Ozil scores a wonder goal, Arsenal return to the Top 4.

Mesut Ozil's solitary goal secured a 1-0 victory for the Emirates Stadium side against Newcastle in the 18th round of the English Premier League.

Ozil has been involved in six goals in his last five Premier League matches at the Emirates Stadium (scoring two and assisting four). Photo: Sky.

Numbers don't lie, but sometimes they don't fully reflect the truth. This match's statistics are a case in point. Arsenal controlled possession for 71% and had 23 shots – all significantly more than Newcastle. But the reality is they had a very tough game, despite playing at home against an opponent in terrible form (7 losses and 1 draw in their last 8 Premier League matches).

The fundamental reason is that Arsenal's strikers don't know how to finish the game. They maintain a consistent attacking style, often featuring eye-catching passing sequences between the attacking trio of Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez, and Alexandre Lacazette, with strong support from midfielders like Alex Iwobi and Hector Bellerin.

However, most opportunities went untapped due to a lack of shrewdness or decisiveness in the final moments.

Arsenal (red and white) and Newcastle both had chances, but only one goal was scored. Photo: Reuters.

In that situation, Ozil made the difference with a spectacular volley from the edge of the penalty area in the 23rd minute. Following a cross from a teammate on the right wing, Sanchez's shot deflected off a Newcastle player, and the ball was then cleared right into the path of Ozil. The German star swung his left foot, creating a perfect curve that nestled neatly into Newcastle's net.

The opening goal further boosted Arsenal's morale, allowing them to continue developing their attacking play and repeatedly put the visitors' goal under threat. In the 27th minute, Bellerin faced goalkeeper Rob Elliot but his hurried left-footed shot went over the crossbar. About four minutes later, Grannit Xhaka unleashed a long-range shot that narrowly missed the post.

In the 38th minute, an opportunity was presented toLacazette combined with Ozil in a one-two pass, but the home team's main striker still couldn't find the net. In injury time of the first half, Sanchez quickly flicked the ball with the tip of his boot from an unfavorable position, sending it just wide of the near post.

Sanchez and his teammates missed quite a few opportunities. Photo: Reuters.

Unable to finish off their opponents despite creating numerous chances, Arsenal allowed Newcastle to take the lead at the start of the second half. The first was a shot from Matt.Ritchie's shot went over the crossbar, and just a minute later, Jacob Murphy forced goalkeeper Petr Cech to make a diving save with a low shot from inside the penalty area.

In the 59th minute, Arsenal responded with a well-executed combination play, putting the ball in the net.Lacazette was in a good position but ultimately chipped the ball wide. That was the French striker's last contribution to the match before he left the field to be replaced by Olivier Giroud. To improve the attack, manager Arsene Wenger also brought Danny Welbeck onto the field.

However, Arsenal's opportunities were dwindling, and their forwards sometimes had to drop deep to help with defense. Newcastle would be relegated if they lost this match, so with time running out, they took a risk and pushed forward in an attempt to find an equalizer.

And in the last 10 minutes, the visitors really kept Arsenal fans on the edge of their seats. In the 80th minute...Joselu's shot deflected off Laurent Koscielny and went just wide. About a minute later, an opportunity was created for...Ayoze Perez tried to head the ball, but it still wouldn't go into Arsenal's goal. In the 82nd minute, Perez again rose high to head the ball while unmarked, but it went wide.

The home team experienced tense final minutes. Photo: AFP.

To reinforce the defense, manager Wenger then substituted Sanchez for defensive midfielder Francis Coquelin. After a tiring struggle, the home team managed to secure all three points, returning to the Top 4 with 33 points. Whether they maintain this position until the end of the round depends on the results of the matches of the two teams behind them, Tottenham and Liverpool (both with 31 points).

According to VNE