Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson has been praised by BBC Sport’s Garth Crooks for his ‘superb’ finish against Burnley at the weekend.
In the 40th minute of the Premier League game, Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope charged out of his goal to collect a Joe Willock cross.
But, as the England international claimed the cross, he collided with Fabian Schar.
Pope dropped the ball and it fell at the feet of Newcastle’s number nine, who smashed it into the back of the net and St James’ Park into raptures.
Pope remonstrated with the referee, claiming he was impeded by the Swiss international, but the goal stood after a VAR check.
It was Wilson’s 18th Premier League goal since the start of last season – more than double of any Newcastle teammate (Match of the Day).
The priceless win for the Magpies took us level on 10 points with Burnley and three points off Watford in 17th.
Wilson’s goalscoring exploits for Newcastle saw him named in Crooks’ BBC team of the week.
Praise for Callum Wilson
Commenting first on Newcastle’s crucial first win of the season, Crooks said: “Fourteen Premier League matches without a win must bear heavily on the mind. To see the reaction of newly installed manager Eddie Howe and his players after the game and their first win of the season, told its own story.”
Crooks, who had no sympathy for Pope in his role in the only goal of the match, added: “Burnley, who felt aggrieved and thought Nick Pope had been impeded, should take stock.
“Goalkeeper Pope had no business coming so far off his goal line and attempting to catch a ball over a bunch of competing players. He should have punched the ball clear and Burnley know it.
“As for Callum Wilson’s finish, under such immense pressure for the Magpies it was simply superb. Newcastle look like they might have a chance under Howe.”
Howe and his players will be galvanised by getting three points on the board. A win at Leicester on Sunday could see the Toon Army climb out of the relegation zone, if Brentford also beat Watford.
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