Joe Willock says he is ‘grateful’ to Arsenal supporters for the reception he received during ’s 4-1 defeat at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
’s side ran out deserved winners and delivered a dominant first-half display in which they led through an own goal from and a close-range finish from .
Bukayo Saka and Jakub Kiwior also found the net for Arsenal in the second half before Willock, who came on as a substitute having returned from an Achilles injury, scored on his return to the Emirates Stadium.
Willock, who joined Newcastle in a £25 million deal in 2021, received a warm reception from Arsenal’s supporters inside the Emirates and the midfielder says he is ‘thankful’ to the club having progressed through their academy to the first team.
‘We knew what we were getting into when we came here, they [] are a really top side, they play good football,’ Willock told .
‘In the first half I thought we could’ve done better but I thought second half we reacted and we have to take the second half to the next game.’
When asked about his return to Arsenal, Willock said: ‘It’s a bit bittersweet, obviously I’m delighted to score but the result is the most important thing and unfortunately we didn’t get the three points today.
‘I’m grateful for my reception I got from the Arsenal fans. They gave me a good reception.
‘Arsenal have gave me a lot during my career, I was there since I was four and a half. They gave me a lot and I’m thankful for them.
‘Today, playing for Newcastle United and losing is a bit disappointing.
Willock has spent over three months on the sideline due to an Achilles problem and the 24-year-old has been unhappy with being unable to improve Newcastle’s situation on the pitch.
‘I think I’ve worked really hard, it’s been a stressful, lonely journey for me this season, I’ve been injured quite a lot,’ Willock said.
‘I’ve been really disappointed not to have been able to help my team as I know I can.
‘It’s part of football but it’s been quite lonely but I’m happy I’m back now and trying to be positive for the future.’
, . ,  and .
Arsenal news, exclusives and analysis
