Les Ferdinand told Premier League Productions that he was ‘surprised’ Arsenal loanee, Joe Willock, was left out of Newcastle’s starting XI that faced Tottenham today.
Steve Bruce made five changes from Newcastle’s last game – 3-0 defeat to Brighton – with Arsenal’s academy product being one of the players dropped to the bench.
Well, Willock proved his worth when he came off the bench for Newcastle because the Arsenal man equalised late on for his side as they recorded a 2-2 draw against Spurs.
Ferdinand understood why Bruce made so many changes but he didn’t agree with Willock being one of those having to make way.
“He has made five changes and when you look to the Brighton game then you can understand why he has made five changes,” said Ferdinand.
On being surprised by Willock’s omission: “I was. He was the only one since he’s come he has given them that bit of energy that they need. That was the surprise.”
Willock is enjoying a pretty fruitful spell at St James’ Park even though he finds himself in a relegation battle.
But all of this struggle will be doing him the world of good and making the forward-thinking midfielder a better player.
The hope for Willock is that his performances at Newcastle can help him break into Arsenal’s team next season.
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