Callum Wilson gives honest analysis of Newcastle United issues as side become draw specialists

Callum Wilson has broken down how Newcastle United can shed the title of draw specialists after recording five stalemates since New Year's Eve.

Despite equalling a club record of 17 games unbeaten, the Magpies have only picked up three points on one occasion in 2023 and have European rivals breathing down their necks in the Premier League.

Last weekend Eddie Howe's side had to settle for a point away at Bournemouth and, despite not featuring in that clash, striker Callum Wilson has analysed why the team are struggling to change one point into three.

The talisman put it down to not only his side needing to up their game, but that opponents are now facing The Magpies with different ambitions.

Wilson spoke on the BBC Sounds’ Footballer’s Football Podcast and said: "We ended up with a draw again, a frustrating one. We've drawn a few games but if you can't win them, don't lose them.

"It's not a worry. I also wouldn't say we are okay with that. Ultimately, if you'd have lost one and won one, you'd have more points than what we actually had over the last two games.

"We need to turn those draws into wins but it's easier said than done. To stay unbeaten is one thing, but we keep giving away sloppy goals from set pieces which we need to brush up and at the front end we need to be a bit more creative in the final third and create goals from different areas of the field.

"People are happy to get draws now against Newcastle, it's different. We need to rise to the challenge."

This weekend Newcastle United welcome a Liverpool side buoyed by Merseyside derby success to St James' Park on Saturday evening.

Wilson is hoping to be back in the side after sitting out the trip to Bournemouth. Speaking about his injury, Wilson said: “For me, I was burning inside to go back there, a club that was so good to me, but I felt some tightness in my hamstring in training.

“That can happen when you’re working hard. We’d worked hard in previous games, and we train hard too, similar to how we play.

“I can’t take any risks anymore. Too often I’ve been 80% fit, declared myself available to play, and then ended up pulling up with something after 20 minutes. I’m not going to cross that bridge again.

“I decided it was best to rest. We have a big game against Liverpool and a cup final to prepare for.”