Callum Wilson feels Newcastle United have beaten teams this season who 'performed better' than Liverpool despite their recent defeat. The Magpies have now lost twice twice to Jurgen Klopp's side this term, and the Reds became the first team to triumph at St James' Park with a 2-0 win on Saturday.
Early goals for Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo combined with Nick Pope's dismissal proved decisive, although Eddie Howe's side battled valiantly for the majority of the contest despite their numerical disadvantage. The defeat means Newcastle have now dropped down to fifth in the Premier League, with Liverpool closing the gap on the top-four to seven points with two games in hand on Tottenham.
Wilson was introduced as a substitute in the 64th minute, and saw a late one-on-one effort saved by Alisson. Attention for the Magpies now turns to Manchester United and the Carabao Cup final on Sunday, but the England international was asked for his verdict on Liverpool's top-four prospects following the win.
READ MORE: Kieran Trippier insists Newcastle 'not cheating' as Manchester United family show true colours
He told the BBC's Footballer's Football Podcast: "If we score our chances early, it's a different game. I personally feel that we've beaten teams this season that have performed better than Liverpool did at our place.
"I just felt that we were off it, they were on it, they scored at good times, we went down to 10 men and actually played better. We performed better on the day, but the only statistic that matters is goals."
This response led to a back-and-forth between Wilson and fellow podcast presenter and West Ham striker Michail Antonio. Pressed again on the question, Newcastle's number nine stressed his frustration with the display from the Magpies, rather than being drawn on Klopp's side.
Wilson added: "Liverpool played well on the day and got the result, but overall I think our performance warranted more out of the game. You're trying to say are Liverpool back? They've won two games over the last couple of weeks, and we technically let them win because it was a poor performance from our point of view."
READ NEXT
Newcastle given FFP boost by Premier League as club to bank more millions in TV money
Newcastle United ditch traditional cup final build-up as decision made for Manchester United clash
Meet Newcastle's out of window signing who Chelsea looked at and has 'impressed' Eddie Howe
Howe confirms Newcastle's Pope appeal decision and issues Karius and Gillespie fitness update
Allan Saint-Maximin told it's 'down to him' if he wants to remain part of Newcastle 'juggernaut'
