Joe Willock produced a match-winning block late in the day as Newcastle beat Southampton on Thursday night.
It was a fantastic away performance from the Magpies, who became just the second team this season to beat the Saints at St Mary’s.
Goals from Chris Wood and Bruno Guimaraes completed the comeback on the south coast, but it was Newcastle’s resolute defending that ensured the three points went back to Tyneside.
The likes of Dan Burn and Fabian Schar were brilliant again, as the Toon dug in to extend their unbeaten run to nine games.
There was huge celebrations when Bruno gave Newcastle the lead, but two Toon players celebrated just as much after what Willock did in stoppage time.
The tackle, the reaction – the Joe Willock photos that epitomise Newcastle right now
Southampton were pushing hard for an equaliser, and Che Adams must have thought he was about to get it.
But as you can see below, a last ditch block by Willock denied the Scotland international.
Burn’s long leg couldn’t reach it, but luckily the former Arsenal man was there to ensure Newcastle maintained their one goal advantage.
To see Willock defending his own box so late in the day is incredible. It shows the incredible work rate and desire he has, just like so many of his Toon teammates.
He’d spent most the evening playing off Chris Wood, leading the press and driving the Magpies forward. But he was there to deny Southampton when it mattered most.
And the reaction is priceless.
Adams is devastated. And Willock is probably wondering why two Geordies are trying to deafen him.
The passion from Burn and Sean Longstaff is clear for all to see. It’s pure appreciation of what Willock had just done. They knew how important that block was, and celebrated as if Willock had scored the winner.
While the goal from Bruno was special, sometimes you can’t beat a last gasp tackle. Willock’s block was as good as a goal, and it was celebrated as such by BDB and Longstaff.
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