In a crucial test of its character and talents on Sunday, Arsenal defeated Newcastle 2-0 to keep the pressure on Manchester City in the Premier League title race.
With the help of goals from Martin Odegaard and Fabian Schar in the first half as well as some incredible saves from Aaron Ramsdale, Arsenal managed to win one of its toughest final four matches at St. James' Park.
It demonstrates our mindset and how far we have come, according to Odegaard.
In the 14th minute against the flow of play, the Norway captain hammered home a low drive from outside the box to give Arsenal the lead. Third-place Newcastle had previously hit the post with a shot from Jacob Murphy and had a penalty call reversed after a VAR review.
Prior to Schar's own goal in the 71st minute, Ramsdale made outstanding saves from close range against Joe Willock and Schar while Alexander Isak sent a header against the post as Newcastle surged forward.
The second goal altered the momentum, as Arsenal eventually cruised to victory to become just the second visiting side this season—after Liverpool—to triumph at St. James' Park.
It was an opportunity for Arsenal to atone for its season-ending 2-0 defeat at Newcastle, which prevented it from earning a Champions League qualifying spot.
This season, the club has proven to be more resilient. Despite some heavy tackling from Newcastle, Arsenal players handled it well and occasionally slowed the game down, much to the displeasure of the home crowd.
Arsenal midfielder Jorginho remarked, "We know we can't win every game playing beautiful football.
According to Ramsdale, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta showed his players some film clips from last season's heartbreaking loss to Newcastle before they made the trip to the stadium from the team hotel.
The final three games for Arsenal are against Brighton at home, Nottingham Forest away, and Wolverhampton at home. On paper, City's opponents appear to be more challenging: away at Everton, home against Chelsea, then trips to Brighton and Brentford.
For the first time since 2004, Arsenal is attempting to win the league.
