Newcastle United proved they can still beat anyone on their day when Arsenal came to town.
Indeed, only days after beating Chelsea in the Carabao Cup at St James’ Park, Newcastle overcame Arsenal in the Premier League in a statement victory.
Alexander Isak’s first-half goal after a wicked cross from Anthony Gordon proved enough for Eddie Howe’s side, who then saw out the game in very impressive fashion.
While Newcastle did retreat somewhat and invited pressure from their visitors, Nick Pope wasn’t truly tested all that often. By and large, they held the Gunners at bay – with the likes of Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento putting in brilliant performances.
Still, they weren’t the only players to have impressed.
Former Newcastle defender Stuart Pearce in fact selected another Toon star as his Man of the Match.
Speaking on talkSPORT at 2.33pm GMT on 02/11/2024, Pearce claimed midfielder Sean Longstaff was Newcastle’s best player in the victory.
Leandro Trossard of Arsenal is challenged by Sean Longstaff of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Ars…
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
“I am going to go for Longstaff [as Player of the Match],” he said.
“I thought he was magnificent, I really did. I think he worked tirelessly. Where he worked hard was late in the game when you have got more chances of conceding goals.
“It was him I kept seeing getting blocks, cut outs and that type of thing, and I thought he was outstanding, without being the one that put the ball in the net or made the cross or that type of thing.”
Sean Longstaff is so important to Newcastle
The likes of Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton and Sandro Tonali may be bigger names but Longstaff’s importance cannot be understated.
As a regular starter, perhaps the academy graduate leaves a lot to be desired. Still, he’s vitally important in games where Newcastle are going to have to fight for the ball.
In fact, Newcastle have now unbeaten in the last seven games in which he’s started.
The club have reportedly decided to trigger the option to extend his contract by another 12 months and statistics like that underline exactly why. Yes, he may be divisive at times, but it would be foolish to suggest he cannot have a huge impact in the squad.
Longstaff clearly has a role to play, even in a midfield as packed with talent as Newcastle’s. That is a testament to his quality, as well as Howe’s coaching.
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