Football 
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Horse Racing Mikael Silvestre on Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle and How “Technical Leader” Ødegaard is Just Like Cesc Fabregas
The much-anticipated top-of-the-table clash between Arsenal and Newcastle ended in a goalless stalemate. The Gunners tried their best to find the net at the Emirates but a stubborn Newcastle defence prevented the high-flying Arsenal attackers throughout the 90 minutes.
To reflect on that draw, and its consequences on Arsenal’s title charge, we talked to former Gunners defender, Mikael Silvestre who was of the opinion that it was an important point and that Arsenal will look at it positively.
In this article:
- Reaction to the Draw with Newcastle
- Martin Ødegaard’s Form & Comparisons
- Eddie Nketiah as Gabriel Jesus’ Replacement
- Explaining William Saliba’s Form Since the World Cup
Reaction to the Draw with Newcastle
The Gunners tried their best to find the net at the Emirates but a stubborn Newcastle defence prevented the high-flying Arsenal attackers throughout the 90 minutes. Silvestre gave his thoughts on the match.
“I think at home Arsenal would expect to beat Newcastle but the Magpies are a tough one to manoeuvre. They are on a great run and they are showing a lot of resilience all over the park. They defended extremely well so it was difficult to break them.”
“It’s still a good point. You’re not gonna win every game and it’s a clean sheet, so overall, they will look at that one positively.”
“It was 0-0 but it doesn’t reflect the game. Both teams went for the win and Arsenal being at home you would expect them to have possession, which was the case. But Newcastle, whenever they had the ball, they tried to go forward and create chances and they did. It was one of those nights where nobody could find the back of the net.”
Martin Ødegaard’s Form & Comparisons
Arsenal still are on top of the Premier League with an eight-point cushion over Man City who will play Chelsea on Thursday night. A win for Pep Guardiola’s men would reduce the gap to five points.
Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard has been a key figure for their superb run this season, especially since the Premier League resumed on Boxing Day.
The Norwegian provided two assists against West Ham and scored and assisted against Brighton. He’s been compared to Man City talisman Kevin De Bruyne but Silvestre noted that they’re different players before praising Ødegaard for his contributions.
“I think Ødegaard and De Bruyne are different players. Martin is confirming all the good things that he’s shown over the years and he’s confirming the reason why he was given the armband.”
“He’s confirming the transfer which was originally a loan. A loan made permanent. He’s a real, real asset for Arsenal and he’s growing into a technical leader, complimenting the vocal leadership of Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey.”
Speaking of his leadership, Silvestre compared Ødegaard’s situation to that of former Arsenal superstar Cesc Fabregas. Both of them were made captains at a young age because they were the best players in their team.
“You know when Cesc Fabregas was made captain, it was quite similar. Very young but you are the best on the pitch.”
“We’ve seen him talking to players, taking responsibility on big moments where you have to rally players around you and take an important free-kick. He took yellow cards when it was needed. He’s really stepping up.”
Eddie Nketiah as Gabriel Jesus’ Replacement
The World Cup saw Gabriel Jesus getting sidelined due to injury and Mikel Arteta trusted Eddie Nketiah to step up in his place. The English forward has filled in, scoring two goals in his last three appearances and Silvestre expects him to continue in the same vein.
“Eddie has done well. He’s been lively and he’s doing what we know of him – movement in and off the box, he’s coming short and he’s also taking the space and creating chances.”
“He’s scored and will continue to do so as he understands what’s required from him.”
Explaining William Saliba’s Form Since the World Cup
One Arsenal player whose return to Premier League action after the World Cup has not been so smooth is William Saliba. He’s looked a bit shaky at the back and has made a few errors.
Silvestre, however, has backed his compatriot and said that he’ll learn from his mistakes and rectify them in the future.
“You learn from your mistakes and I’m sure he’s just doing that. It’s a long season and we can understand that for young players it can happen in CB positions. One or two mistakes and most of the time you get punished.”
“I’m sure he will rectify that.”
Saliba reached the World Cup final with France but saw limited game time and Silvestre, a former French international himself, pointed out to the lack of ‘real action’ being a cause for Saliba’s rustiness.
“I think he’s just getting back to competing week in, week out, midweek, for him.”
“He’s been away from real action for a while. Let’s put it this way that he’s a bit rusty but it’s just a matter of time (for him to be back in full form).”
