Saturday proved frustrating for Newcastle United.
Indeed, Eddie Howe’s side proved unable to take a huge step towards ensuring they will be playing Europa League football next season by drawing with Brighton in the Premier League.
Newcastle fell behind early and did manage to come back into things at St James’ Park thanks to Sean Longstaff’s goal but it wasn’t enough to claim what would have been a vital three points.
The kind of attacking endeavour to have seen them smash Burnley and Sheffield United in recent weeks was missing, with only seven of their 18 shots finding the target.
Anthony Gordon thought he had proved the winner again but saw his goal ruled out by VAR and, sadly, it just wasn’t to be for Newcastle.
They lacked much in the way of convincing firepower, with Alexander Isak having an off-day.
Howe confirmed after the game that Isak was feeling unwell in training earlier this week, explaining the decision to take him off.
Newcastle were also missing Callum Wilson, which Howe addressed after the game.
Eddie Howe says £20m Newcastle ‘monster’ isn’t feeling great right now
Howe confirmed £20m striker Wilson missed the draw due to illness.
“With Callum, it’s also a little bit of illness and just feeling not great in his body but hopefully we’ll have him back,” he said (via Newcastle World).
Callum Wilson might have already played his last game for Newcastle
Hailed as a “monster” by Howe, who confirmed he wanted to keep him after last week’s win at Burnley, Wilson might have only two games left as a Newcastle player.
The England international is reportedly looking to leave this summer after being blocked a move in January.
If he does not recover in time for games against Manchester United and Brentford, Wilson could really have played his final game in the famous black and white kit.
He’d leave having written himself into the record books but it would be a shame for it to end this way.
