Newcastle United held on for a point against Arsenal at the start of the year, drawing 0-0 on what was a really tough night for Dan Burn.
Eddie Howe picked Burn to start at left-back at the Emirates, tasked with stopping Arsenal‘s in-form superstar Bukayo Saka.
The England international was enjoying a sensational season at the time, and looked perfectly equipped to give the Newcastle defence a torrid time.
That is exactly what Saka did, doing his best to tie Burn in knots at the start of the game. It prompted criticism from former Toon defender Jose Enrique, who suggested that Newcastle need to sign a top level replacement.
By the end of the game, no one was bemoaning Burn for his struggles up against Saka. Instead, Toon fans were hailing the players for the way they handled the 21-year-old.
Joelinton massively helped Dan Burn up against Bukayo Saka
Burn got to grips with the task at hand, and he was given a huge amount of help from his teammate Joelinton. After a tough start to the game, Howe got the Brazilian to sit deeper, having started on the left wing.
Joelinton ensured that Burn was never isolated, doubling up on Saka and reducing Arsenal’s threat down that flank.
It was an exceptional performance from the 26-year-old, who was thanked by Burn afterwards. He also received praise from Howe, who described him as an ‘incredible athlete‘.
He will hopefully start on the left wing against Arsenal on Sunday
That is exactly what he was at the Emirates, and Burn will be hoping he gets similar protection at St James’ Park.
That would mean Howe needs to make a tactical tweak, having started Joelinton in the middle against Southampton. Sean Longstaff missed out due to an ankle injury, which was why the £40million man shifted inside.
But with Longstaff due to return, Burn will be eager to see Joelinton moved back to the left wing. They dovetailed brilliantly against Arsenal last time out, and will need to do the same on Sunday to stop a team that is still chasing the Premier League title.