Paul Merson shocked by what Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe did v West Ham

Eddie Howe’s decision to recall Callum Wilson to Newcastle United’s starting XI in place of Alexander Isak “shocked” pundit Paul Merson.

With the visit to West Ham United signalling the Magpies’ second game in just four days, Howe opted for two changes to his line-up as Wilson and Joelinton replaced Isak and Joe Willock.

The bold call by Howe was justified inside the opening 15 minutes at the London Stadium, with both players on the scoresheet. The pair added one more to their tally in the second-half, while Isak got his goal after coming on as a substitute in an emphatic 5-1 win.

“I was shocked that Alexander Isak didn’t play yesterday, but Callum Wilson did score two goals,” Merson told Sportskeeda. “Isak has been a proper handful in the Premier League and he’s a great signing for Newcastle.”

Explaining his decision behind the Wilson and Isak decision, Howe said: “I think I’ve got a strong squad, and with three games in six days, I want the players to enter the pitch in the best physical condition possible.

“In my opinion, I’d be foolish not to rotate and trust the team. I trust the squad and the players coming in. I’ve got no doubt on the quality, and we’ve got a lot of games in a short period of time.

“It’s always going to be judged by the result whether that (the rotation) is successful or not, and of course I want to keep people fit and give them the best chance to play as many games as possible.”

Merson went on to assess the Magpies’ Premier League top four credentials, and praised the club for their transfer business since the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia-led takeover in October 2021.

“Newcastle played exceptional football against West Ham the other day, and I’d expect them to stay down in London this week. The team spirit is great, and they’ve also got the better of Man United this month.

“Newcastle will be happy with seven points from their three games this month. A top-four finish would be phenomenal for them. People say that they’ve got all the money in the world, but they haven’t spent all the money in the world, so fair play to them.”

Howe’s side face ninth place Brentford on Saturday afternoon (kick-off 3pm) before facing in-form Aston Villa at Villa Park.

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