Coming on the back of a series of disappointing losses in PL, the way Newcastle performed against Arsenal feels truly commendable. Firstly, having eliminated Chelsea in the Carabao Cup and now having defeated Arsenal at home, the Magpies club with two consecutive wins has shown promise of returning to their very best.
Former Arsenal ace points out where Newcastle stood out against the Gunners
Be it their offensive front, their midfield compartment, or their defense line, the Magpies club stood out in all components, delivering an exceptional team effort to grab the crucial 3 points against Arsenal. Countering the lack of intensity and aggression in their previous results, Eddie Howe's side showed a willingness to win the fixture, with all the Toon players contributing their best.
However, while certainly, the club's intensity play influenced a lot in the overall result, the former Arsenal star has pinpointed a key reason that helped them get the complete 3 points from the fixture. Former PL ace and now football pundit Martin Keown was very pleased with Newcastle's cohesiveness in their defense, which stopped Arsenal from finding an equalizer.
While the visitors did create chances, Toon keeper Nick Pope wasn't really tested by Arsenal on various opportunities, with the midfielders and defenders providing the perfect cover in front of the goal. Not only did this effort from their midfielders reduce the space for the Gunners, but Keown believes it most importantly helped them counter the weakness of the lack of pace of their center-backs.
Speaking on the remarkable work done by Newcastle's midfield in the key fixture, Keown mentioned,
"“I think they found a way to protect their central defenders. Not to dig anyone out, but there’s a lack of pace there. But if you’re going to bring everybody back in front as they did with their midfield—their midfield worked tremendously—a very workman-like midfield.""Martin Keown
Interestingly, even in Newcastle's most successful campaign, their midfield had been the decisive component for them, and the way their trio has been performing recently, it feels the club is close to its best level. Newcastle fans would hope that the side continues the same going forward, as they look forward to European Qualification again.