By defeating Newcastle's desire for Champions League football, Martin Odegaard assisted in preserving Arsenal's dwindling Premier League title aspirations.
In addition to Fabian Schar's unlucky own goal, the Norwegian international's goal in the 14th minute—his fifth in as many games—secured a crucial 2-0 victory at St. James' Park and pulled the Gunners to within a point of Manchester City, even though the league leaders still have a game remaining.
The fact that a fierce match ended with just two goals is a credit to the skill of England's goalkeepers Nick Pope and Aaron Ramsdale, who each made a succession of excellent saves despite occasionally needing the assistance of the woodwork.
With Liverpool and Brighton pressing hard for a top-four finish, the Magpies were left looking over their shoulders after their fifth loss of the season after an early penalty decision in their favor was overturned.
They knew they could not afford another slow start like they had against Southampton seven days prior, so they went straight for the Gunners with forwards Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak beginning together.
After cutting inside from Joe Willock's cross with Ramsdale beaten, Jacob Murphy's unfortunate second-minute effort came back off the foot of a post, and it needed a strong block by Ben White to stop Isak's attempt seconds later.
Jakub Kiwior appeared to block Bruno Guimaraes' shot with his hand, sending Arsenal to the brink of disaster. However, referee Chris Kavanagh later reversed his decision after being told to study the situation.
When Odegaard was afforded time and space on the edge of the box to unleash a left-footed drive past the defenseless Pope and give the visitors the lead against the flow of play, the locals in a crowd of 52,267 were still complaining.
Pope had to make quick saves from Gabriel Martinelli and Odegaard after the Gunners took control of the game, and he then turned away Bukayo Saka in a one-on-one after Granit Xhaka had set him up.
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