The Gunners kept their title hopes alive as they produced one of their performances of the season in a 2-0 win during Newcastle vs Arsenal.

In a compelling encounter played in a ferocious atmosphere, Arsenal stood firm and stuck to their principles with Martin Odegaard firing them in front from 30 yards on 14 minutes before a Fabian Schar own-goal wrapped it up in the second half.

Newcastle had won eight of their last nine games and suffered defeat just twice in their last 24 Premier League home games but couldn’t find a route to goal despite Jacob Murphy and Alexander Isak both striking the woodwork.

It leaves the Gunners a point behind Pep Guardiola’s side, who still have a game in hand. It might prove a chase in vein but Arsenal are staying hot on Manchester City’s heels as this fascinating title race rolls on.

Newcastle vs Arsenal: Match Summary

It initially looked like the visitors would succumb to a Magpie blitz, but Martin Odegaard struck against the run of play to give Arsenal a 1-0 lead. The skipper’s strike ignited the Gunners, and they subsequently had the three best chances of the first half.

Pope, however, denied Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka, and Odegaard on each occasion.

The second period of Newcastle vs Arsenal started at a roaring pace with opportunities arriving at both ends. Martinelli hit the bar after Alexander Isak hit the post and Aaron Ramsdale wonderfully saved Fabian Schar’s header.

The Newcastle defender then had a major say at the other end as he converted Martinelli’s cross into his own net to double Arsenal’s advantage.

Eddie Howe’s men huffed and puffed thereafter in a bid to get back into the contest, but Arsenal’s defence held firm to secure a significant away victory which kept them in the title race.