Callum Wilson opened his account for the new season by scoring Newcastle’s second goal in the 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest.
The number nine put the result beyond doubt, cleverly converting Joelinton’s cross over the desperate Dean Henderson to score Newcastle’s second goal of the afternoon.
Wilson’s goal ensured it wasn’t going to be a nervy finish for the Magpies, who were completely dominant against Steve Cooper’s newly promoted side. From the first minute to the last, Eddie Howe’s men were on top.
We kept the ball brilliantly all afternoon, and created multiple openings to score. However, the deadlock was broken by a moment of magic from Fabian Schar. His strike from distance gave us a deserved lead, and ensured our brilliant performance wouldn’t be in vain.
Wilson then put the gloss on the scoreline in the 78th minute, and spoke to NUFC TV after the game about Newcastle’s performance.
Wilson wanted more goals against Forest
The 30-year-old was asked about Newcastle’s attacking exploits that saw them have 23 shots against Forest, 10 of which were on target. And Wilson believes we should have scored more.
“The only disappointing thing is that we scored two goals to be honest,” he said.
“We should have scored four, five, six today. There was just little moments that weren’t happening for us.
“But, day one, we’ll take the three points and keep building. It took us a long time last season to get that first win so to get it on opening day this year is a positive start and something we can now build on.”
Newcastle starting strongly with room for improvement
It would have been incredible if Newcastle had scored as many as six. We would have gone to the top of the Premier League table!
We certainly squandered a lot of chances. On another day, we might not have found the breakthrough. Luckily we did via Schar, whose strike will be an early contender for Toon goal of the season.
Wilson’s goal was lovely too – a deft dink over Henderson with the outside of his boot after some neat passing.
Howe’s side certainly looked a lot more dangerous than they did at times last season. We were able to sustain spells of pressure, recycling possession in the final third against a stubborn Forest side.
While the performance was fantastic, we are going to need to become more clinical as the season goes on. But that will come in time.
As Wilson says, this was day one, and to get a win with a performance like that was pretty perfect.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
