Newcastle midfielder Isaac Hayden has said that there is nothing more he wants next season than to do the double over his former side Arsenal.
The 22-year-old joined the Magpies from the Gunners in the summer of 2016, having helped Hull City earn promotion from the Championship during a loan spell the season before.
His experience of England’s second tier proved vital for Rafael Benitez’s side, as he made 33 appearances in the centre of the park on the way to securing the Championship title.
Hayden formed a potent partnership with Jonjo Shelvey in Newcastle’s midfield, as he ousted players with top flight experience, such as Jack Colback and Vurnon Anita, from the starting XI.
Now Hayden is set to get his first taste of Premier League football, having failed to earn an appearance in the league for Arsenal, and told the Newcastle Chronicle that he is all fired up at the prospect of taking on his former side.
“I still have a place in my heart for Arsenal because I was there for eight years,” Hayden said. “But come next season, hopefully we can do the double over them.
“There would be nothing better than doing that, I can tell you that now.”
However, the versatile midfielder, who can also play at the heart of the defence, must be patient, with Newcastle’s first clash with the North London club coming when the Magpies travel to the capital in the middle of December, before hosting Arsene Wenger’s side at St James’ Park in April.