Callum Wilson proved there is still room for him at Newcastle United after a brace against the team he loves to score against more than any other. The Magpies hitman, who has had to play second fiddle to Alexander Isak in recent weeks, scored the first goal of each half in a thumping 5-1 win over West Ham United on Wednesday, rewarding Eddie Howe's faith to start him.
Wilson, who was given the nod over Isak to the surprise of most Newcastle fans, has now scored 12 goals in 13 Premier League games against the Hammers. The former Bournemouth man has struggled since the World Cup and looked to be lacking fitness in the first months of 2023.
However, after finding the net off the bench against Manchester United on Sunday and following that performance up with a stellar showing from the outset in the capital on Wednesday, Wilson can now play a huge part between now and the end of the season.
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Speaking about the striker, Howe said: “I’m lucky to have managed Callum for most of those goals [against West Ham], probably. I’m aware of his record against West Ham. I wouldn’t say it was defining factor behind the decision [to start him], but it certainly played a part.
“Callum was very good, that goes without saying, and the two goals were very important goals for us. His all-round performance was very strong, but that’s not a surprise to me.
"I can’t rate Callum any higher than I do, and with him and Alex, we’ve got two outstanding centre-forwards.”
Wilson is still a fan favourite on Tyneside. Despite Isak taking the headlines of late, there is certainly room for both attackers on Tyneside. It remains to be seen which one will get the nod against Brentford on Saturday with Howe admitting more rotation could be on the cards.
Wednesday's night clash was all about getting confidence back in Wilson after months of struggles on and off the pitch. The player himself was always confident of scoring against David Moyes' side given his track record against the east London outfit.
"It’s tradition now. Sometimes you have those teams you play against and tonight it was one of them. Enjoy playing against them and you kind of just have a feeling you’re going to score," Wilson said at full-time.
"Today I had the opportunity to play from the beginning and managed to get on the scoresheet and help us get three points. I was gonna say something, but stay humble. It’s one of those where before the game everyone’s talking - ‘West Ham, you’re going to score today.’
"You get, like I say, a feeling and yeah, it’s about taking the opportunity because I’ve been on the bench the last few weeks and playing from the beginning I have to make a statement and show everybody I’m still here."
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