Willock’s perfect response to Saka ahead of next chance to prove Arsenal wrong
Joe Willock has a favourite goal celebration that nods to his Arsenal playing days and worship of Thierry Henry.
The Newcastle midfielder has a few in his repertoire, but the chest beating, face grimacing the sprint to the corner flag that got an outing when he netted against Manchester United in April is his No1. It got another outing on Wednesday night, this time at Old Trafford, as the Toon put Erik ten Hag's beleaguered side to the sword.
Arsenal runs deep in his soul, but he’s made a proper name for himself at St James’ Park and loves the support he gets from team mates, Eddie Howe and the fans. But the Gunners’ visit to Tyneside on Saturday evening will be special, as he comes back from a hamstring injury, then an Achilles problem, which kept him out from mid-May until two weeks ago.
“My Thierry one is my favourite so far. Bukayo Saka is a friend of mine, and he messaged me and told me I copied his celebration! I told him it wasn’t his, it was Thierry’s!”
Willock has another chance to prove he’s the midfield star that got away when he takes on Arsenal this weekend. Steve Bruce bought him for £20m after a scoring spree on loan, and he’s developed quickly under Howe.
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Last season Willock conjured arguably the ”assist” of the season against Spurs in April, sending Alexander Isak clear to score with a 40-yard curling pass with the outside of his right boot that was a moment of beauty and world class skill. He made only 12 league starts for Arsenal but now has 55 starts for Newcastle.
His potential was clear in North London, but it’s taken a move north to establish himself and last season get to the fringe of England senior recognition. The Arsenal website still carries a profile of Willock and it is glowing, showing the esteem he was held in.
It reads: “A box-to-box midfielder who glides effortlessly with the ball at his feet, Joe enjoyed a stunning breakthrough season last year, making 11 appearances for the first team.
Joe Willock is set to face former club Arsenal on Saturday (Getty Images)“He had been a regular for the under-18s just 12 months earlier, but made his senior debut in the 4-2 win against Red Star Belgrade in the Europa League in September 2017. He then went on to feature in the Premier League, FA Cup and EFL Cup, starting six times. He maintained his fine form at under-23 level too, recording one goal and five assists.”
Gliding Willock, still only 24, has the highest average ball carrying distance than any midfielder in the top flight last season. And that saw United team mates resurrect his old Arsenal nickname: Willockinho. “People keep calling me it, it is kind of nice and gives me more flair to my name!” he says.
This season is only just getting going. Willock was nursed back to fitness and has made two sub appearances before facing, and scoring, in Wednesday night's win over Manchester United. Newcastle’s injury crisis means he will be needed with 11 games before Christmas.
Willock is ideally suited to Howe’s tactics. To play for this Newcastle team you need relentless running power, energy, and the ability to help team mates snuff out the opposition and regain the ball quickly.
Joe Willock impressed for Newcastle under Eddie Howe last season (Getty Images)Midfield mate Sean Longstaff said last week: “The big one is Willock coming back. I could talk all day about how good he is and even watching him in training this week, it doesn’t look like he’s missed a minute. I’m really excited to have him back.”
Willock rehabbed last month in Barcelona and looks fresh. Howe is hoping he returns to last season’s brilliant form quickly. He said: “The injuries were a disappointment for him - and he's such a key player for us, so a disappointment for us. But our aim is just to get him back as quickly as possible and back to his best form.”
He could play as the central holding midfielder in Bruno Guimaraes needs a rest, on the left of midfield or wing, and can slot in at right midfield, although was less effective there last season.
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With Sandro Tonali banned for a year, and left sider Elliott Anderson out for seven weeks with a back injury, WIllock’s return, along with strong man Joelinton, is vital. Arsenal could see again what they are missing on Saturday.
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