'Not 100%' - Eddie Howe reveals Newcastle United striker injury after 2-1 win v Fulham
Newcastle United beat Fulham 2-1 at St James’ Park via Bruno Guimaraes’ 90th minute winner.
Will Osula was recognised for his positive impact as Newcastle United scored in the 90th minute to beat Fulham 2-1 at St James’ Park.
Jacob Murphy give the Magpies the lead in the 18th minute before Sasa Lukic equalised for Fulham near the hour-mark.
Eddie Howe’s side looked to be heading for their fourth draw of the Premier League season until captain Bruno Guimaraes popped up late on.
While the Brazilian grabbed the headlines for his winner, Osula was recognised by Howe for his impact off the bench. The young Dane came on in the 86th minute and it was his shot that was parried by Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno into Guimaraes’ path.
NUFC boss Eddie Howe hails Will Osula’s impact v Fulham
Howe said: “I'm really pleased with Will because he's not 100% fit, he's nursing an ankle problem, so we've got to try and manage him correctly.
“But I think you've seen everyone that's watched us, a big development in his game, big change in his confidence levels because of that. He's coming on the pitch and influencing matches and he's got great attributes today.
“He did really, really well, I thought, to choose the right time to shoot and Bruno's made a good save, but our captain's there to finish off the move, so it's a massive goal for us.”
NUFC striker Will Osula carrying injury
Osula, who joined from Sheffield United for £15m last year, came close to leaving the Magpies on deadline day. An offer from Aston Villa was accepted but they couldn’t proceed with the deal due to UEFA squad cost rules.
That left the door open for Eintracht Frankfurt. A loan with an obligation to buy was discussed and one stage appeared likely, however talks ultimately broke down.
And it proved to be a blessing in disguise for Howe’s side, with Osula used to support £69million club-record Nick Woltemade whilst £55m deadline day signing Yoane Wissa is sidelined with a knee injury.
That said, Osula has been carrying an injury of his own, which Howe says has restricted his minutes.
Howe added: “I just think there's been big growth in his game. He's worked tirelessly with Graeme Jones, who's done a lot of individual work with him, as have all of our coaches, but Graeme in particular.
“I think the key thing for any player is when you come on the pitch, regardless of what minutes you get, you impress. I think Will has done that gradually, so surely I've entrusted him with more minutes.
“Now, the ankle injury that he's got is slightly curtailing that, because I don't want to make that problem worse. I want him to feel really good when he comes on the pitch. So we're sort of managing that.
“Fundamentally, it's his attitude. He wants to be here, he wants to play, and he's very committed.”