England: Premier League Football, Newcastle United versus Arsenal; Arsenal's Martin Odegaard applauds the fans at the final whistle - Photo by Icon sport

Arsenal footballers Martin Odegaard and Jorginho praised their side for taking a “big step” by demonstrating they can win ugly after they defeated Newcastle on Sunday evening.

In contrast to their typical winning manner, the Gunners surrendered the majority of possession to the Magpies and hit them on the counter.

At St. James’ Park, the hosts had more shots and a higher expected goals ratio, but Mikel Arteta’s squad earned all three points through their dogged tactics.

The victory was the result of an early goal by the Gunner’s captain, Odegaard, and a late own goal by Newcastle defender Fabian Schar.

It brought Arteta’s team to within one point of league leaders Manchester City, who have passed them in the race for the English top flight title in recent weeks.

Odegaard: ‘We Showed Something Special Here Today’

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The manner of Sunday’s victory has provided optimism that Arsenal can mount another title challenge the following year.

After the game, Odegaard praised his teammates for demonstrating that they can persevere when their opponents are in the lead.

“We showed something special here today. To come here and win is not easy. We had to be very smart and to be ugly at times,” the attacking midfielder said.

“It is a big step for a young team like ours to come here and do the things we did. It shows we have come a long way,” he said.

“Last year here was one of the toughest days of my career, to be honest,” the Norwegian star added, “After dropping points against Man City, to win against Chelsea and then come here and win shows the mentality.”

“We have to keep going and digging in and fight until the end. It is football, anything can happen and we need to be ready.”

Jorginho: ‘I Am Proud To See Us Fight To The End’

Jorginho, who played all 90 minutes in central midfield at St. James’ Park, reiterated these remarks.

The Italian is a veteran of Chelsea’s Champions League victory of 2021, as well as Italy’s recent Euros win, and he insisted that Arsenal are beginning to exhibit trophy-winning qualities.

“The most important thing is that we go home with three points, as we wanted. We know this league, we know we can’t win every game playing beautiful football,” the midfielder said.

“I am really pleased to see that our team can play these type of games and understand it is not always possible to just go through with passes,” he explained.

“Sometimes you need to fight,” he said, “I am proud to see us fight to the end.”

“This atmosphere is so beautiful. It motivates us to play and gives us fire inside. I have played a few [big games] before,” he stated, “We dream this as a kid and now it is time to enjoy it, it is beautiful.”

“It’s a massive win. We knew it was a tough game coming here and winning the way we did, but sometimes you know you have to fight a lot to get the three points.

“I’m just so proud of the team, the way we fought until the end, the way we pushed.”

 


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