29-year-old Newcastle man could become first choice after Arsenal performance

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Newcastle United had a team full of warriors on the pitch against Arsenal, but it was Jamaal Lascelles who shone on Saturday evening.

Defensively the team have looked solid recently regardless of personnel in the back line with Paul Dummett and Emil Krafth shutting Manchester United out in midweek.

NBC’s Robbie Mustoe has heaped praise on the Newcastle captain after a man of the match performance against Arsenal in which he helped to record a fourth consecutive home clean sheet in the league.

The 29-year-old has filled in for Sven Botman for the last few weeks due to an injury but hasn’t looked out of place despite his lack of playing time.

Speaking on The 2 Robbies Podcast, Mustoe has commended the defender for having a “very strong” game against the Gunners.

Mustoe has even suggested that he may have made a case for himself to be first choice moving forwards.

“Lascelles has come in and had a long stint in the side and another very strong game,” Mustoe said.

“We know he’s not first choice, though he might be now going forwards, but let’s not forget how good he is.

“He wants to stay at this club while others have said ‘It’s time for me to move on, I’m out the side’, I like his attitude and character.”

It’s very likely that Botman will slot back into the side when fit, but the skipper will no doubt feel like his form is deserved of more regular playing time.

Lascelles stars for Newcastle against Arsenal

Since the beginning of last season, the former Nottingham Forrest man had made just seven Premier League appearances prior to Botman’s injury.

Despite a lack of playing time, the centre-back has remained a loud voice in the dressing room and has waited patiently for a chance to prove his worth to Eddie Howe.

Lascelles is a true fighter and epitomises the kind of player Howe is keen to bring to Tyneside whether he is supporting on the sidelines or fighting on the pitch.

Injury issues not slowing Newcastle down

The list of injuries is piling up for Newcastle with what feels like one or two players being forced off almost every game now.

Against Arsenal both Dan Burn and Jacob Murphy had to be substituted due to injury, but that didn’t prevent the Magpies from putting on a brilliant display.

It has also given the opportunity to the likes of Lascelles who, as Mustoe has pointed out, has played well enough to give Howe a selection headache upon Botman’s return.