Arsenal won their first Premier League match of the new season courtesy of a second-half goal from star striker Pierre Aubameyang against Newcastle. Unai Emery selected a slightly weaker arsenal side as almost of his first-teamers were injured, short of fitness or in the case of Mesut Ozil and Sead Kolasinac; dealing with criminal issues.
It takes one man to fall for another rise and fortunately for Arsenal, this was the case on Sunday. The absence of key players opened doors for Unai Emery’s youngsters and the Spaniard gave starting roles to winger Reiss Nelson and midfielder Joe Willock.
The two Arsenal academy graduates put in impressive performances but one moment from Joe Willock had Unai Emery jumping with joy on the touchline.
The midfielder was shoved off the ball by Newcastle’s Jonjo Shelvey but he quickly got himself up and in a flash caught up with Shelvey, put in a very good tackle and won the ball cleanly.
Unai Emery celebrates Joe Willock’s tackle like a goal in Arsenal’s win over Newcastle United#AFC 😍 https://t.co/N23uWFbGs0
— Celio (@CelioCyl) August 13, 2019
Willock was the standout player during Arsenal’s Preseason matches but there were fears that he might not translate that form to the Premier League. However, on the basis of Sunday’s performance, it looks like he will be one to watch this season for the Gunners.