The remarkable Callum Wilson statistic that underlines his incredible Newcastle United form

Callum Wilson is game-by-game answering his Newcastle United critics.

Some in the United fanbase, albeit prematurely, wondered whether 31-year-old Wilson had gone over the hill earlier this season, particularly when the frontman went goalless following his return from the World Cup with England.

However, a run of eight goals in his last seven games, has more than silenced those doubters.

And more than that, Wilson has now produced his best ever Premier League goal haul, outscoring the 14 top flight strikes he netted in 2018/19 for AFC Bournemouth.

That campaign, Wilson did actually score 16 goals in total, one shy of the 15 he has for United this season. But, one of those was for England - against USA - and other in a cup competition.

Wilson is the first Newcastle player to reach the 15-goal mark in black and white since Demba Ba - and with five games left to play, will undoubtedly have half an eye on the magical 20-goal mark, a tally he has, of course, never reached in the Premier League, although he had done it for the Cherries in the Championship.

Speaking about Wilson’s performance in the 3-1 win over Southampton, head coach Eddie Howe said: “Callum was exceptional – he changed the game for us. First and foremost, he comes on with the right attitude, as he always does. He’s got that desire to score, for the team and for himself as well, and he could have had a hat-trick. It was an outstanding display from Callum.”

Confident Wilson has been mainly used as an impact sub by Howe in recent weeks, which has led to some press discourse regarding the player’s United future. Howe, however, admits Wilson understands his importance.

“We’ve had discussions and talks, but there’s been no bending the ear,” said Howe.

“I know he’s desperate to play every minute of every game, but I do think I have a duty to manage him as well and make sure that he stays fit for as long as possible because when he is fit and playing, and doing what he did today, I don’t think there’s anyone better. I’m delighted for him, and it obviously gives me food for thought as we go through the last five games.”