Joe Willock scored Newcastle United’s third goal against Southampton on Sunday, and the strike impressed Toon legend Alan Shearer.
The Magpies won 4-1 at St Mary’s, lifting them to the dizzy heights of third in the Premier League. Eddie Howe’s side totally blew Southampton away, who were booed off by their supporters.
But while Ralph Hasenhuttl’s time might be up, this is only just the beginning for Howe. And he will be delighted with the quality of goals they scored down on the south coast.
Newcastle scored some excellent team goals, and the sequence of play that delivered Willock’s first of the season was staggering.
It began with some showboating from Bruno Guimaraes deep in his own half. The ball was glued to the Brazilian’s feet, who toyed with the Southampton players before switching the play to the right.
Bruno’s pass found Kieran Trippier, who galloped past Romain Perraud with his first touch. The 32-year-old’s next touch was decisive, splitting the Southampton defence with one pass.
His through ball found Willock, who stabbed it past Gavin Bazunu to make it Southampton 0 Newcastle United 3. It was a great goal, and the duo involved have been praised by Newcastle’s all-time leading scorer.
Shearer on Willock’s goal vs Southampton
After Willock found the net, Shearer took to Twitter to toast Newcastle’s third goal of the afternoon.
He wrote: “What a pass @trippier2 and a what a great finish @Joewillock 0-3.”
The pass will be remembered more than the finish, but both players showed off their talents to score Newcastle’s third of the game. Willock did exceptionally well to guide it past the goalkeeper, using the outside of his boot to great effect.
It was the 23-year-old’s first goal of the season, but it hasn’t been for a lack of trying. He has came close on multiple occasions, but finally got the goal his performances have warranted.
Willock has become a key player in black and white, but there has always been a feeling that he is capable of even more. We saw that on Sunday, and hopefully it can be the start of a golden run in front of goal. It’s just a shame we’ve only got two more games before football pauses for the World Cup.
Speaking of the World Cup, that’s where Trippier is heading, and he is in great form ahead of the tournament. The defender has been Newcastle’s most consistent performer, and that will delight England boss Gareth Southgate.
There has been an injury crisis at right-back for the Three Lions, but there is no doubt that Trippier is England’s best right now. He is enjoying a brilliant season, and showcased his sublime talents in the 4-1 win over Southampton.
Shearer loved the goal, and rightly so. It was a great pass and a great finish, on what was a great afternoon for Newcastle United.