Three Newcastle players who have already picked themselves against Union Saint-Gilloise
Newcastle United vs Arsenal was packed full of controversy after the game started with an overturned penalty and with heartbreak for the Magpies.
The Premier League Match Centre released a statement after Viktor Gyokeres was fouled by Nick Pope in the box, with VAR overturning the decision to award a penalty.
Meanwhile, ex-PGMOL chief Keith Hackett was astounded by Jarred Gillett’s decision to overturn Arsenal’s penalty, arguing that Gyokeres was fouled by the Newcastle United goalkeeper and should have been penalised.
After full-time, Mikel Arteta commented on VAR’s decision to overturn Gyokeres’ penalty, claiming that it was not a “clear and obvious” error.
1. Nick Woltemade
Newcastle fans’ love for Nick Woltemade was further deepened on Sunday evening when he scored his second Premier League goal in three appearances. It was almost the winner, but his defensive teammates lost their grip on the game late on.
Woltemade’s goal came from his only effort on goal during a game in which Arsenal marshalled his movements very well. The German was useful in possession, completing 82% of his passes and linking well with the midfield.
As he continues to gain match rhythm and get used to Newcastle’s style of play, he will only get better.
The giant striker scored 17 goals for Stuttgart last season, and if he can maintain his form at the current rate, he could better that on his first try in England.
2. Nick Pope
Nick Pope was quite brilliant against Arsenal, and on another day, Newcastle would have conceded at least four without the England international.
Until the 84th minute, it appeared as though Arsenal would lose their fourth game in six to the Magpies before Mikel Merino and Gabriel Magalhaes scored late winners. The last five meetings between Newcastle and Arsenal had the Magpies as 3-2 leaders. They are now level on three wins in the last six games.
Despite being a bit suspect for Gabriel’s winner, Pope covered himself in glory all game.
The 33-year-old is already an automatic starter for Eddie Howe, but his display against Arsenal underlined why he has to start against Union Saint-Gilloise on Wednesday.
| Saves | 5 |
| Runs out (successful) | 2 (2) |
| High claims | 2 |
| Touches | 51 |
| Clearances | 3 |
| Total tackles | 1 |
| Ground duels (won) | 1 (1) |
| Aerial duels (won) | 1 (1) |
3. Sandro Tonali
Although results haven’t gone Newcastle’s way this season, Sandro Tonali has arguably been their most consistent performer.
Arsenal is one of the toughest midfield battles in Europe at the moment, which makes the Italian’s performance all the more impressive.
Although Tonali only completed 76% of his passes, the 25-year-old managed to play three key passes and put in a massive shift off the ball. Against the likes of Eberechi Eze and Declan Rice, he was always going to have a difficult job on his hands at the centre of Newcastle’s midfield three.
Tonali won all three of his ground duels, made three clearances, two interceptions and two tackles. On another day, he would have been Man of the Match.
| Touches | 48 |
| Key passes | 3 |
| Ground duels (won) | 3 (3) |
| Aerial duels (won) | 2 (1) |
| Clearances | 3 |
| Tackles | 2 |
| Interceptions | 2 |
Meanwhile, left back Riccardo Calafiori has been slammed by Arsenal supporters after he struggled to make an impact. His replacement, Mikel Merino, scored the equaliser before Gabriel’s 95th-minute winner broke Newcastle hearts.