Arsenal 2-0 Newcastle (AET) as holders move into next round | FA Cup 2020-21 | 5 Talking Points

#3 Reiss Nelson blows his chance for Arsenal

Reiss Nelson needs to be sent out on loan this month.

When Gabriel Maryinelli unfortunately rolled his ankle in the warmup, many Arsenal fans feared the worst. However, one man’s misfortune is another man's opportunity.

In stepped Reiss Nelson to take Martinelli's place and get the opportunity Arsenal fans had been crying out for him to get. From the first minute, the youngster looked like he had a point to prove, as he cut in from the left and mustered the team’s first shot on target.

Here's what happened to Martinelli. Looks like he rolled his ankle, not too serious. pic.twitter.com/RdTNHJzdTI

— Arsenal Presser (@ArsenalPresser) January 9, 2021

Unfortunately, his promising start didn;t materialise into a noteworthy performance. In fact, the 21-year-old’s cameo only further convinced the Arsenal boss that Nelson needs to be loaned out this month.

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#2 Pablo Mari - the unsung hero

Arsenal vs Newcastle United - FA Cup Third Round

When Pablo Mari was signed just over a year ago, nobody expected him to be nothing more than a squad option for Arsenal. However, the Spaniard has now proven himself to be much more than that.

In his last four games, Arsenal have kept three clean sheets and conceded only one goal. Against Newcastle, a very direct and physical team, the 27-year-old completed 94% of his passes, won eight duels, made five clearances, completed four tackles and intercepted three passes in a commanding display.

The centre-back has now given Mikel Arrteta a headache about whether Mari keeps his place over Gabriel Magalhaes next week.

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#1 Willian at #10

Arsenal vs Burnley - Premier League

From the day he was signed, Arsenal fans have been crying out for Brazilian Willian to play as a #10.

At the age of 32, Willian no longer has the explosiveness to burst past players on the wing, so his technical attributes need to be maximised more centrally.

Willian has had just two shots on target across all competitions since joining Arsenal.

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) January 9, 2021

Against Newcastle, Willian was slotted in behind Nelson, Aubameyang and Pepe.

The onus was on the Brazilian to create chances for Arsenal. Unfortunately, he went on to produce another stinker in an Arsenal shirt.

In his 66 minutes on the pitch, the playmaker lost possession 11 times, attempted five crosses and one shot while producing one key pass in a below-par display.