🚨🗣 “I have faced prominent defenders such as Van Dijk and Ruben Dias in the past; however, I must admit that I have never encountered a defender as formidable as he is.” Newcastle’s Alexander Isak has disclosed the one Arsenal player who posed a significant challenge for him yesterday — not Saliba and not Gabriel.

Newcastle United’s star striker, Alexander Isak, has faced some of the toughest defenders in world football. The Swedish forward, known for his technical ability, speed, and clinical finishing, has battled against elite defenders like Virgil van Dijk and Ruben Dias in past encounters. However, after Newcastle’s recent match against Arsenal, Isak has made a surprising admission—none of those previous battles compared to the challenge he faced yesterday.

Arsenal secured a crucial victory over Newcastle, with their defensive resilience playing a key role in shutting down the Magpies’ attack. Many expected William Saliba or Gabriel Magalhães to be the toughest obstacle for Isak, but the Swedish international stunned everyone when he revealed that neither of them was his most difficult opponent on the night. Instead, he singled out another Arsenal star who made his evening a nightmare.

The player in question? Arsenal’s young sensation Jakub Kiwior. The Polish defender was deployed in an unfamiliar left-back role but completely neutralized Isak’s attacking threat. Kiwior’s physicality, tactical awareness, and relentless pressing made life extremely difficult for the Newcastle forward, preventing him from finding space or linking up effectively with his teammates.

Isak, who has scored against some of the best defenders in the Premier League, was visibly frustrated throughout the game. Arsenal’s defensive setup forced him into uncomfortable positions, cutting off his supply and limiting his ability to impact the game. Kiwior’s defensive performance was one of the highlights of the match, and his ability to handle Isak with such composure did not go unnoticed.

In his post-match interview, Isak was full of praise for the Arsenal defender. “I’ve played against some of the best in the world—Van Dijk, Ruben Dias—but I must say, I have never struggled like this before. His positioning, his physicality, his awareness—it was a nightmare for me,” Isak admitted.

The comments from Isak are a massive boost for Kiwior, who has often been overlooked in Arsenal’s defensive lineup. The Polish international arrived at the Emirates with a solid reputation but has had limited opportunities to establish himself as a regular starter. However, his recent performances suggest he is growing into a key figure for Mikel Arteta’s side.

Kiwior’s ability to adapt to different positions has been an asset for Arsenal. While naturally a center-back, Arteta has deployed him as a left-back in recent matches, particularly in games where the Gunners need additional defensive stability. Against Newcastle, his disciplined performance in this unfamiliar role showed his versatility and growing maturity as a player.

Arsenal fans were quick to react to Isak’s comments, with many praising Kiwior’s underrated abilities. The Polish defender has often been in the shadow of Saliba and Gabriel, but this performance proved that he is more than capable of stepping up when needed.

Newcastle, on the other hand, struggled to break through Arsenal’s compact defensive structure. Isak, who is usually a game-changer for the Magpies, found himself completely isolated and unable to influence the match as he usually does. Arsenal’s backline, led by Kiwior, ensured that Newcastle’s attacking threats were kept at bay, leading to a frustrating evening for Eddie Howe’s side.

Mikel Arteta will be pleased with his team’s defensive solidity, especially with Arsenal still in the thick of the title race. Keeping a player of Isak’s caliber quiet is no easy feat, and Kiwior’s performance will certainly give Arteta more confidence in his defensive options.

This display could also change the narrative around Kiwior’s role at Arsenal. With the club still competing in multiple competitions, his ability to fill in at left-back and center-back could prove invaluable. If he continues to perform at this level, he could cement himself as a regular starter in the squad.

For Newcastle, this defeat is a setback, but Isak’s comments highlight the growing quality of Arsenal’s defense. The Magpies will need to find a way to bounce back, especially if they hope to secure European football next season.

As for Kiwior, his performance against Isak will be remembered as a statement display—one that proves he belongs at the highest level. If he continues to deliver like this, Arsenal may have found another defensive gem to complement their already formidable backline.