Match of the Day pundit Ian Wright raved about Newcastle debutant Joe Willock and admitted some Arsenal reservations.
It took the youngster just 16 minutes to open his account for the Magpies and he was impressive throughout.
The 21-year-old was allowed to join the Magpies on loan in January, with the player falling down the Arsenal pecking order.
After his strong opening performance, Wright waxed lyrical about the youngster.
He did, however, display some sadness when suggesting that he doesn’t think Willock will get a prolonged Arsenal opportunity.
Wright told Match of the Day: “I’m delighted for him. He said to Saint-Maximin, when he does break down the wing, cut it back as he’ll be there.
“That’s what he does. He’s a box-to-box midfielder and I don’t think he’ll ever get the opportunity at Arsenal to play like he did for Newcastle, or stay in the team long enough to do it.
“I’m delighted for him as it’s a very integral time in his career at the minute.”
Newcastle compounded Southampton’s misery after their 9-0 midweek defeat to Manchester United.
The Magpies were forced to withstand some late pressure after Jeff Hendrick was sent off.
Ultimately though they were good value for three points and Willock was part of everything good about the performance.
Newcastle should prepare to pounce
Wright’s suggestion implies that Arsenal might be close to cashing in on the £20,000-a-week Willock.
If that is the case, Newcastle have to be ready to pull out the stops to add him to the St James’ Park ranks on a permanent basis.
He may have only played once for the Magpies but he’s already shown that he oozes class.
Given a run of games he should get even better and some Arsenal fans will feel he deserves a run in their team.
Newcastle have settled for second best with regards to transfers in the past but signing Willock would represent a step in the right direction.
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