EPL: Newcastle Beat Aston Villa 4-0
World Cup hopeful Callum Wilson says he remains focused on performing for Newcastle after scoring two goals to help his side thrash Aston Villa in front of England boss Gareth Southgate.
Wilson beat Villa’s substitute goalkeeper Robin Olsen from the spot after he replaced Emiliano Martinez, who was withdrawn after taking a blow to the head from team-mate Tyrone Mings.
The Newcastle striker doubled his side’s lead when he headed home from close range, with Joelinton and the in-form Miguel Almiron wrapping up a fifth win in six games for Eddie Howe’s side.
Southgate will soon name his England squad for the tournament in Qatar, but Wilson said he was not aware the Three Lions boss was watching on at St James’ Park as he helped Newcastle earn their fifth win in six games.
“You step over the white line and you focus on Newcastle,” he told Match of the Day.
“I’ve been asked numerous times about the World Cup and yes I’d love to go, but it was time for me to do my talking on the football field.
“If that’s good enough then so be it. All I can try to do is perform for Newcastle and see where it gets me.”
Wilson’s double takes him to six Premier League goals this season, with Tottenham’s Harry Kane and Brentford’s Ivan Toney the only Englishmen to have scored more.
However, 30-year-old Wilson was still left frustrated as he passed up chances that would have seen him take the match ball home.
“I was disappointed not to get a hat-trick, it just wasn’t happening then 10 minutes to go I get dragged off,” he added.
“But two goals and an assist, I’ll take that as I helped the team get three points today.”
Another scintillating attacking display capped a superb month for Newcastle, who took 16 points from a possible 18 in October.
Playing a Premier League game while starting the day in the top four of the table for the first time since April 2012, Howe’s side underlined their status as contenders for a Champions League spot by stretching their unbeaten run to eight games.
However, Wilson is not getting carried away.
“For us, it’s about being consistent,” he said when asked what Newcastle are capable of achieving this season.
“It’s the first time in a while we’ve got three wins in a row, now can we go and do it again, that’s the challenge.”
While a stop-start first half did not aid Newcastle’s fluency, the hosts upped the tempo towards the end, with Wilson beating Olsen from 12 yards to open the scoring after Ashley Young used his arm to block an Almiron effort.
“I’m not sure how you’re supposed to defend anymore,” said Young.
“The referee said that’s the rule but unless you’re putting your arms by your side, it’s not the right way to defend so you’ve got to defend in the way I did.”
Wilson had a second goal ruled out for offside before the break, but doubled Newcastle’s lead when he nodded a Kieran Trippier cross in from close range.
Joelinton scored his first goal of the season, pouncing on the rebound after Olsen had denied Wilson his hat-trick and Almiron capped a fine Newcastle display, scoring for the third game running when he brilliantly curled a shot into the net.
Newcastle continued to push for goals but Wilson and substitute Jacob Murphy were denied by the woodwork as the hosts were made to settle for four.
