Callum Wilson says Newcastle 'proved everybody wrong' after Arsenal win extends fine form

Newcastle striker Callum Wilson believes the club have proved "people wrong" after their impressive turnaround in form culminated with a thoroughly deserved 2-0 Premier League win over Arsenal on Monday night.

Mired in the relegation zone after 23 matches this season, Newcastle have been one of the Premier League's form teams since the Saudi-backed takeover and the subsequent arrival as manager of Eddie Howe, who led a successful recruitment drive during the January transfer window.

After failing to win any of their first 14 matches, Newcastle registered their 12th victory of the campaign by beating Arsenal at St James' Park thanks to a Ben White own goal 10 minutes after the interval and a Bruno Guimaraes finish five minutes from time. It was Newcastle's first win this season against opponents in the top six.

"We took the game to Arsenal and deservedly got the three points," Wilson told the BBC. "Everybody wrote us off at Christmas and it was about proving people wrong. Now it's about not resting on our laurels. The boys are putting their bodies on the line - I've had a tooth knocked out and a split lip. It was like a war out there.

"The manager has stabilised us. He's brought in some great players and instilled a style of play and philosophy at the club. Why not cause upsets higher up the league and take the game to Arsenal?"

Wilson has been absent for large parts of the season, firstly through a hamstring injury before a calf injury kept him sidelined for four months. Now back in the Newcastle line-up, the England striker said the difference is clear between the current setup and the team's early season struggles.

"I've noticed a difference [coming back into the team]. I'm getting a lot more chances and we're keeping