Callum Wilson turned in a strong performance as he came up against Newcastle United’s Sven Botman and Malick Thiaw for the first time.
Newcastle United beat Athletic Club 2-0 in the Champions League on Wednesday night, picking up another European win.
The attention turns back to Premier League action this weekend, as Newcastle travel to take on Brentford.
Many Magpies fans are still frustrated with last weekend’s defeat at West Ham United, though, as Eddie Howe’s side turned in a torrid performance.
Callum Wilson lined up against the Magpies for the first time since his summer move to West Ham, and he enjoyed a strong outing.
Callum Wilson praised for his performance against Newcastle United
Wilson had struggled for playing time ahead of his meeting with the Magpies.
The veteran striker joined West Ham on a free transfer over the summer, but Nuno Espirito Santo didn’t appear to be fully convinced.
Wilson impressed against Newcastle, though, battling well with Malick Thiaw and Sven Botman while showing his experience with smart link-up play.
Fabian Schar was then introduced at half-time, but Wilson did a fine job in West Ham’s attack.
Hammers boss Nuno Espirito Santo has now praised Wilson for his performance in his first clash with the Magpies since leaving.
Speaking on West Ham’s official website, Nuno suggested that Wilson had a ‘tough job’ against Botman and Thiaw, but he offered a ‘presence’ in West Ham’s attack.
Nuno thinks that Wilson can now become ‘really important’ for West Ham after a slow start in East London.
“I think he did really well against Newcastle,” said Nuno.
“He had a tough job, up against two physical centre-halves, but he was a presence up there. We had to manage Callum, and he came off after around 60 minutes, but his experience will continue to be really important for us.
“He has a good record against Burnley (seven goals in 12 games), and if he can score on Saturday that would be amazing!” he added.
Eddie Howe almost made the wrong Callum Wilson decision
Newcastle boss Howe praised Wilson ahead of last weekend’s game, before reports emerged about the decision on his contract.
iNews reported that Howe actually wanted to keep Wilson, but new terms could not be agreed.
That is an alarming claim, as Wilson’s time at Newcastle was up, and it was right for all parties to move on.
Wilson started just two Premier League games last season and only nine in the 2023-24 campaign.
Alexander Isak’s presence was a factor, but so were repeated injuries, which were a growing concern into Wilson’s 30s.
Newcastle needed to move on, and while Howe has been unlucky with Yoane Wissa’s own injury woes, Wilson’s exit was the right outcome.
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