Arsenal play at St James' Park this afternoon
Arsenal head to St James' Park today to face Newcastle, who look almost certain to survive in the Premier League thanks to Rafa Benitez's incredible ability to grind out results. Arsenal, meanwhile, have little to play for in the league now - just to make sure Burnley do not catch them and pip them to a Europa League spot.
For the north London team, all eyes are on the Europa League, as the Gunners pursue a different entrance to the Champions League next season. Arsène Wenger is therefore rotating his squad quite heavily, saving his most important players for the European ties. Having just returned from Moscow, where Arsenal secured their play in the semi-finals, many key players are fatigued. Wenger has taken this opportunity to rotate by giving 18-year-old Joe Willock his Premier League debut.
Willock is a hot prospect, you only need to look at Arsenal fans' reaction to his selection to see how excited they are to see him play first team football.
https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/985480350259392513
https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/985481580406890496
https://twitter.com/afcDW/status/985482416436498432
https://twitter.com/RedWhite_Gooner/status/985485740556603393
https://twitter.com/CainHadley/status/985486375289057280
https://twitter.com/jbaseball44/status/985484769407348737
And if you want a stat to make yourself feel very old - he is the fourth player born after Arsène Wenger's first game in charge of Arsenal to make his debut under the manager's reign.
https://twitter.com/OptaJoe/status/985484217508343808
