I watched Newcastle United v Arsenal - and I'm certain I've seen Thomas Tuchel and England's future

What a week. What a performance.

Newcastle United made it two wins in a week at St James’ Park, following up the 2-0 win over Chelsea by beating Arsenal on home turf.

Alexander Isak’s first-half header was the difference between the sides, as the Magpies claimed their first three points in six Premier League games.

But what did we learn from the encounter? Here’s the NewcastleWorld FIVE things.

The Longstaff effect

It’s been one of the raging debates among the Newcastle United faithful - play Sean Longstaff, or opt for Sandro Tonali.

In my opinion, as they did late on, I think both can operate in the same midfield, but if it’s a choice between the two, at the moment, it’s the Geordie boy who wins hands down.

Longstaff just knows the role. He knows where to be. Know how to operate as a right-sided No.8 in this Eddie Howe system. Things just function as they should.

He’s not got the talents of Tonali, but is the fittest player in the squad, closes off gaps for the opposition and puts his foot in. He arguably put in his best ever performance in black and white v Arsenal - and long may it continue.

The future looks like Lewis Hall

Regular readers of my musings on here will know that I’m a massive fan of former Chelsea man Hall.

His technical class is far superior to anything I’ve seen from any domestic full-backs in the Premier League this season, and his defensive work is now really starting to shine through. You can see the work both the player and the head coach have been putting in to improve, and it’s paying dividends right now.

Few full-backs in world football will keep Bukayo Saka THAT quiet, but Hall did it at a canter - and added a lovely balance down the left on the overlap, too.

He could well be Newcastle’s full-back for years to come - and I’m all for it.

Eddie Howe’s tactical masterclass

It was like turning the clocks back wasn’t it? Nah, not just an hour or so like daylight saving, this was more season-saving, 2022/23 stuff.

And credit the head coach for that - in a week that started with so many questions, he strived for answers, and found some with some tactical and approach tweaks.

Big credit must go for the move to a slightly augmented midfield and wide areas.

Joelinton is a left forward, I’ve been saying that for years, and now finally, people seem to be cottoning on to the fact he can play midfield, but it isn’t natural to him. Being a hard-working, physical, defensively-minded left forward is definitely his strong suit. On the opposite side, everything about Anthony Gordon’s game suggests he can play out there, it’s just a mentality thing and a personal preference that keeps his mind left.

In the middle three, as mentioned, Longstaff matters, but so too does Joe Willock, whose legs and energy, as well as football IQ when teamed with Joelinton and Isak, is a joy to watch, especially when Newcastle can break after being hemmed in.

Unsurprisingly, this was how five of the front six looked in best parts of two seasons ago, where Newcastle finished fourth.

Livramento kick starts campaign

While Hall could be Newcastle and England’s left back of choice for years to come, there’s nothing stopping Tino Livramento doing the same on the other side.

He’s had some struggles this season, more downs than ups, but he’s just a young lad, who, in reality, hasn’t played all that much top level football. He’s still learning and it was good to see him look his best again v Arsenal.

He again looked like that one v one monster we all know and love.

Form is temporary, class is permanent

When things go badly, everything is called into question. It can happen from time to time. But the one thing that, for me, can never be called into question is the class of two players who have, in fairness, brought some queries of late.

I’ve seen some fans say they would get rid of Isak, and others talk of Bruno not being Newcastle’s rightful leader. I think both will dispel that crazy talk, if they haven’t already.

Guimaraes is the best player in Newcastle’s squad, bar none, and led from the front v the Gunners. He thrived in the heat of battle, and looked every bit a leader out on that pitch.

Isak was much more like his usual self. Gone is the trying to hard, and it’s coming naturally again. If he stays injury free the goals will keep flowing.

Cream always rises to the top. And these two are the best of the best, with sprinkles and a cherry to go with it.