Callum Wilson's timely Newcastle reminder with Eddie Howe 'unsurprised' about comeback

There's been talk of summer spending sprees, marquee arrivals and headline-grabbing acquisitions. But at St. James' Park on Monday evening Callum Wilson reminded the entirety of Newcastle that he is still the main man.

First start since December? No problem. Newcastle's No 9 ran Arsenal's backline into submission from the very first minute. The early tactics were clear: Keep sending those long balls over the top for Wilson to chase, with Ben White and Gabriel's rustiness showing from the off.

The runs in behind, the movement off the ball, the prowess in front of goal - it was a vintage striker's performance from Wilson. The captain even continued playing with his front tooth hanging out of his mouth!

Yes, a mega-money forward could quite easily be brought in this summer. The club have made it one of their priorities. But if Wilson manages to keep his spot as the out and out attacker next season, Newcastle are in safe hands.

Chris Wood has struggled since arriving in January after being tasked with replacing Wilson in the short term. The ex-Burnley hitman doesn't seem to suit Howe's style and has looked a player devoid of confidence recently. He missed the Arsenal win with a hip issue.

The issue with Wilson is keeping him fit too. The 30-year-old has missed 35 games with six different injuries since signing for Newcastle in 2020. He must improve those numbers or faces becoming a back-up as the new owners put their transfer plans in motion.

But it is clear Eddie Howe, like the rest of Newcastle, thinks incredibly highly of Wilson. The Magpies boss was full of praise for his main hitman at full-time. "Immense performance when you consider how long he's been out and the type of injury it was," he said.

"To deliver