Joe Willock scored yet another goal for Newcastle United on Saturday, this time a late equaliser against Liverpool at Anfield.
At the start of Newcastle United’s visit to Anfield, Joe Willock was surely disappointed to see his name amongst the substitutes once again. For the fourth game in a row, he missed out on the starting lineup for Steve Bruce’s side.
Yet for the third time in those four games, Willock came off the bench to make an impact. Just like against Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United, the 21-year-old was introduced late with his team needing a goal, and he delivered one.
This time, Liverpool were 1-0 up and Newcastle were searching for an equaliser. The ball dropped to Willock in the box, and he fired in via a deflection. In his current form, the shot probably would have nestled in the net even without the redirection.
JOE WILLOCK WITH THE LAST KICK OF THE GAME!!
Off the bench to grab a massive goal, and a massive point in the fight against relegation for Newcastle 😱 pic.twitter.com/J6nGsq9D9i
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) April 24, 2021
“I’m happy to help the team again,” Willock said afterwards. “Nah, that (super sub) is not my label. I’m just trying to give my best, even if I get 10, 15, half an hour. I’m really enjoying my football at the moment at Newcastle.
“I’m a Newcastle player at the moment and I’m enjoying every game and every week. I’m learning more and getting closer to the boys.”
Newcastle United face Arsenal next, which is a shame for Willock as he won’t be eligible to play. But he’ll hope to be back in the team for the following game against Leicester City, ideally with another goal.
Willock’s four Premier League goals for Newcastle mean he has three more than Granit Xhaka, Mohamed Elneny, Thomas Partey, and Dani Ceballos this season. Whilst those four undoubtedly bring different qualities to the table, it is a bit worrying how rarely they score.
Arsenal will have to think carefully about what they want to do with Willock in the summer. Newcastle are sure to be interested in a permanent transfer, with Steve Bruce already confirming he’d love the midfielder back, but we’ll see what happens.
