Joe Willock delivers message to Newcastle supporters after disappointing defeat to Arsenal

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Joe Willock has issued a message to Newcastle United supporters after what was a calamity of a performance against Arsenal.

There was very little to be positive about with Newcastle conceding their 20th Premier League goal of 2024 already and dropping more points away from home.

Speaking to NUFCTV after the game, Willock wanted to personally apologise to the fans who had travelled down to the capital and promise they would work hard to win in the FA Cup on Tuesday.

Willock apologises to Newcastle fans who travelled to Arsenal

On one positive note, those fans who made the journey down to London did in fact get to see Newcastle score their first goal at the Emirates since 2014.

It won’t be much of a consolation considering the pathetic performance they had to watch over the 90 minutes, though this season they will have been used to being disappointed away from home.

Newcastle have a terrible record against Arsenal, particularly away from St James’ Park, so there wasn’t any real expectation for their game, and yet it still felt like they had massively underachieved.

Willock, who only came on to make his return from injury in the second half, was quick to apologise to the fans, thank them for their continued support and pledge they’d do everything they can to beat Blackburn.

On the supporters, Willock said: “Thank you for your unwavering support like always. You really got behind us today, we’re sorry we couldn’t give you the three points but we’re going to do everything in our power to get the win on Tuesday and move forwards.”

It’s now FA Cup or bust for Newcastle

There are still European spots up for grabs and Newcastle are not absolutely miles away from achieving a top seven or top six finish this season, but on their current form you’d be surprised to see them make a big push.

What they can focus on is their FA Cup fifth round tie on Tuesday as they attempt to make it back-to-back appearances at Wembley with the team just two victories away from another trip to the capital.

Eddie Howe won’t want to put too much pressure on the game as there’s still a lot to play for, but it is now starting to feel that a good run in the cup is the only thing that could rescue what has been a disappointing campaign.