Joe Willock hammers in to make it 2-2 (©AFP)
Joe Willock hammers in to make it 2-2 (©AFP)

North London rivalry reignited at St. James’ Park

Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 05.04.21. | 10:48

Arsenal boy Joe Willock is delighted because his goal for Newcastle United put a dent in Tottenham’s bid to reach the Champions League

Relegation-threatened Newcastle United managed to snatch a potentially crucial point in their match against Jose Mourinho’s Cockerels on Sunday and it’s an achievement enough for the black and whites. Spurs held the 2-1 for a long period of the game despite conceding first but were ultimately frustrated at dropping two precious points.

The manner of the 2-2 draw and the late equalizer has a special meaning for the goalscorer Joe Willock. The midfielder joined Newcastle on loan at the end of January from Arsenal, his boyhood club. And every young Gunner dreams of blasting the ball in the back of Tottenham’s net.

"The boys did really well. I'm an Arsenal player so scoring against Spurs does make it a bit sweeter but I'm just happy to come here, do my job and make an impact like the manager told me to do. The manager told me to come on, run around and get in the box to try and score goals. I'm happy I was able to do that."

With manager Steve Bruce and owner Mike Ashley under constant pressure from the club’s disillusioned fanbase, Newcastle isn’t exactly the sort of environment a young player would enjoy coming into but Willock and his temporary team-mates developed a strong team spirit despite less than favourable circumstances.

"As a group of players, we're all willing to fight for each other. If we continue to play how we did today we will have no problems staying in this league."

Joe Willock is having fun at Newcastle since arriving from Arsenal earlier in the season (©AFP)Joe Willock is having fun at Newcastle since arriving from Arsenal earlier in the season (©AFP)

It’s not yet clear whether there will be a future for the young Englishman at the Emirates when this season has finished, but he is doing himself no harm with some eye-catching performances on Tyneside. With two goals in seven starts, the 21-year-old midfielder has improved his stature in the Premier League. The fact he spoiled a day for millions of Tottenham Hotspur supporters made his goal all the sweeter.


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ArsenalEnglish Premier LeagueJoe Willock

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