Arsenal loanee, Joe Willock, has labelled Tottenham Hotspur as a ‘top team’, as he told BBC Sport.
The Newcastle United midfielder came off the bench to score the equalising goal against Tottenham on Sunday.
Given his Arsenal roots, there’s no doubt that would have pleased a number of his supporters back in North London.
But from Newcastle’s perspective, it was a very important point for Steve Bruce’s men, who are hovering above the relegation zone.
Whilst a lot has been said about Bruce’s tactics and recent well-documented incidents in training, Willock made it clear that ‘every day’ in training the Newcastle players are ‘pushing each other’.
“I thought the boys really played well,” said Willock. “To play against such a top team and play like that will give us massive belief going forward.
“It was a long two weeks. A lot of people were doubting us and really getting on to us, that can eradicate a few of the doubters.
“We can’t lay on this. We need to get three points but I feel like if we can do that on another day we’ll get them. Collectively, as a team, we’re really fighting. Every day in training we’re pushing each other to continue getting points.
“I feel like we can do it, we have the ability in the squad and the willingness to do it, and we all believe in the manager to give us the right tactics to go out there and do it.”
This is no doubt a big learning curve for Willock, who will be hoping this loan spell in the North East results in him earning more game time at Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta has shown that he is willing to give the younger players a chance, from Emile Smith Rowe to Bukayo Saka.
And there’s no doubt that Willock will want to join that party next season.
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