Callum Wilson led the celebrations as Newcastle United took the lead against Arsenal, much to the amusement of Michail Antonio.
It looked for all the world that the Toon number nine had scored the opener. Joelinton’s cross was delivered into his path and the next thing you know the ball is in the net.
The stadium announcer tells the fans it’s Wilson’s goal, which leads to a chorus of ‘hey Callum Wilson, ooh ah, I wanna know how you scored that goal’.
Well, he didn’t actually. Replays showed it was an own goal by Benjamin White, who got to the ball before Wilson.
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The 30-year-old ran off in celebration, pointing at his £40million teammate. However, that’s not what West Ham forward Antonio heard.
Wilson celebrated like he’d scored himself according to Antonio
Wilson and Antonio spoke on the latest episode of the Footballer’s Football Podcast, and discussed Newcastle’s opening goal against Arsenal.
Antonio: “I heard that you tried to celebrate like you got the goal! Did you forget the cameras were there?! It’s not back 20 years ago when you could nick the goal.”
Wilson: “No, that isn’t true! The little birdie has given you wrong information. Basically what happened was, yes, I was going to put it in if the defender didn’t, but I’m happy to score – well I didn’t score – but I’m happy that the team are 1-0 in front. I ran over to Joelinton who put the cross in and pointed at him to say it was him who made the opportunity happen. I wasn’t celebrating with the fans!”
Antonio: “Oh yeah, more like thank you for the assist, my brother, thank you for my assist!”
Wilson deserved a goal against Arsenal
While Antonio’s description of Wilson’s celebration is a bit off the mark, the Newcastle striker certainly deserved the chance to celebrate.
He was exceptional against the Gunners, and should have ended the night with a goal. He almost scored our goal of the season, but his long range effort looped over Aaron Ramsdale and agonizingly wide of the post.
Although he didn’t score, the performance served as a reminder of what Wilson is capable of. Luckily we haven’t missed him too much in 2022, with Eddie Howe’s side thriving without him. Chris Wood has led the line well.
However, Wilson’s return showed just how much better we are with him in the starting XI.
Wilson proved he can be Newcastle’s main striker if he stays fit. That’s a big ‘if’ sadly.