Callum Wilson has admitted that he was ‘disappointed’ to be substituted in the win over Fulham.
The 30-year-old returned to Eddie Howe’s starting lineup after a six-week absence with a hamstring injury. Wilson was fit to return at Craven Cottage, perfectly coinciding with Alexander Isak’s fitness issue.
The former Bournemouth man was thrust straight back into the action, and his selection paid off.
Wilson scored Newcastle’s opening goal of the afternoon against Fulham, tapping in from incredibly close range. It was so close that he basically robbed the goal off of Joe Willock, whose header looked to be going in.
But the number nine got his third goal of the season, and easily could have had more. He missed a very easy chance in the early stages, then looped an effort narrowly over the bar.
Newcastle created chance after chance, but Wilson couldn’t add to his tally before his afternoon came to a premature end.
In the 66th minute, Howe took Wilson off and replaced him with Ryan Fraser. And the £20million man wasn’t too thrilled.
Wilson ‘disappointed’
After the game, he spoke to the Athletic about his return.
“I was very disappointed I didn’t put my early chance away,” Wilson said.
“I toe-poked it, and I don’t know for the life of me why. I should have scored, especially for the standards I set myself. Thankfully I managed to get one on the line. I’m disappointed not to score more.”
On the topic of being taken off early, he said: “Disappointed but respectful about, because you want more goals.”
Howe made the right decision to substitute Wilson
While Wilson may have been disappointed, it was absolutely the right decision by Howe.
By the time Wilson came off, the game was won and his job was done. Newcastle were 4-0 up against 10 men – it would have taken an almighty comeback for the Magpies not to have won.
With Newcastle so far ahead, Howe took the decision to protect some of his star players. He took Bruno Guimaraes off before the hour mark, and then he replaced Wilson.
Newcastle need to protect the striker. Sure, he wants to score more goals. However, the bigger picture dictates that he was right to be withdrawn.
Now he will be fully fit to go again next week against Brentford, where hopefully he scores again.
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