Newcastle United midfielder Joe Willock made the most of his change of position with a brace in Saturday’s 3-2 FA Cup win at Birmingham City.
Willock was dispatched on the left wing in the absence of Anthony Gordon due to injury and capitalised on his more advanced role with two goals either side of Callum Wilson’s strike to put Newcastle into the fifth round. They were Willock’s first goals since his early strike at Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup back in August.
Now The Magpies have a Carabao Cup final and FA Cup fifth-round tie to look forward to next month.
With Joelinton, Harvey Barnes and Gordon all out injured, Newcastle’s options on the left wing are limited. But head coach Eddie Howe was pleased with what he saw from Willock over the weekend as he now prepares his side to return to Premier League action at Manchester City on Saturday (3pm kick-off).
“It was interesting to see him there [on the left],” Howe said. “Because obviously Anthony’s injury, we played Joe in his position as a wide left player, I thought he did really well, I thought he’s got the running capacity to play in that position, it is very different to playing infield, but he’s got the pace to take players on and engage in those one v one actions.
“But he also has the technique to go into pockets, come inside, and use his right foot; I felt he looked dangerous throughout the game. The beauty of Joe is that when he does play inside as a midfielder, he drifts wide a lot, so I believe he’s quite comfortable in those wide areas.”
Joe Willock reacts to his goals against Birmingham City.
Willock’s first goal was controversial because the linesman awarded it even though it was unclear if it crossed the line.
“Yes, I thought it did cross the line,” Willock remarked. “That’s why I was so astonished by the follow-up, and why I booted it over! Otherwise, I would have published it on the internet, you know!
“No, but I think it crossed the line. I need to see it again. [The linesman] delivered it, but I was waiting for the referee to sound the whistle. I didn’t think he was certain, you know. So when he handed it over, I was overjoyed.”
Will Joe Willock remain on the left against Manchester City?
Willock has had a rough season in and out of the team, despite being fit and available for the bulk of games, unlike previous season.
His strong performance against Birmingham offers Howe something for thought as he considers his Manchester City squad. Gordon, Barnes, and Joelinton are doubtful for the match.
When asked about Gordon’s thigh injury, Howe responded, “We hope [he’ll be available at Manchester City].” For the past few years, we’ve treated the cups exactly the same. We will accept everyone who is physically healthy.
“So he’s not here [at Birmingham], which means he’s obviously got a problem.”
Sven Botman (knee) and Dan Burn (groin) are also concerns for the trip to Etihad Stadium, while Jamaal Lascelles (knee) is still out.
