Three things learned about Newcastle v Arsenal: Benitez faith results in stunning transformation
Slimani offers different dimension
While there will still be doubts over whether Islam Slimani’s January move to St James’ Park should have gone ahead with his lingering injury doubts, his performances are starting to build some faith from the Newcastle faithful.
Making his second appearance of the season, Benitez handed the Leicester loanee just under 30 minutes of action, and his introduction saw an immediate change to how the Magpies operated.
Dwight Gayle had been feeding off long balls, whereas the Algerian saw passes hit onto his head and into his chest in a bid to hold up the ball, a role he performed admirably.
He was also a willing runner, taking on the Arsenal back line in a footrace on one occasion, and he is certainly pushing for a starting role for the end of season matches.