Two Newcastle United players really stood out for Danny Murphy during the Magpies’ 1-0 win over Arsenal at St James’ Park on Saturday.
On a controversial night on Tyneside, it was Newcastle who won the battle of St James’ Park against Arsenal. It was a feisty affair that boiled over on multiple occasions, and it ended with Eddie Howe’s side coming out on top.
That was thanks to Anthony Gordon’s goal, which was given by the referee despite VAR looking at three separate reasons as to why it could be disallowed. The decision enraged Arsenal, while it led to an incredibly embarrassing outburst from Mikel Arteta after the game.
It was a battling display from Newcastle, who completely nullified Arsenal. They barely created any chances, and that was largely down to the Magpies’ efforts off the ball.
Gordon and Miguel Almiron were exceptional in their defensive work, and received a huge slice of praise from former Premier League midfielder Danny Murphy after the game.
Danny Murphy hails the efforts of Anthony Gordon and Miguel Almiron vs Arsenal
Following Newcastle’s 1-0 win over Arsenal, Murphy highlighted why Gordon and Almiron were so important during his analysis on BBC Match Of The Day.
“It was incredible,” he said.
“If you want to stop Arsenal, you’ve got to stop Martinelli and Saka. The pace, the skill, the creativity.
“If you ever want to see a display of defensive discipline, great work ethic, helping your teammates, especially in wide areas, this was it.”
Murphy added: “Gordon’s work ethic to get back, and Almiron, as good as you will see from any wide player in the Premier League.
“Anywhere, probably in Europe, actually.”
Newcastle completely nullified Arsenal thanks to Gordon and Miggy
As Murphy says, Newcastle needed to stop Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli. They did just that, with Almiron and Gordon working so hard to help their respective fullbacks.
It was a performance that summed up why the Magpies are so successful under Eddie Howe. While we can play excellent football, he has created a team of fighters – a band of brothers that battle for each other from the first minute to the last.
Newcastle’s attitude and application is elite, and it is summed up by the work that Miggy and Gordon do on the flanks. They were outstanding off the ball, and Murphy believes that they are up there with the best in Europe when it comes to their work without possession.
That is incredibly high praise, but it is praise that they absolutely deserve.
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