There wasn’t a lot to get excited about at City away. But one thing that really did buoy the crowd was the appearance of Wilson and Trippier.
I feared the worst when Wilson got injured in December. We were still in the relegation zone and only had one other recognised striker, Gayle, who couldn’t get a look in.
Although we’ve often looked toothless without Wilson, we’ve done fine without him. But wasn’t it fantastic to see him back over our final few games of the 2021/22 season?
From the get-go he was lively in that 2-0 win over Arsenal, bullying a Gunners defence who couldn’t handle his power or movement, getting stuck in centrally and down the wing, and altogether giving us a presence that we’ve sorely missed. Then at Burnley, he was the calmest man inside Turf Moor as he tucked away both goals like he’d never been away, reminding Howe that he’s not lost his touch inside the box an remains by far our best striker.
This is no disrespect to Wood – while his goal tally isn’t the best, he’s played an immensely valuable role in bullying defenders and drawing them away to allow his teammates to score.
Callum Wilson, as we all knew, is on another level.
The fact that he was able to get into double figures in a Steve Bruce side last season was phenomenal. It’s highly frustrating as a supporter to see such an incredible all-round forward camped out in his own half so I can only imagine how maddening it was for him.
Wilson took his fate into his own hands during those dark times and helped to drive the ball forward. But then what we needed was another Callum Wilson in the box to finish it.
He’s still willing to get stuck in deeper and bring other players into it, but it’s refreshing to see him able to spend time in and around the box to do what he does best – score goals.
There are concerns around injuries. This, we know. But to allow him to go when we finally have a team and a manager who play to his strengths is madness.
That said, we do need another prolific goalscorer to accompany him.
A seasoned striker needs to be our marquee signing in the summer. But I don’t necessarily see them replacing Wilson. While we’ve had little choice but to play one up top over the past six months, our fluidity and adaptability as a team means we can accommodate two strikers.
A proven striker is essential in case, god forbid, Wilson gets another injury that sidelines him for months.
I also think he genuinely loves the club. He lost a tooth for the cause on Monday and dutifully kept playing after having it rammed back into his gums (a scene I’m pleased I haven’t seen back yet).
He’s a nightmare to play against and has that ice cool confidence. He enjoys winding up opposition goalkeepers and defenders. He loves responding to criticism. He’s not dirty or mouthy, he errs just on the right side of loveable scoundrel. And he’s guaranteed to score goals, when fit.
That last line is both a blessing and a curse, but I can’t wait to see Callum Wilson in an even more attacking Newcastle United side next season. And whoever we sign to play alongside him or challenge him for his spot cannot be a replacement.
