Arsenal 2-0 Newcastle: 4 Things We Learned From FA Cup Win

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 09: Emile Smith Rowe of Arsenal celebrates with teammate Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after scoring their sides first goal during the FA Cup Third Round match between Arsenal and Newcastle United at Emirates Stadium on January 09, 2021 in London, England. The match will be played without fans, behind closed doors as a Covid-19 precaution. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /

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LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 09: Joe Willock of Arsenal (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /

Joe Willock Fails to Glisten in Preferred Role

Just like Nelson, there was another player who was given an opportunity on Saturday and came up short. In the case of Joe Willock, however, he was chosen to initially start the game. Even less excuse.

In the Europa League Willock has impressed in the No. 10 slot. It’s a position that isn’t his best, but one he can perform well in if given the freedom that Dundalk, Molde and Rapid Vienna granted him. When coming up against better opposition though, he isn’t suited to that slot.

As part of a midfield trio, playing alongside a holding midfielder, in this case Elneny, he has the platform to let his better qualities shine. As a box-to-box man, his charging gallops through the inside spaces is where he’s looked more dangerous. In the FA Cup, he didn’t cause any problems other than those to his own team.

Needless fouls were commonplace, as well as carelessness in possession at moments where Arsenal had opportunities to threaten.

Trying to analyse why his European form hasn’t translated into domestic action is, sadly, quite an easy observation to make: quality. Of course, this was one outing in his favoured role compared to numerous appearances in other positions, but he didn’t cover himself in glory.

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