football | Tuesday, May 9, 2023 3:04 PM (Revised at: Wednesday, May 10, 2023 12:13 PM)

Silvestre: Newcastle win a reminder that Arsenal are still in title race

Devang Prasad

In a match where they were not expected to win, Arsenal bagged three points at St. James’ Park courtesy a goal from Martin Ødegaard and an own goal from Fabian Schär.

The three points could prove to be invaluable in the title chase, where Manchester City still have the wheel.

We caught up with ex Man Utd and Arsenal defender Mikael Silvestre who gave his take on Arsenal’s big win and also praised Jakub Kiwior for stepping up at a tough time.

In this article:

Newcastle win a reminder that Arsenal are still in the race
Jakub Kiwior deserves credit for stepping up at this point in the season
Kiwior will challenge Gabriel Magalhães in the long run
Martin Ødegaard is a goalscoring weapon from midfield

Newcastle win a reminder that Arsenal are still in the race

The former French international was impressed with the Gunners’ attitudes as much as their playing style in the win at St. James’ Park. Silvestre talked about how the last few games have been a roller coaster for the Gunners but they showed a lot of personality and got the win at a stadium where Newcastle had only lost once so far in the current league season.

“It’s a bit of a roller coaster in terms of performances and emotions for Arsenal.”

“They’ve responded well. When they went to Newcastle and St. James’ Park is a difficult ground to go to, they’ve shown personality like they did for the majority of the season. And that was critical because you can play good football but the attitude was spot on.”

Silvestre called this performance a reminder that Arsenal are still in there with a chance to win the title and they will have the confidence to take it to the last day.

“They managed the tempo of the game quite well. They killed the game when it was needed. So, I think it’s a very strong performance. It’s reminding everybody that the race is not over.”

“I’m sure after this performance they’ll be even more confident that they can bring the race to the final game of the season.”

Jakub Kiwior deserves credit for stepping up at this point in the season

After a run of three draws and a loss where Mikel Arteta started a centre-back pairing of Gabriel Magalhães and Rob Holding, the Spaniard switched it up by bringing in Jakub Kiwior for the latter.

The Polish centre-back stepped up in two big games against Chelsea and Newcastle and earned plaudits for his composure at the back.

Silvestre also praised him for his performances and said that he deserves credit for his performances considering the time where he’s come into the team.

“Yeah I think Jakub Kiwior has ability.”

“Kiwior deserves credit because coming into the end of the season when everything is at stake and you haven’t had much game time, it’s harder than we think.”

“Well done Kiwior.”

Kiwior will challenge Gabriel Magalhães in the long run

Silvestre also spoke about Kiwior being a long-term challenger for Gabriel Magalhães’ spot in defence as he feels his compatriot, William Saliba, is a shoo-in for the starting spot when he’s back.

“If there was one player he should be challenging for a starting spot, it’s Gabriel Magalhães.”

“I think Saliba, when he’s on form, it’s almost a given that he would start for Arsenal whenever he comes back from injury.”

Silvestre on Saliba starting

Martin Ødegaard is a goalscoring weapon from midfield

Silvestre also spoke about Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard, who scored his 15th Premier League goal of the season via a fizzing low shot from outside the box, matching Kevin De Bruyne’s record of most non-penalty goals from a midfielder in a Premier League season.

The Frenchman said that Ødegaard’s goalscoring exploits this season have helped relieve the pressure on the strikers and Arteta would be glad to have a weapon like him in midfield.

“It’s extremely valuable for the team and manager to have goals coming from midfielders.”

“It’s great for Ødegaard and he’s scored quite a few goals from outside the box. That’s an advantage to the entire team because now defenders have to come and close him down which means there will be more space in the box.”

“So it’s very very good and it takes some pressure off Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah or whoever is playing up top.”

“It’s very good for Mikel Arteta to have that weapon from midfield.”