Arsenal's destiny in the 2022/23 season hangs in the balance in their final few games of the Premier League season. The Gunners remain well involved in the title race with Manchester City and look in contention to push them the distance.
Before the trip to St James' Park to face Newcastle, the north Londoners were four points behind their title rivals after the holders defeated Leeds United 2-1. The trip to Tyneside had been labelled a crucial game in the where the title would end up despite there being four games remaining.
And after a nervous start to the game, which saw Newcastle see a penalty overturned by VAR, the Gunners took the lead with a brilliant strike by captain Martin Odegaard - his 15th goal of the season.
READ MORE: Gary Neville explains why Newcastle penalty against Arsenal was overturned after VAR referral
In the second half, they weathered Newcastle's storm before doubling their lead when Fabian Schar put the ball into his own net after superb winger play from Gabriel Martinelli.
But it could have been a very different story when Newcastle looked certain to equalise after half-time. The hosts managed to break into Arsenal's box courtesy of Alexander Isak before Joe Willock had the chance to tap home.
Fortunately for Arteta's men, Granit Xhaka stormed through the crowded area and prevented Willock from firing in with a superb recovery run and sliding challenge.
Many fans took to social media to praise the midfielder for his impressive challenge:
@MrCassidy8: Xhaka has been outstanding off the ball today, really putting his body on the line
@Jacob_AFC: What a challenge from Xhaka
@neilgargis: Xhaka!! What a great challenge
@iBraa_AFC: Xhaka absolutely magnificent. Goal saving tackle there.
@afc_elle: XHAKA WHAT A TACKLE
@AFCTor: Moment of the match for me. What a player Xhaka has been under Arteta
@Abhijit_AFC: Xhaka has been nothing but exceptional today
@x_AFC_x: Xhaka, I love you.
@AFC_Oskar: We cannot replace Xhaka
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