Martin Odegaard gives honest take on Newcastle as Arsenal prepare for clash

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Martin Odegaard has told the official Arsenal website that he is “interested” to see how Newcastle United get on over the course of the second half of the season – with Arsenal taking on the Toon at The Emirates on Tuesday night.

Arsenal opened up the gap on second-placed Manchester City to a huge seven points after 16 games last time out. A comfortable win over Brighton in the end, but a few moments that could have thrust the game in a different direction.

Back in third, Newcastle are enjoying being back where the fans believe they should be. One of the top six sides in the country. Eddie Howe is doing a superb job – taking the Toon on a run of 14 games without loss, losing once this term.

On Tuesday night, the two in-form sides go head to head. Newcastle’s stubborn defence against Arsenal’s free-flowing attack – even in the absence Gabriel Jesus. Speaking ahead of the game, Odegaard gave his take on Newcastle.

“They have obviously been in great form this season, but even last season they showed a lot of quality. We had a really tough game against them at St James’ Park last season. I think Eddie Howe is a really good manager,” Odegaard said.

“They have quality throughout, a good mix of physical and technical players. That explains why they are so high in the league. That gives them confidence too, and it will be interesting to see how they get on during the rest of the season.”

Arsenal star Odegaard interested to see how Newcastle get on this season

The Toon, along with the likes of Fulham, Brighton and Brentford have been the surprise packages of the season so far – in terms of sitting higher than expected. Many expected Howe’s side to improve and possibly push for Europe.

But nearly at the halfway stage, not many could have expected Newcastle to sit as high as third in the Premier League table. They have the cash to be able to fight at that weight, but many expected it to take a year or two to go this high.

So, do they finish in the top four? Newcastle have had injuries but continued to get better and better. Alex Isak is close to a return and that will only improve them. Confidence is high. But, an injury in defence could be their downfall.