Newcastle United got their assault on the Premier League’s top four back on track in the most resounding of ways on Sunday.
Eddie Howe’s side flew out of the traps against fifth-placed Tottenham, racing into a five-goal lead in the opening twenty minutes as social media went ablaze.
It was a story of total domination and, frankly, the eventual 6-1 scoreline flattered only Spurs.
The moment of the match has to be Joe Willock’s glorious assist for Alexander Isak to score his first goal and Newcastle’s third.
While it is Bruno Guimaraes more known for his passing range, Willock played a simply stunning ball with the outside of his foot to find Isak running in behind the Spurs defence.
Credit must go the Swede of course for the finish but the weight of the pass from Willock was absolutely picture perfect.
In his usual rather understated fashion, however, the 23-year-old refused to bask in his own sunlight.
Willock praises Isak for the run in stunning Newcastle goal
Speaking after the game, Willock told Sky Sports (via BBC Sport): “It was a brilliant run, we were trying to build that connection in the team.
“We work on phases of play in training and that was one of them.”
How long can Gareth Southgate ignore Willock?
Branded “Willockinho” by his teammates, that assist makes it five goals and three assists in 26 Premier League starts.
From a central midfield position, that is not something to be sniffed at, particularly given his important to the cause in a defensive aspect too.
Howe has backed Willock for England recognition in the near future and it’s hard to see how Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate can ignore him much longer.
Southgate is hardly blessed with options in the middle of the park and passes of that nature point to yet another outstanding aspect of his game.
Surely, Willock will soon start pushing.
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