Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has praised Joe Willock, after the midfielder scored his third goal for the club against West Ham United.
Willock came off the bench to bag the winner for the Magpies for an absolutely huge three points.
The 3-2 victory has afforded Newcastle some welcome breathing space, with eight points now the gap to Fulham in 18th.
£20,000-a-week star Willock (Spotrac) has made a good impression at St. James’ Park since arriving on loan in January, despite not starting every single game.
He’s very much the talk of the supporters at the moment along with Allan Saint-Maximin, and now Arteta has spoken about the 21-year-old.
He said (via Chronicle Live): “I’m really happy with Joe because he scored a massive goal for the club so when he produces big moments like that, obviously, for a young talent like him, it’s very satisfying.
“Joe can do it – he’s got the ability and the desire – and now he’s having more consistency in terms of minutes and performances and that’s great for his development.
“That’s why we all believed it was the right thing for him to go on loan.”
Arteta comments a worry?
Arteta is clearly quite impressed with what Willock is doing at Newcastle.
And that could potentially be a dent to the hopes of the Magpies signing him permanently.
It’s been reported previously (90min) that Arsenal may struggle to land Martin Odegaard permanently, and so they’d surely want Willock back if he keeps up this level and they can’t sign the Norwegian.
That said, the massive developing story about the European Super League may well ultimately help Newcastle prise Willock away from the Gunners.
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