Callum Wilson has told NUFC TV that Newcastle United are not yet in a relegation battle, but the Toon must stop letting games pass them by and pick up a first win of the season.
The still manager-less Magpies sit 19th in the Premier League table after drawing four of their opening 10 fixtures. Only Championship title-holders Norwich City have fewer points so far this term with two, as the only other remaining side yet to win a game.
Newcastle’s form over the opening months of the campaign has left the St James’ Park side six-points adrift of safety. They have also allowed the second-most goals with 23 conceded to Norwich’s 25, and have only scored 11.
Wilson scored Newcastle’s last goal in spectacular style to salvage a point at Crystal Palace. The Toon were comfortably outplayed for much of the game at Selhurst Park. And did not improve against Chelsea, as the Blues claimed a 3-0 win on Tyneside last time out.
Wilson wants Newcastle response
Interim boss Graeme Jones is preparing United for their next Premier League fixture away to Brighton on Saturday. And £46k-a-week star striker Wilson wants to see a response from Newcastle, as the Magpies must claim all three-points in a game sooner rather than later.
“100% [I realise the gravity of the situation],” he said. “Probably, from a few weeks ago. Yeah, you’re not in a relegation battle, it’s still early days in the season. But you do need points and you need it sooner rather than later. You can’t keep letting games pass you by.
“That’s something we’ve let happen of late. I just feel, we’re 10 games into the season now. Still not got a win, got a few points on the board from draws, but you need three in this situation. Notoriously, 10, 11 wins throughout the season is what you need to survive.”
Brighton no easy-ride for the Toon
Brighton will be no easy-ride for Wilson and Newcastle on their trip to the Amex Stadium this weekend. The Seagulls have produced one of the tightest units this term, with only Chelsea (3), Manchester City (6), Liverpool (8) and Wolves (10) conceding fewer (11) goals.
Graham Potter’s side will also take a lot of confidence from their performance at Liverpool last weekend. Coming from two goals behind to take a point, and would have deserved all three had they found a winner. Capitalising on a rare defensively poor display by the Reds.
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