‘Brilliant’: Eddie Howe amazed by how good 29-year-old Newcastle player was in the air vs Arsenal

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There were plenty of heroic performances in black and white during Newcastle United’s 1-0 win over Arsenal on Saturday night.

Eddie Howe got one over on Mikel Arteta, who was absolutely furious after watching his side lose in the Premier League for the first time this season.

But he was not mad at the Arsenal players for barely creating a chance all game. Instead, he was fuming with the officials after the decision to award Anthony Gordon’s goal.

It was a controversial moment in a feisty game, as Newcastle defended for their lives to secure all three points.

Every Toon player delivered, but one man who deserves special praise is Jamaal Lascelles. And that is exactly what he has got from Eddie Howe after the game.

Eddie Howe delighted to see Jamaal Lascelles shine against Arsenal

Following the 1-0 win over Arsenal, Howe spoke to the Chronicle. He heaped praise on Newcastle captain Jamaal Lascelles for his performance against the Gunners.

“Jamaal has been excellent since he came back into the team,” he said.

“He was a giant for us against Arsenal. Aerially he was brilliant.

“It’s everything we have seen behind the scenes and we were confident if he got into the team he’d grow into that position and do well.

“I am delighted but it is down to him and his attitude.”

The Newcastle captain played so well

That was Lascelles’ fifth Premier League start in a row, with Sven Botman out of action due to a knee injury.

That felt like a major blow at the time, but it has allowed Lascelles to come back into the side and enjoy an incredible run at the heart of defence.

He was a giant against Arsenal, and was totally dominant in the air, as Howe says.

It is fantastic to see him play so well and lead by example, after being out of the team for so long. But his attitude has always been exemplary, and now he is being rewarded for his hard work off the pitch.

Arsenal failed to create anything on Saturday night, and that was largely down to the defensive efforts of Lascelles. He was one of multiple Toon players who could have won the player of the match award after the win over Arsenal, and he will hope for a similar performance against Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday night.