The returning Callum Wilson ‘ripped Arsenal to pieces’ during Newcastle United’s 2-0 Premier League victory at St James’ Park, former England international Darren Bent tells talkSPORT (17 May, 9am).
Imagine, Newcastle supporters, if we told you a couple of months ago that Emil Krafth, Fabian Schar, Sean Longstaff, Miguel Almiron and Joelinton would all produce 8/10 performances in a stirring and deserved victory over a bonafide English giant, serenaded by a joyous chorus of ‘up the Premier League we go’.
Yes Eddie Howe was given a helping hand in the January transfer window – Dan Burn, Matt Targett and the masterful Bruno Guimaraes were outstanding once again on Monday night – but do not underestimate the impact Steve Bruce’s successor has had on players who, prior to his arrival in November, appeared to have become posterboys for the Magpies’ never-ending malaise.
Callum Wilson and Allan Saint-Maximin so often felt like Newcastle’s only hope during the energy-sapping Bruce era. Like Eddie Van Halen forced to produce face-melting riffs alongside a primary school orchestra low on practice.
Now, Newcastle’s A-list duo have a supporting cast worthy of the name.
Newcastle United 2-0 Arsenal; Callum Wilson shines on return
“(Newcastle were) brilliant last night, from start to finish,” says Bent, the Arsenal-supporting former Tottenham striker.
“The atmosphere was incredible, with some of their big players back. Callum Wilson was a real handful, ripped us to pieces. Saint-Maximin was doing his usual with the ball, going past people, making things happen.”
Making his first start of 2022 after injury, Wilson was a constant menace throughout, his movement and hold-up play giving Arsenal’s beleaguered backline no end of problems.
It was Wilson, aided by a terrific Joelinton cross, that forced Ben White’s 55th minute own goal.
As for Arsenal, a dismal run of five defeats from nine games means Mikel Arteta is praying for a miracle on final day. North London neighbours Tottenham Hotspur have Champions League qualification within their grasp, with only relegated Norwich City standing in their way.
As far as obstacles go, Norwich are the footballing equivalent of trying to protect the crown jewels with a velvet rope.
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“(Newcastle) were more up for it. I always felt, when I played up there against Newcastle, you have to handle the occasion,” says Bent, mirroring Arteta’s downtrodden claims about Arsenal’s inability to counter the home side’s desire and intensity.
“57,000 (fans), loud, sometimes it’s deafening. If you don’t get off to a good start, they will run all over you because they will feed off the energy of the crowd.
“I cannot see Norwich beating Spurs. There’s still a chance, but I can’t see it.”
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