Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe refused to be too critical of his team’s performance against Arsenal.
The defeat in north London means that Newcastle United have to beat Everton in their final game of the Premier League season if they are to qualify for the Champions League.
Newcastle lost 1-0 to Arsenal after Declan Rice’s goal in the second half on what was a frustrating day in the English capital.
The Newcastle United manager saw his side dominate much of the first half but they dropped their intensity after the break. By the time Rice scored, an Arsenal breakthrough had been coming.
A notable absence was Alexander Isak. The striker missed the game with a thigh injury and was replaced by Callum Wilson. The veteran – alongside a few of his teammates – endured a miserable day at the office.
Still, Howe defended him after the game.
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Eddie Howe sends Callum Wilson message after Newcastle United lose to Arsenal
As per SofaScore data, Wilson did not win a single duel up against the Arsenal defence. Clearly, the Gunners have a strong defensive unit and plenty of strikers have struggled against them but it was obviously a disappointing day for Wilson.
Shots Ground duels won Aerial duels won Possession lost
0 0 0 9
Callum Wilson’s stats for Newcastle United vs Arsenal, data via SofaScore
William Osula arguably did more during his brief cameo, although the bar wasn’t exactly set very high.
Still, speaking to Sky Sports, Howe said: “Unfortunately for Callum, none [of the chances] fell to him. But it was a strong performance in his [Isak’s] absence.”
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Is Callum Wilson leaving Newcastle United?
Right now, that appears to be the case.
Wilson has not made the required appearances to trigger a contract extension at Newcastle this season, having spent the first portion of the campaign injured.
While it remains to be seen if the club do eventually offer him a deal, there has been no confirmation of that thus far. As such, the 33-year-old is heading for his final game as a Newcastle player when Everton come to St James’ Park next week.
The former Bournemouth forward has been a brilliant player for the club over the years. He deserves to be treated with respect and will be remembered fondly.
It is, however, hard to justify selecting him over Osula if Isak cannot make the Everton game.