Arsenal had them where they wanted—statistically, at least.
Every passing pattern clicked like a drill.
Odegaard orchestrated from the half-spaces, Rice held the balance, and Saka pulled defenders wide with every burst down the right.
Martinelli floated left, occasionally drifting centrally to fill in for Izan, who watched from the bench in full kit, coat zipped, legs bouncing lightly under the dugout's heating vents.
But as dominant as Arsenal looked, nothing was sticking.
Fifteen minutes in, and they had over 75% possession.
The ball rarely left Newcastle's half.
White and Zinchenko played as auxiliary midfielders, overloading the midfield thatdidn't do much to a team that didn't touch the ball past their half.
Merino rotated short with Jorginho, trying to suck defenders forward and unlock the back five.
But Newcastle didn't bite.
They waited and absorbed as their manager shouted instructions from the touchline.
Inside the box, everything Arsenal created died on impact.
