Odegaard says contentious VAR choices gave Arsenal ‘further fireplace’

Martin Odegaard mentioned Arsenal have been motivated by revenge after they thrashed Newcastle United 4-1 to keep up a correspondence with Liverpool and Manchester City within the Premier League title race.

The Gunners suffered their first league defeat of the season in controversial trend at St James’ Park again in November.

Anthony Gordon‘s winner was topic to an uncommon triple VAR test which took a number of minutes as officers checked whether or not the ball had gone out, for a foul and an offside earlier than awarding it.

Manager Mikel Arteta described the VAR resolution as ’embarrassing’ and a ‘shame’ whereas Arsenal additionally felt Bruno Guimaraes was lucky to flee a crimson card for an elbow on Jorginho.

But whereas Arsenal are very a lot within the title race, Newcastle are languishing in eighth and the gulf at school between the 2 groups was evident on the Emirates Stadium on Saturday night time.

Sven Botman’s personal objective was adopted by Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Jakub Kiwior strikes earlier than Joe Willock claimed a late comfort.

Captain Odegaard mentioned: ‘I feel what occurred to us towards Newcastle final time gave us somewhat bit of additional fireplace immediately.

‘Even although we felt a bit drained, after lots of video games, lots of distance coated all through the final video games, we simply needed to return right here and make a superb recreation and provides the followers a superb night time. And we did.’

On his management position within the Arsenal aspect, the Norwegian added on TNT Sports: ‘I attempt to lead by instance, I attempt to do the proper issues, attempt to placed on a superb mindset by all the time pushing the gamers round me. Doing what’s greatest for the group.

‘That’s the primary factor you already know, to get the perfect out of every participant and to grasp that each participant is totally different.’

Arteta’s aspect may have been scarred by final season, after they blew a considerable lead on the prime of the desk to permit City by to win the trophy.

But Arsenal are proper within the combine as soon as once more, transferring to inside two factors of Liverpool after City had additionally closed the hole by beating Bournemouth 1-0 earlier within the day.

‘That was the second to indicate you what we realized final season,’ Odegaard added.

‘The 12 months earlier than we missed out on the Champions League and we got here again so strongly and we confirmed we have been lots higher.

‘Last 12 months, we missed the title and now’s the time to indicate that we realized one thing. We take pleasure in a lot enjoying collectively. Every time we play, we’re so excited.

‘I feel we’re all residing the dream. I feel we have all been dreaming of being right here, on the larger stage and in the perfect league on the planet. You see each week how aggressive and the way good it’s.

‘We wish to combat for trophies and that is what we’ll do. Try to be there and push on daily basis.’

Arsenal are subsequent motion away to Sheffield United subsequent Monday.