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Yesterday’s win at Wolves was a bit of a rollercoaster. A strong start, an awful goal to concede followed by fears we were drifting towards a frustrating 1-0 defeat until two moments of magic turned the match on its head.
Naturally, Harvey Barnes and Fabian Schar will grab the headlines and take so much of the post-match praise after their stunning strikes won us the game, but there’s one Mag who deserves a special mention – Joe Willock.
Howe was bold at half-time in making three changes – something he doesn’t often do – and Willock’s introduction was a positive on a few fronts.
It not only marked a rapid return from a thigh injury, which was a huge relief given his constant spells on the sidelines last season, but he gave us something different and delivered a quietly impressive 45-minute display.
Despite only playing half of the game, he created FIVE chances, which is more than double the next highest (Barnes and Gordon both created two). His ability to carry the ball, drive down that left – either wide or in field – and create space for others was key and very nearly helped make it 3-1 as he put Barnes in behind deep into stoppage time.
It’s also worth adding that his five chances created was a Premier League high over the weekend, with only Man Utd’s Amad Diallo (6) creating more. Considering he played 45 minutes where there was no recognised striker on the pitch in that time, it’s really impressive.
So, while Barnes and Schar take so many of the plaudits, I came away from yesterday’s win delighted to see Willock back sooner than expected AND making a big impact on his return to the side, giving Eddie Howe plenty to ponder as he and Joelinton battle for that LCM spot.
Source link : https://www.nufcblog.co.uk/2024/09/16/the-newcastle-player-who-isnt-being-talked-about-enough-after-2-1-win-at-wolves/
Author : Olly Hawkins
Publish date : 2024-09-16 12:26:35
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