Newcastle United 1-0 Brentford: Callum Wilson’s penalty eases pressure on Eddie Howe

Callum Wilson scored from the penalty spot as Newcastle United beat Brentford in a scrappy match at St James’ Park to ease scrutiny from boss Eddie Howe.

Wilson converted after Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken fouled Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon.

Brentford’s best chance fell to Aaron Hickey early on, but Nick Pope rose well to save with his chest.

Howe heads to San Siro in better mood

The gum could have been chewed more intensely, but otherwise the sanguine Howe’s demeanor on the touchline in the technical area did not indicate he was feeling the pressure.

Victory over a Brentford side unbeaten in seven league matches prior to this encounter saw the Magpies move up to 11th and claim their second win of the season.

In keeping with his personality, Howe felt no emotion at the final whistle, his mind no doubt already present in Tuesday’s Champions League opener at the San Siro against AC Milan – who were beaten 5-1 during the Milan derby on Saturday.

In attempting to get their season underway, Howe made five changes to his starting line-up, but Brentford’s company were the finest early on.

Hickey went close while Yoane Wissa was unable to apply the decisive touch to Mathias Jensen’s fizzing delivery soon after. What the Bees lacked was a cutting edge attack, as the continued absence of Ivan Toney – suspended until January for betting offenses – was again keenly felt.

Newcastle finished the first half stronger and Bruno Guimaraes saw his diving header at the far post stopped by the feet of Flekken.

Predatory Wilson highlights his qualities

The home side regained some of the intensity that propelled them into the top four last season in the second half – and Wilson was the difference again.

The 31 year old man signed a new contract this week which will potentially extend his stay on Tyneside until summer 2025.

His predatory instincts in front of goal were once again underlined when he allowed Howe’s side to win a slim game from clear chances.

Alexander Isak had been tasked with leading Newcastle’s attack in their first four matches, but after a poor run of results, Howe turned to experienced goalscorer Wilson.

The England striker was unlucky to foul Flekken when he headed the ball home from close range shortly after the break.

However, when Flekken crashed into Gordon, Newcastle’s number nine stepped up and buried the spot-kick emphatically.

Wilson has scored his last 11 penalties, a streak stretching back to May 2021, and now has 14 goals in his last 17 appearances, having started just seven of them.

He should be in the starting lineup at San Siro next week.