Newcastle United rounded off a spectacular week with a win against Birmingham City in the FA Cup.
It has been quite the week in the cup competitions for Newcastle United. They reached the Carabao Cup final with a sensational win against Arsenal at St James’ Park.
On Saturday night, Newcastle secured their place in the fifth round of the FA Cup after an intense, physical affair against League One leaders Birmingham City at St Andrew’s.
Newcastle’s 3-2 win against Birmingham did not come without its consequences, however. Dan Burn came off injured which Toon boss Eddie Howe confirmed to be a problem with his groin.
It is a big blow for the Magpies to lose a player that Anthony Gordon said was Newcastle’s player of the season – they were also without Sven Botman for the cup tie after he came off against Arsenal with a knee injury.
Joe Willock looked back to his best after scoring a brace against the Blues. He admitted that this season “has not been easy” after struggling with injury and a lack of minutes.
While Willock took much of the plaudits, a former Premier League striker gave another Newcastle man lots of praise after his performance.
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Stan Collymore praises William Osula
William Osula was electric on Saturday night. The 21-year-old bagged two assists and looked like scoring all night. He was unlucky not to score Newcastle’s second goal after his effort inside the six-yard box clattered off his other foot before Callum Wilson tapped in.
Howe claimed Osula would play on the right wing at times this season which he did against Birmingham – he looked natural in that position throughout.
Midway through the game, former Liverpool striker Stan Collymore revealed an admiration for Osula and backed him to achieve big things.
“Like Newcastle’s Osula a lot,” he said.
“Remains to be seen whether he’ll be too flight or not but at 21 he’s got every basic attribute a striker needs.
“Physical, can turn and drive towards goal, good first touch, happy to play facing or back to goal, willing to run in behind and take shots on.
“At the right club to develop too.”
Osula scored his first Newcastle goal in the previous round of the FA Cup against Bromley. He received support from Alexander Isak on social media after the game.
How Newcastle feel William Osula is developing
Despite a lack of game time since joining Newcastle in the summer, Osula has taken his chances to impress in Newcastle’s first-team squad.
Howe has been pleased with Osula’s progress behind the scenes and has previously stated that he has ‘no hesitation’ choosing him for games in the future.
After Miguel Almiron was sold, Newcastle needed to find a successor on the wing if anything were to happen to Jacob Murphy. His performance against Birmingham was a sign that he can be trusted in that position in the future.
It was a big test for Osula to play against the League One leaders who have spent a lot of money in the last six months, but he took the opportunity brilliantly.
Osula could be in line to feature against Manchester City in the Premier League in a week.
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