Dan Burn endured his toughest night at left-back in a Newcastle shirt against Arsenal, with the local lad receiving criticism from former Toon defender Jose Enrique.
The Magpies’ number 33 was up against one of the Premier League’s best right wingers on Tuesday night, with the in form Bukayo Saka causing him countless problems.
The England international is enjoying a sensational season, scoring six goals and providing six assists. However, he was unable to add to that tally against Newcastle.
Eddie Howe’s side held the Gunners to a 0-0 draw, becoming the first team to stop Arsenal scoring this season. Nick Pope kept his 10th clean sheet since joining the club, and received praise from Toon legend Alan Shearer.
Another former Newcastle player in Enrique also watched the game, and had some choice words for Burn’s performance at left-back.
Jose Enrique criticises Dan Burn
Early in the game, it looked like Burn was in for a rough evening. Saka was running at him at will, and looked like a real threat.
The Arsenal youngster’s pace caused Burn real problems in the opening stages, and that was enough for Enrique to claim that Newcastle need a replacement.
He wrote on Twitter: “Newcastle need a top left back. They are creating to many problems in that side. He is a very good player burn but as a center back no left back. No quick enough for the premier league to play as a left back even if he is doing an incredible job still believe they need a world class left back not a center back that can play left back.”
Harsh on Burn
While it initially looked like Saka was going to give Burn the run around, the 30-year-old eventually got to grips with the task at hand. With some protection from Joelinton in front of him, the pair worked brilliantly to nullify Saka’s impact.
He continued to be a threat, but that was always going to be the case with a player of Saka’s ability. But Burn certainly did not disgrace himself. If anything, he held his own.
This is not the first time that Enrique has criticised Newcastle’s left-back options. Earlier in the year he claimed that the Magpies should target someone better than Matt Targett, despite his excellent performances on loan.
In the long run, Newcastle will probably bring in a ‘world class’ left-back. But right now we have two excellent options in Burn and Targett.
Enrique certainly jumped the gun with his criticism of Burn. At the end of the day, he has played a huge part in Newcastle’s success this season, that has been built on the foundation of a solid defence.
Burn played a pivotal role in helping Newcastle become the first team to keep a clean sheet against Arsenal this season. He should be praised for his performance, not criticised.
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