Following Newcastle United’s defeat, Joe Willock says he is ‘grateful’ to Arsenal supporters for the reception he received during the 4-1 defeat at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
Mikel Arteta‘s team emerged as deserving victors, showcasing a dominant first-half performance that saw them take the lead through an own goal from Sven Botman and a close-range finish from Kai Havertz. Bukayo Saka and Jakub Kiwior further extended Arsenal‘s lead in the second half. Despite the defeat, Joe Willock, who made his return from an Achilles injury as a substitute, managed to score on his return to the Emirates Stadium.
Willock, who made a £25 million move to Newcastle in 2021, was warmly welcomed by Arsenal’s supporters at the Emirates Stadium. The midfielder expressed his gratitude to the club, having progressed from their academy to the first team.
‘We knew what we were getting into when we came here, they [Arsenal] are a really top side, they play good football,’ Willock told TNT Sports.
‘In the first half I thought we could’ve done better but I thought second half we reacted and we have to take the second half to the next game.’
Joe willock expressed gratitude
When asked about his return to Arsenal, Willock said: ‘It’s a bit bittersweet, obviously I’m delighted to score but the result is the most important thing and unfortunately we didn’t get the three points today.
‘I’m grateful for my reception I got from the Arsenal fans. They gave me a good reception.
‘Arsenal have gave me a lot during my career, I was there since I was four and a half. They gave me a lot and I’m thankful for them.
Willock, who has been sidelined for over three months due to an Achilles problem, has expressed frustration at being unable to contribute to improving Newcastle’s situation on the pitch.
