Winners
Martin Odegaard
We’ve asked for Martin Odegaard to turn up in the big away games of the season and it’s fair to say that today he did that in a very significant way. His goal was sublime and again showed the character and confidence he’s shown so much this season but perhaps less so in the big away games barring the North London derby.
His 15th Premier League goal of the season from open play is seeing him surpass the likes of Yaya Toure’s and Frank Lampard’s non-penalty goal records for a season. It is rather special and leaves any remaining doubters clutching at straws.
Jorginho
The big concern of having Jorginho in the middle over Thomas Partey seemed purely related to his supposed lack of athleticism… rather ludicrous when looking at today’s dissolution. The Italian was excellent and controlled play, he brought calmness in possession and revelled the fire of the game.
READ MORE: Newcastle United vs Arsenal LIVE: Schar own goal hands Gunners control after Odegaard stunner
It was these exact fixtures which he was brought for but few thought it would be when Partey was available. The position is his for now and he isn’t looking like losing it anytime soon.
Aaron Ramsdale
Once again Aaron Ramsdale came to Arsenal’s aid. One from Joe Willock, one from Fabian Schar and a brilliant sliding interception with his arm to claw away the ball in the box.
Ramsdale is continuing to prove time and time again his importance and why the club invested in him. If there is a glimmer of hope remaining for the title, the Arsenal goalkeeper has a huge hand in the reason behind it.
Losers
Newcastle
An opportunity to show the league the level they can be at as they look to make a dent in more than just the top four. However this game got away from them and it could have been worse had the likes of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Odegaard finished their huge opportunities in the first half.
Don’t get this wrong, they’ll be a huge threat to any side again next season with more reinforcements expected. However, on this occasion, the occasion proved too big and the Gunners outthought their opponents on the day.
Manchester City
Despite still having the lead, I’m sure plenty on the blue side of Manchester had this game pegged as one Arsenal would drop points in. But the reality is a win on Tyneside keeps the Gunners firmly in the race for the time being.
Tough games away to Everton and Brighton are still to come, in addition to Chelsea and Brentford. Hope remains and Arsenal have kept up the pressure.
Emile Smith Rowe
Another game and another chance missed for Emile Smith Rowe. Reiss Nelson, despite the reported rejection of a contract, continues to be favoured by Mikel Arteta over the fellow Hale End Graduate.
With just three games to go, it appears that a line might need to be drawn under the season. Approach preseason with a clean slate and show why he deserves the minutes but you can be sure the competition to earn them will be tougher than ever after a transfer window full of investment.
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