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Eddie Howe shares what he actually thought about Callum Wilson’s display for Newcastle vs Liverpool
Sean Fisher
3 minutes
Eddie Howe sprung a surprise when he left Alexander Isak out of Newcastle United’s starting lineup against Liverpool.
In the build-up to the Anfield trip, Eddie Howe issued an injury update on Sandro Tonali and Joelinton, but failed to mention a possible issue for Alexander Isak.
The 25-year-old did travel to Anfield but Eddie Howe has now confirmed Isak had a slight groin issue that wasn’t worth risking.
Instead, Callum Wilson led the line for Newcastle but he frustratingly missed a huge chance in the first half. Liverpool fans mocked Wilson’s display and were grateful that Isak was absent.
Wilson did struggle against Liverpool, and Howe commented on his performance in his post-match press conference.
Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images
Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images
With Isak out injured, Howe opted to start Wilson ahead of summer signing William Osula, but he did swap his strikers for the final 20 minutes.
Wilson’s struggles in front of goal emphasised just how important Isak is to Newcastle’s success, but Howe was quick to defend Wilson after the match.
As quoted by BBC Sport, Howe said: “Callum [Wilson] will always back himself and we back him to take the chances, they’re not easy opportunities. He played well tonight, led the line and played well.”
When Howe was asked about Newcastle failing to get a shot on target, he added: “Not good, can’t sit there and say we planned that.
“We had opportunities, obviously you’re not going to get an abundance of chances here so when you do you have to take them and we didn’t do that tonight.”
The numbers behind Callum Wilson’s struggles vs Liverpool
Newcastle’s senior striker has not been in good form of late with Anthony Gordon frustrated at Wilson during the win over Nottingham Forest.
Wilson is expected to leave this summer when his contract expires, but Newcastle need him to step up for the final few months of the season, especially with silverware on the line.
He will be far from pleased with his Anfield performance, despite Howe’s praise. Here are some stats from Wilson’s disappointing display:
Minutes played 69
Touches 17
Passes completed 80% (8/10)
Shots taken 2
Big chances missed 1
Duels won 20% (1/5)
Possessions lost 5
Callum Wilson stats from Liverpool 2-0 Newcastle United in the Premier League.
READ MORE: What sources close to Callum Wilson are saying about his Newcastle United future as West Ham eye move
Both of Wilson’s shots were off-target, and he only managed 17 touches during his 69 minutes on the pitch. He was often starved of service, but he struggled to
get himself involved.
