Joe Willock has admitted that he nearly cried after seeing Eddie Nketiah score a late winner to help Arsenal beat Manchester United on Sunday.
It looked set to be a decisive afternoon in the Premier League title race at the Emirates, while Newcastle fans also had an eye on their top four rivals after moving back into third thanks to a 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace on Saturday night.
The Gunners and the Red Devils played out one of the games of the season, and it was league leaders Arsenal who came out on top.
After falling behind, hitting the front then being pegged back again, Mikel Arteta had to rely on an academy graduate to grab the crucial goal.
Nketiah, who is currently Arsenal’s first choice striker during Gabriel Jesus’ absence, poached a 90th minute winner in dramatic fashion, getting his second goal of the afternoon to secure a famous 3-2 win.
There were huge celebrations at the Emirates, while there was also a cheer on Tyneside. The result means Man United remain in fourth, below Newcastle on goal difference.
Joe Willock reacts to Eddie Nketiah’s winner as Arsenal beat Man United
The Arsenal striker took to his official Instagram account after the game, posting pictures of himself celebrating his brace against Erik ten Hag’s side.
The caption said: “Your defence is in trouble!!!”
Nketiah’s post received plenty of replies, with the likes of Bukayo Saka, Tammy Abraham and YouTube star KSI praising the 23-year-old.
And he also received a message from his former Arsenal teammate and current Newcastle midfielder Joe Willock.
He wrote: “Brought a little tear to my eye, so happy for you bro.”
Willock and Nketiah could have been reunited at Newcastle
Willock and Nketiah came through the Arsenal academy together, which is why Newcastle’s number 28 was so emotional seeing his friend score a late winner at the Emirates against Manchester United.
However, the pair could actually be playing together right now had things gone differently. Nketiah was heavily linked with a move to St James’ Park this time last year, and looked set to join Eddie Howe’s side late in the January window.
But the deal was pulled, and Nketiah remained an Arsenal player. Now he is finally getting the first-team football he has craved, and is leading the line brilliantly as their main striker.
As for Willock, he is shining away from Arsenal. He is developing into a top class midfielder on Tyneside, and is playing a big role in Newcastle’s push for Champions League football.
The Magpies are currently third, boosted by Man United’s late defeat on Sunday.
