Willock has finally arrived this season for Newcastle, and must use Bruno threat as his catalyst

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Newcastle United grabbed a point on Saturday, drawing 1-1 with West Ham United.

The Magpies extended their unbeaten run in the Premier League to six games, and it was a decent result for the Magpies.

West Ham are obviously pushing for European football and are having a very good season.

It was always going to be a tough game, so to come away with a point, especially after going 1-0 down, is a respectable outcome.

It was Craig Dawson who gave the Hammers the lead, powering in a header from an Aaron Cresswell free-kick.

Newcastle then need someone to step up, and it was Joe Willock who duly obliged.

The midfielder was on hand to flick home Declan Rice’s botched clearance, with the ball trickling over the line after clipping the post.

It was something that was richly deserved, with Willock having done some great ball-carrying in the first-half.

Willock as really improved in the last few weeks.

Supporters have largely been frustrated with him this season. His level had been underwhelming following his £25 million summer transfer from Arsenal (Sky Sports).

But just lately, the 22-year-old has discovered his mojo, and it was great to see him finally score his first of the season on Saturday.

Interestingly, his recent upturn in form has seemingly coincided with the arrival of Bruno Guimaraes from Lyon.

So far, Eddie Howe has resisted the temptation to start Bruno, keeping the faith with a midfield trident some have christened ‘Jo³’ (Willock, Joelinton and Jonjo Shelvey).

Willock must use Bruno Guimaraes’ presence at Newcastle as his catalyst

Some have been a little surprised to see Bruno warming the bench in each game since his arrival.

But realistically, the midfield has been great and it’s a risk to tweak something that isn’t necessarily broken. Both in terms of disrupting momentum and frustrating certain players by benching them.

For now, Willock is starting, and he must continue to use the threat of Bruno to keep a high level.

The Brazil international is obviously really high quality. Howe recently branded him ‘an outstanding technician. So any sub-par displays could mean Willock immediately dropping to the bench,

He is the most likely to lose his place. Joelinton has become undroppable, and Shelvey is most suited to that deep-lying midfield role.

But so far, Willock has responded excellently, and long may it continue. Bruno’s time will eventually come.