Callum Wilson claims he thought he'd scored one of the best goals of his career against Arsenal. The Magpies number nine had already gone close to opening the scoring when Ben White turned the ball into his own net.
The Newcastle striker brought down a long ball upfield from Martin Dubravka and lashed a half volley towards the goal at the Gallowgate end after spotting Aaron Ramsdale off his line. The Gunners goalkeeper was left stranded in no mans land as the ball flew over his head but swerved beyond the right-hand post at the final moments.
The Newcastle striker put in an inspired performance as Eddie Howe's side put a dent in Arsenal's Champions League hope and ended the campaign on a positive footing at St. James' Park. Wilson's fine display saw him take home the man-of-the-match gong at the end of the night.
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Speaking to the Footballer's Football Podcast, Wilson said: "Like I said, I come alive at night time. First start, captained the team, it's been a long time coming. We had a policy where the boys selected the vice-captains and I got chosen and led the team out after four months of not starting.
"Night time game at home, atmosphere was unreal and it was a good occasion. It was a very eventful game, eventful night and managed to get man-of-the-match. Didn't manage to get on the scoresheet unfortunately.
"There was an opportunity to do that but the defender put it in before me. I had a few half chances here and there, I had a volley, then I had a half volley - the goalkeeper has played a long ball, brought it down on the chest and half volleyed it from about 40, 45 yards and it was actually so close.
"I was wheeling away in celebration because it looked in the whole way. From my angle it looked as though it was going to go into the top corner if anything. Somehow, at last minute it just swerved away from the goal.
"That probably would have been the best goal I would have scored in my career I reckon. It's one of those - it wasn't to be but, we'll try it again soon. It's coming."
When asked about playing 90 minutes for the first time in four months, Wilson said: "It was good. Credit to the guys who helped me in the background. The sports scientists, the physios who pulled in the right direction to get me to that place. It doesn't all come together without me dedicating to the hard work as well.
"We've all worked together as a team and I've trained well. I felt like I was in a good place to play as long as I was required. 90 minutes - the manager kept me on for thankfully and I felt sharp, I felt sharper than I've felt in a very long time to be honest. I was in a good place. It's just unfortunate that the season is coming to an end."
