The Newcastle United defender impressed against Arsenal even if he could not help them to a clean sheet.
Newcastle United have not had the best of starts to life under new manager Steve McClaren, with the Magpies picking up just two points from their first four Premier League matches.
Draws against Southampton and Manchester United spoke of better things to come but defeats against Swansea City and Arsenal suggest there is still plenty of work to be done at St James’ Park.
Given the number of new signings at the club this summer it was always going to take time for them to bed in, and that is certainly the case with striker Aleksandar Mitrovic who saw red against the Gunners. But one new face who continues to impress is defender Chancel Mbemba.
| Passing Accuracy | Outfield Blocks | Tackles Won | Effective Clearances | Effective Headed Clearances | Duels Won | Dispossessed | Interceptions Won | Mins Played | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chancel Mbemba | 76% | 2 | 1 | 10 | 6 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 90 |
The former Anderlecht player has slotted seamlessly into the club’s back-line, and he followed up his brilliant performance against Manchester United at right-back with a solid match in the centre against Arsenal.
Indeed, Mbemba was integral in keeping the deficit to a single goal and at this rate it seems Newcastle’s supporters have found a new defensive hero.
Against Arsenal, Mbemba made an impressive 16 effective clearances (10 with his feet and six with his head), and he also won four duels, one interception and he was not dispossessed during the entire game.
With one tackle, two outfield blocks and a passing accuracy of 76 per cent against very tough opponents, Mbemba made quite an impression and that bodes well for the future, whatever Newcastle fans think about the recent results.
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