Odegaard says contentious VAR decisions gave Arsenal extra fire to gain revenge
Martin Odegaard said Arsenal were motivated by revenge after they thrashed Newcastle United to keep in touch with Liverpool and Manchester City in the Premier League title race.
The Gunners suffered their first league defeat of the season in controversial fashion at St James' Park back in November.
Anthony Gordon's winner was subject to an unusual triple VAR check which took several minutes as officials checked whether the ball had gone out, for a foul and an offside before awarding it.
Manager Mikel Arteta described the VAR decision as 'embarrassing' and a 'disgrace' while Arsenal also felt Bruno Guimaraes was fortunate to escape a red card for an elbow on Jorginho.
But while Arsenal are very much in the title race, Newcastle are languishing in eighth and the gulf in class between the two teams was evident at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday night.
Sven Botman's own goal was followed by Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Jakub Kiwior strikes before Joe Willock claimed a late consolation.
Captain Odegaard said: 'I think what happened to us against Newcastle last time gave us a little bit of extra fire today.
'Even though we felt a bit tired, you know, after a lot of games, a lot of distance covered throughout the last games, we just wanted to come here and make a good game and give the fans a good night. And we did.'
On his leadership role in the Arsenal side, the Norwegian added on TNT Sports: 'I try to lead by example, I try to do the right things, try to put on a good mindset by always pushing the players around me. Doing what's best for the team.
'That's the main thing you know, to get the best out of each player and to understand that every player is different.'
Arteta's side could have been scarred by last season, when they blew
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