Jonjo Shelvey believes Chris Wood thoroughly deserved his first Newcastle United goal last night.
The 30-year-old has been on a horrible run in front of goal since his £25million switch from Burnley. Until last night, Wood had played every single minute possible since his move, but been unable to score his first Toon goal.
However, that changed in the 32nd minute against Southampton.
The New Zealand international latched onto a wonderful cross from Shelvey, heading past a helpless Fraser Forster to make it 1-1.
It was Wood’s first Premier League goal since November, and hopefully the first of many in a Newcastle shirt.
Jonjo Shelvey pays ‘credit’ to Chris Wood
After the game, Shelvey spoke to NUFC TV and was asked about his role in the equaliser.
“Woody’s worked his socks off since he’s come into the club, and he’s been unfortunate not to get a goal to be honest with you,” Shelvey told NUFC TV.
“I just knew that if I put it into the right area – he’s been winning headers left right and centre for the past eight games since he’s been playing.
“So if you put the ball into the box to him he’s going to score goals. Credit to him, he thoroughly deserved it.”
Wood deserved it
While his performances have generally been good, it’s been a tough start at Newcastle for Wood. But that goal will give him a huge confidence boost.
It will have lifted the pressure on his shoulders, and hopefully now he can kick on. He’s often been a streaky scorer, so this could be the start of his latest purple patch.
Even without the goals, Wood has been exceptional. He’s led the line brilliantly, but chances just haven’t gone his way – until last night.
The equaliser versus Southampton was a typical Chris Wood goal. As Shelvey says, he will score goals if you put the ball in the right area for him.
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