Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe is ‘glad’ that Joelinton is ‘getting some recognition’ for his work as a team player. The Brazilian played a key role in holding Arsenal to a 0-0 draw.
The Toon left north London with a point on Tuesday night after stifling the Gunners’ attack at Emirates Stadium. Mikel Arteta’s men had started the match in confident spirits as they burst out of the gates. But Nick Pope refused to be beaten as the Magpies started slowly.
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Arsenal were clearly the stronger of the two teams over the opening exchanges but could not find the breakthrough goal. Joelinton had the perfect chance to open the scoring with the last telling act of the first-half, too. But the 26-year-old sent his rear-post header wide.
No chance after the break was as inviting as the header Joelinton spurned as he likely only needed to find the target to score. But Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Martinelli both had chances in the second half. Pope also made a crucial save to deny Eddie Nketiah.
Newcastle were fortunate, too, that referee Andrew Madley and his VAR Stuart Attwell did not give Arsenal a penalty after Dan Burn hauled Gabriel back at a free-kick. But the Toon’s decision to play defensively ensured they left with one point having produced few chances.
Howe appreciated Joelinton’s defensive work as Newcastle held Arsenal to a draw
Joelinton impressed his head coach, Howe, with his efforts for Newcastle at Arsenal, even after missing his late first-half header. The Toon boss appreciated all the work the Brazilian put into defending for the Magpies at the Emirates after aiding left-back Burn throughout.
“He does that consistently,” Howe told the BBC. “He’s an incredible athlete and very highly motivated, a really solid team player and I’m glad he’s getting some recognition for that.”
No Arsenal or Newcastle player won a higher number of successful tackles than Joelinton, Miguel Almiron or Ben White with five each, per WhoScored. All three also won possession with all of their attempted tackles. While Joelinton also had a joint-high two interceptions.
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