Callum Wilson started for Newcastle United against Arsenal on Sunday and did not particularly impress.
Wilson led the line for Newcastle United against the Gunners, making only his second start of the Premier League season.
Arsenal beat Newcastle 1-0 on Sunday thanks to Declan Rice’s strike not long after half-time. It was a disappointing day for Eddie Howe, who saw his side dominate much of the opening 45 minutes before allowing Arsenal back into the game.
Howe stressed Wilson played well for Newcastle against Arsenal and he was far from alone in invoking the ire of supporters online. Indeed, Newcastle fans were unhappy with Anthony Gordon’s performance against Arsenal, so the striker wasn’t the only point of contention.
Alexander Isak is an injury doubt for Newcastle against Everton, which means Wilson may need to lead the line again. With that in mind, apparent comments from former Toon captain Kevin Nolan are interesting.
Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images
Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images
What Kevin Nolan was saying about Callum Wilson during Arsenal vs Newcastle United
Craig Hope of The Daily Mail revealed he was speaking to Nolan – now in charge of Northampton Town – during the interval at the Emirates Stadium.
Reflecting on Wilson’s display, Nolan reportedly said it was difficult for a player to be at his absolute best when struggling to string many minutes together.
Games Starts Minutes Played Goals Assists
21 3 438 1 0
Callum Wilson’s stats for Newcastle United in 2024-25 season
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That was only Wilson’s third start of the campaign, though he has made 21 appearances across all competitions.
“I spoke to Kevin Nolan about this at half-time,” said Hope on a video posted on YouTube.
“Nolan is a former player, so we’ll cede to his better judgement. He said, ‘When you haven’t played as a footballer, you just don’t have that rhythm really’”.
Callum Wilson’s potential next club emerges as Newcastle United writing on the wall
Wilson has not triggered a clause to earn a new contract at Newcastle, which means he’s currently set to leave the club this summer.
They could yet offer a new deal anyway but, as it stands, the 33-year-old’s final game for Newcastle will be against Everton on Sunday.
Newly promoted Leeds United are interested in signing Wilson this summer.
That would represent a great move for him, although it remains to be seen if he can still start Premier League games on a regular basis at this stage of his career.