Howe brought back Callum Wilson for last night’s game against West Ham United at the London Stadium, and it paid off..
Wilson scored twice in his team’s 5-1 victory, and Alexander Isak scored off the bench.
Joelinton also came on for Joe Willock, who had a hamstring injury in Sunday’s 2-0 win over Manchester United, and scored twice.
When naming his starting XI for Saturday’s game against Brentford, Howe kept the demands on his players in mind.
“I think I’ve got a strong squad, and with three games in six days, I want the players to enter the pitch in the best physical condition possible,” Newcastle’s head coach said when asked about his decision to recall Wilson.
“I think it would be foolish not to rotate and trust the team.” I have faith in the squad and the newcomers. I have no doubt about the quality, and we have a lot of games in a short period of time.
Whether that (the rotation) is successful or not will always be judged by the outcome, and of course I want to keep people fit and give them the best chance to play as many games as possible.”
Wilson, who had been starting from the bench, said after the game that his performance made a “statement.”
“I’ve been on the bench for a few weeks,” the 31-year-old explained. “I wanted to make a statement – and prove to everyone that I’m still alive.” “I feel energized again, and I’m in the mood to score.”
His tally against West Ham for Newcastle and Bournemouth now stands at 12 goals in 13 games.
“It goes without saying that Callum was excellent, and the two goals were crucial for us,” Howe said.
“His overall performance was excellent, but that comes as no surprise to me.” I can’t recommend Callum highly enough, and with him and Alex, we have two outstanding center-forwards.”
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