Gary Lineker's telling verdict on 'excellent' Callum Wilson amid Arsenal jibe after Newcastle win

Gary Lineker has heaped praise on the "excellent" Callum Wilson after his performance against Arsenal last night. The Magpies number nine played just under 90 minutes after a four month spell on the sidelines.

You would have struggled to believe it was Wilson's first start since the 1-1 draw with Manchester United in December, as the striker showed Eddie Howe just what he'd been missing. The Newcastle forward offers a different dynamic to that of Chris Wood.

His off the shoulder runs caused havoc for the Arsenal backline all night and his foray into the box for the Newcastle opener, meant Ben White had no other option but to slide in to try and get a foot on the ball. The Gunners defender would turn the ball into his own net with Wilson wheeling away to celebrate.

Lineker believes Wilson could be one of the best strikers in the Premier League if he was able to stay fit, a telling reminder of why Newcastle need back-up next season. The 30-year-old has missed a large chunk of the campaign but remains the club's top goal scorer, a stark reminder of his prowess in front of goal, but also timely concerns over his fitness.

Lineker tweeted: "Fabulous effort from @CallumWilson who’s been excellent tonight. If he could stay fit he’d be one of the best strikers in the Premier League."

The former Tottenham Hotspur striker could not resist a jibe at Arsenal after the full-time whistle either, as he added: "Newcastle have earned their Spurs tonight."