Arsenal 2-0 Newcastle: 4 talking points from Premier League win

2. Nuno Tavares’ Strange Performance

If there is somewhere to critique Nuno Tavares then it is in his decision making. In the first half he wasted possession on four standout occasions: his ballooning shots.

Credit to him, undeterred by some horrendous shooting he kept plugging away and tried with both his feet, but such were the quality of his efforts that fans were even heard shouting ‘don’t shoot’.

A mixed bag in that opening 45 minutes, after the break he was far more effective in possession and his exceptional athleticism stretched Newcastle on numerous occasions. Tactically he was given more freedom to underlap and join the five lanes of attack from the interior, a position he picked up in the build-up to Saka’s goal where he produced a delightful assist.

Getting the nod once again over Kieran Tierney, while there may still be some management of the Scot’s fitness – getting him up to peak physical strength before returning – it does seem like the Portuguese has nailed down the left-back slot.

It’s testament to his character that after a dreadful second half against Liverpool and some poor end product in the opening 45 minutes against Newcastle that he came out fighting after the break and was one of the best players on the pitch. Sensational second half showing.

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