Three things Arteta got right as Arsenal keep title hopes alive at Newcastle
Arsenal managed to keep their Premier League title hopes alive with an impressive 2-0 win over Newcastle United at St James' Park.
The Gunners took the lead in the first half through captain Martin Odegaard, whose long range strike skipped through the legs of Sven Botman past Magpies keeper Nick Pope.
While Newcastle had a host of chances throughout the contest, Eddie Howe's side were unable to breach the Gunners defences after having scored 13 goals in their last three games.
READ MORE: Unrecognisable players from Arsenal's first Premier League title-winning squad
In the second half, a cross from Gabriel Martinelli deflected into the Newcastle net by Fabian Schar gave Arsenal their second, effectively ending the contest.
While Manchester City do have a game in hand on Arsenal, the Gunners have now cut their lead to just one point. And with that in mind, here are three things Mikel Arteta got right as the Gunners secured a vital three points up north.
Weathered the storm
The opening exchanges at St James' Park saw Newcastle take the game to Arsenal in similar fashion to their clash up north last term.
St James' was full of energy as it tried to create an atmosphere that would put the Gunners in a tailspin. Had the Magpies scored in the first minute through Jacob Murphy, then the game could have been entirely different.
However, Arsenal weathered the storm and managed to open the scoring through skipper Martin Odegaard from range to silence St James', which took the wind out of Newcastle's sails slightly.
Do you think Arsenal can still win the Premier League title? Let us know in the comments section below.
Then in the second half, Newcastle had multiple chances to find a route back into the match, but were unable to get through the Gunners defence thanks to some astute defending from Granit Xhaka to prevent Joe Willock and Aaron Ramsdale who produced a fine save to stop Fabian Schar from scoring.
If Arsenal do go on to win the title, then their win at St James' could play a huge part.
Jorginho over Partey
With Newcastle boasting masses of athleticism in midfield in the form of Joe Willock, Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes, it was a big call for Mikel Arteta to start Jorginho over Thomas Partey at the heart of Arsenal's engine room.
Thankfully for the Gunners boss, the decision paid dividends.
Jorginho was composed and classy on the ball, providing the Gunners with an added level of calmness in a game that demanded they didn't lose their heads.
And clearly, the Italian maestro left a mark on Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville, who named Jorginho man of the match for his impressive performance.
A year ago, Arsenal had their Champions League hopes ended by Newcastle United on a wet Monday night at St James' Park.
That evening, Newcastle stunned Arsenal by playing with intensity which left Arteta and co shellshocked.
However, on Sunday afternoon, Arsenal showed just how far they have come in the space of a year. They weathered the early storm, got their goal and then managed the game, frustrating Newcastle at every turn.
After the break, they got their second goal of the game thanks to some direct running from Martinelli, whose cross was turned into his own net by Schar, effectively sealing all three points for the Gunners in what could be a title saving win.
READ NEXT:
- Ex-Premier League star who won 12 international caps joins Scottish seventh-tier side
West Ham fans hit back at 'thick' trolls over empty seats for twice rescheduled City game
Forgotten Man City ace tipped for stardom in Cyprus – and he faced Man Utd this season
'I was out until 6am before my Arsenal debut – I stunk of booze and scored a hat-trick'
Source: Read Full Article