Match of the Day pundit Ian Wright believes Newcastle United striker Chris Wood could be giving ‘a bit more’ for the Magpies.
The New Zealand international started again yesterday against West Ham United.
The star failed to score again yesterday, meaning he’s now gone five games without a goal for his new club.
Newcastle have been picking up points meaning it hasn’t really mattered too much so far.
But it could be that the spotlight soon starts to become a bit harsher.
Wood’s link-up play has generally been quite good, and Eddie Howe has been pleased with the £25 million man’s contributions.
But last night on Match of the Day, Ian Wright did question the 30-year-old.
He said during his analysis: “I think he could give them a bit more in what they need at the minute.
“I think when you’re looking at the form of someone like Joe Willock and what he’s doing and the way he’s supporting – these kind of situations he’s got to be better and tighter.
“This (Fabian Schar deflected shot chance) was more like it a bit. He’s come off nicely and laid it off, but we didn’t see enough of that. The sooner he can get that going, the better it will be for Newcastle.
Chris Wood needs his first goal for Newcastle
Some of the link-up play is good, and Howe has stated he’s pleased with Wood.
But he really does need that first goal for the club just to get it out of the way.
He had only scored three goals for Burnley before completing his transfer last month. That lowly tally will likely be frustrating him.
Him scoring that first goal should ease some of the pressure on him to perform in the absence of Callum Wilson.
Potentially, the other aspects of his game will improve because he’ll be playing with a bit more confidence.
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