Eddie Howe considers unleashing £65m Newcastle United pair on Arsenal after Chelsea tease

Howe has often chose between Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes for the left wing position this season but turned to Joelinton for the 2-0 Carabao Cup victory against Chelsea on Wednesday night.

The Brazilian was closely supported by Joe Willock as the pair rekindled their partnership, one that proved hugely effective when Newcastle qualified for the Champions League two seasons ago.

By playing Joelinton out wide, Gordon was moved out of his preferred position to the right while Barnes didn’t make it off the bench. Ahead of the Premier League clash at home to Arsenal this weekend, Howe is facing a major selection headache.

“It’s a difficult position for me to pick because we have an array of riches on that side with Anthony, Harvey, Joe and Joelinton,” Howe told NewcastleWorld.

“When Joelinton and Willock play together they dovetail that position really well. I’m not sure what the final solution for that is other than we have got very good players competing for places.

“That’s what I’ve said so many times we need in all areas of the pitch. Today we utilised Anthony on the right, he did fine, Joe Willock and Joelinton did really well down the left, I was really pleased with their solidity.”

“He’s not your conventional winger, he’s a hybrid of different qualities but plays the position brilliantly for me, he always has done,” Howe added on Joelinton.

“If someone said to me what is Joelinton’s best position I’d struggle to give you an answer which is a brilliant thing for me to have within the squad.

“Sometimes when you pick a team it’s not just about the player in the position, it’s about the relationships that form around and having an understanding and bringing out the best in other players. Willock and Joelinton did that tonight.”

Both Joelinton and Willock suffered an injury hit campaign last time out, therefore restricting Howe’s ability to play them together.