Eddie Howe singles out Arsenal’s Odegaard after painful Newcastle defeat

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe credited Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard for changing the game after the Gunners scored two dramatic late goals to snatch a 2-1 victory at St James’ Park on Sunday.

Eddie Howe Singles Out Odegaard Following Newcastle Collapse

The Magpies looked set for a crucial win after striker Nick Woltemade headed them into a first-half lead. However, the match turned on its head in the closing stages.

Arsenal substitute Mikel Merino came off the bench to score the equalizer before defender Gabriel Magalhaes powered home a header deep into injury time from Odegaard’s corner to win the game.

A disappointed Eddie Howe did not hide his frustration after the match, describing the defeat as “painful”. He acknowledged his team’s effort but admitted their performance fell short.

“Two really late goals here at home hurts,” Howe said.

“We have to reflect and acknowledge that we weren’t at our best. There was no lack of effort but from a footballing side, it wasn’t quite there.”

Howe specifically highlighted the impact of Arsenal’s captain, who came on as a substitute.

“I think Odegaard made a difference to their overall performance,” he stated, pointing to the relentless pressure that eventually broke his team’s resistance.

“The weight of pressure eventually told. No lack of effort but the little details have cost us.”

The loss was compounded by a potentially serious injury to defender Tino Livramento, who was stretchered off in the second half.

Howe said the initial signs “don’t sound great” and that losing the versatile player for any length of time would be a “huge blow”.

For Arsenal, the thrilling comeback marks a significant statement. Manager Mikel Arteta said his team fully deserved the three points, which lift them to second in the Premier League, just two points behind leaders Liverpool.

“I think we fully deserved the win,” Arteta said.

“The way we played and performed and competed… It was a massive opportunity to make a statement and to prove to everybody and ourselves the team that we are.”

Meanwhile, Newcastle must quickly regroup, with Woltemade vowing the team will “bounce back” ahead of their midweek Champions League fixture.