Steve Bruce's bizarre contract uncertainty claim, Joelinton's alarming moment, Full-back's harsh Premier League introduction

Joelinton's struggles continued at the Emirates Stadium

Plenty of talking points emerged from Newcastle United’s 4-0 defeat at Arsenal - and here we take a look at three big ones.

The full-backs

Danny Rose and Valentino Lazaro were handed their first Premier League starts for Newcastle at the Emirates.

And for the opening half an hour, Steve Bruce’s decision to field the attack-minded duo looked an inspired call as the Magpies dictated proceedings.

But in the second-half, as Newcastle sat deep, the pair noticeably struggled to carry out their defensive duties.

Lazaro, in particular, was given a harsh introduction as he played a questionable part in Arsenal’s opening two goals.

Of course, the players arrive with different backgrounds. Lazaro needs time to get used to the top-flight while Rose is getting back up to speed after not featuring much at Tottenham.

The question is, do they have time with a potential defining few weeks in Newcastle’s season with Crystal Palace, Burnley and Southampton coming up?

Joelinton’s struggles continue

Late on in the first-half as Allan Saint-Maximin raced down the left wing, first-team coach Steve Harper, in the press box behind us, screamed at Joelinton to get into the box.

But instead, he was statically stood on the edge of the box and another chance went begging for Newcastle.

Indeed, it is a sign of a player completely lacking confidence or someone who lacks the anticipation to make the correct movements you’d expect from a £20million striker, never mind a £40m one.

Bruce again praised the Brazillian’s work rate but believes he needs to become more selfish and get into the box more.

With 12 games remaining in the league season - can Joelinton really win over his critics or is time running out?

Matty Longstaff’s contract situation

Longstaff was an unused subsitutue in North London but his contract at Newcastle is ticking down and people want answers.

Bruce insist there is no urgency to get a deal done because the club still have “three to four months”, which is a bizarre statement.

As each day passes, the uncertainty grows in the Newcastle dressing room. That goes for Federico Fernandez and Javier Manquillo too.

Steve Bruce's bizarre contract uncertainty claim, Joelinton's alarming moment, Full-back's harsh Premier League introduction - Newcastle United Talking Points