4 Villains (And 6 Heroes) From Newcastle 0-1 Arsenal
2. Chancel Mbemba
Chancel Mbemba and Fabricio Coloccini looked extremely comfortable this afternoon and their relationship is beginning to look like a sturdy partnership that will continue until the end of the season. Unfortunately I struggled to include the Argentine centre half in the 'heroes' section because of his unfortunate own goal (you simply can't be a hero if you put the ball in your own goal) but both players were excellent and dealt with Theo Walcott and Olivier Giroud immaculately. With a fully-fit Steven Taylor on the bench and Coloccini finding some form, the inclusion of Mbemba has rejuvenated Newcastles defence and the Magpies look a lot stronger across the back four this season. Mbemba's £8.5 million transfer could potentially be the best deal of the transfer window if his form continues.
NCTJ-accredited football writer with an MA in Sports Journalism. What Culture football editor. Write for the official Newcastle United programme. Former video reporter at North News. Featured and published in the Sunderland Echo, Shields Gazette, Mail Online, The Mirror, The Sun and others.