Newcastle United recorded a huge win on Saturday to end Arsenal’s Premier League unbeaten run.
There were probably several players you could have picked out from that performance to include in the team of the week.
BBC Sports pundit Garth Crooks has included Joelinton as well as his teammate and goalscorer Anthony Gordon in this week’s instalment.
With the injuries piling up for the Magpies, this duo have been absolutely key in the last couple of positive results.
The key to winning the midfield battle
It was clear that Newcastle would have smelled blood when they saw that Martin Odegaard – who was brilliant in this fixture last year – was not even listed on the bench.
While Declan Rice had a very good game, it felt that Arsenal, particularly Jorginho and Kai Havertz, struggled to cope with the physicality and energy of Joelinton throughout the game.
The Brazilian was key both defensively and going forwards and had a huge part to play in the goal as he nodded Joe Willock’s cross down for Gordon to tap home.
As it’s been well documented in the last few days, things got a bit heated during the game and the 27-year-old epitomised the passion of the fans and took it all in his stride.
Crooks referred to it as Newcastle having “grit” after what was an intense performance to defeat one the only two remaining unbeaten teams in the league.
Crooks said: “If Arsenal’s unbeaten run was going to come to an end, then I would have put my money on it happening at St James’ Park.
“There is a rivalry emerging between these two teams, not just based on a north-south divide, but two teams who are similar in so many ways. They have managers who are young, astute and ambitious with players who are being groomed for success and know they are very close to it.
“Arsenal are the football aristocrats while Newcastle represent a grit that is synonymous with the region. Joelinton’s performance against the Gunners was magnificent and epitomised that resilience.”
Joelinton will be huge in hectic fixture list
With injuries and suspensions limiting what the Magpies can do on the pitch, Joelinton’s attributes are going to be absolutely key for future domestic and European battles.
Not only is his physical presence a huge positive, the £40m man has improved so much on the ball and can drive the team up the pitch against some of the bigger sides Newcastle may face.
The versatility of the former Hoffenheim has also already proven to be pivotal as he started off the left against Manchester United but can easily slot back into midfield when asked.
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