Callum Wilson scored Newcastle United’s first goal against Fulham on Saturday, but it could easily have gone to Joe Willock.
Kieran Trippier’s cross was directed towards goal by Willock, whose header looked to be going in. Then Wilson popped up at the back post to stab it in.
It was vital Newcastle scored quickly after Fulham went down to 10 men, and Wilson’s goal set the Magpies on their way to a fantastic victory.
The 30-year-old’s strike was his third of the season, and the perfect return from injury. Wilson hadn’t featured since the 3-3 draw with Manchester City, but picked up exactly where he left off.
However, he did potentially steal the goal from his £25million teammate.
Callum Wilson on his goal vs Fulham
After the game, Wilson spoke to NUFC TV. He shared what he and Willock said after the number nine opened the scoring.
“It’s nice to come back with a goal, albeit it was basically on the goal line,” he said.
“Me and Joe were talking about how I stole it off him. He got an assist, I got myself a goal. Just thankful to get on the scoresheet and help the team get three points.”
Doesn’t matter who scores for Newcastle
It looked for all the world that Willock’s header was going in. But Wilson did the right thing in making sure. And he did what every great striker would do. He’s a poacher, and goals like that will boost his chances of going to the World Cup this winter.
While Wilson denied Willock his first goal of the season, the former Arsenal man should be very happy with his performance. He got two assists, also setting up Miguel Almiron’s second goal.
Willock was exceptional against Fulham, and would have been the Magpies’ man of the match had it not been for Almiron’s efforts.
It didn’t matter who scored for Newcastle at Craven Cottage. The most important thing was the result.
With Nathaniel Chalobah getting sent off early, it could have been an awkward game for Eddie Howe’s side. From that point, Fulham were always going to sit in and defend.
It was up to Newcastle to break them down, which is something they have struggled to do in recent weeks.
But Wilson’s goal set the Magpies on their way to an important win, lifting them to seventh in the Premier League table.
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