Send in the berserker! Andy Carroll rolls back the years as Elliot Anderson shines on debut – Liam Kennedy's seven Newcastle United takeaways

Newcastle United crashed out of the FA Cup in extra-time – great preparation for Sheffield United, I hear you say – but did so with some pride. They could, and should, have won it in 90.

Either way, here’s our writer Liam Kennedy’s SEVEN Newcastle United takeaways...

Dubravka gives food for thought

Having not been involved in any football since July, Martin Dubravka had to be at his sharpest just seconds into his return to deny Reiss Nelson.

One or two smart saves, including from Pierre Emerick Aubameyang, saw Dubravka ease back into life in the Newcastle United No1 jersey.

Karl Darlow's Premier League form has been exemplary, but Dubravka will have reminded Bruce just how good he can be with his Emirates show.

And it's no bad headache for Bruce to have.

Positive press

Newcastle United implemented a positive press - and forced Arsenal into mistakes in their own third.

The Magpies have tried this, in patches, but never a full game. And it worked, the antithesis of the Southampton failure.

More of the same needed... On a consistent basis.

Send in the berserker!

Andy Carroll has taken on an impact sub role during his second spell at Newcastle United.

Need a goal? Send on Carroll.

Defending a lead? Send on Carroll.

But in this show the 32-year-old rolled back the years, a little, and showed he can add some value to this side when picked from the off.

Hayden further underlines central defensive claims

He's a midfielder - and a decent Premier League level one, too.

But the more I see Isaac Hayden play in the centre of defence - in a back three - I like the look of him there.

It's probably too early to say whether he can play there long-term, but overall he's only struggled only once when deployed in the role.

A good defensive mind.

Positive changes - Bruce's subs improving

For the first 16 months of his reign, Bruce's changes rarely had a positive impact on games. In fact, you could make a case to say they had a negative one.

At least now, Bruce is trying to influence games with positive moves to win games when things are tight.

There is a lot to like about that. It won't always work, but long may this mentality continue.

A push, an interception - not one foot out of place

Elliot Anderson did not look one bit out of place against Arsenal. Let's be honest, he looks at home at this level.

The 18-year-old, making his Magpies debut, was comfortable on the ball, keen to drift between players, and offer an outlet.

The first time the camera went on the player, he pushed his opposite number to gain a yard at a set piece. Things you love to see.

Defensive solidity - the system works

Bruce has stumbled on a positive formation.

But, this team suits it - and it seems they're being coached to play the system, too.

All positive stuff.

Still, Newcastle don't really look like scoring, but at least they don't look like conceding at will. When Bruce tried to open things up this season it was carnage.

I don't like this new defensive Newcastle, but it works. The manager needs to stick with it.

Remember the short blanket?

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