Odegaard urges Arsenal to keep fighting in title race after vital victory over Newcastle

Arsenal reduced Manchester City's lead at the top of the Premier League to one point after a thrilling 2-0 win over Newcastle United at St James' Park on Sunday.

Martin Odegaard's first-half finish and Fabian Schar's own-goal after the break earned Arsenal all three points in what was an battling performance from Mikel Arteta's men, who have played a game more than City, who beat Leeds United 2-1 on Saturday.

That a full-blooded encounter yielded just two goals was testament to the excellence of England goalkeepers Nick Pope and Aaron Ramsdale, who each made a string of fine saves, although both needed the help of the woodwork, in the latter's case on two occasions.

The Gunners certainly did not have it all their own way on Tyneside as Jacob Murphy and Alexander Isak hit the post while the Magpies also had a first-half penalty decision overturned by VAR.

Arsenal keeper Ramsdale also produced vital stops from Joe Willock and Schar. Pope produced important stops from Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka and Odegaard – with Martinelli also hitting the bar – in a game that flowed from end to end from start to finish.

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

“Last year here was one of the toughest days of my career, to be honest. 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.”

Newcastle came flying out of the blocks and