The DR Congo forward put in probably his best display in the Magpies shirt in the 3-0 win over PSV Eindhoven
Newcastle United’s Yoane Wissa celebrates scoring the first goal against PSV(Image: PA)
It was a big night for Yoane Wissa on Wednesday evening. Not only did the Newcastle United striker make his first start in the Champions League at the age of 29, but the DR Congo striker scored his first goal in Europe’s elite competition, and contributed his first assist.
But it was something which went largely under the radar that should give Newcastle fans encouragement.
We really should be talking about Wissa’s second assist of the night, although he didn’t even touch the ball.
United were in control and leading 2-0 when Nick Pope’s long clearance was knocked on into the path of Harvey Barnes in the second half.
He drove forwards into space, bursting into the box before drilling an excellent shot past Matej Kovár in the PSV goal to wrap up the three points for Eddie Howe’s side, and book their place in the knockout stages of the Champions League.
FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK! Keep up with all the Newcastle United latest via the Chronicle’s dedicated Facebook page
It was another piece of clinical finishing from Barnes, who is enjoying a purple patch right now, but much of the credit must go to Wissa’s run across the edge of the box. The No 9 dragged his man away from the action, making a hole for Barnes to run into, and opening up the Dutch defence in style.
It’s something Newcastle have not really had all season, and I would venture to say something that wouldn’t have happened is Nick Woltemade was leading the line.
Before we go any further, that’s not a dig a ‘Big Nick’. He is a class act who I firmly believe will flourish at United once both he and his team-mates have fully adapted to each other. We’ve seen enough of the German to know he has what it takes, and at just 23, his potential for development is huge.
However, what Newcastle have lacked since Alexander Isak sulked off to Liverpool, is someone to cause centre-halves big problems with their running off the ball.
Wissa harried the PSV backline constantly on Wednesday night, and while he will score harder goals than his early opener after good work from Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton, his assist for Anthony Gordon’s effort was hugely impressive.
Not only did he force Yarek Gasiorowski into a mistake with his high press, but his tackle-turned-cross showed excellent vision.
But it’s that run which opened up the PSV defence which should offer most encouragement.
We’ve seen Newcasttle dominate possession but never look like scoring against low blocks a few too many times this season, most recently at Old Trafford and Molineux. Yes, PSV were more open than many Premier League sides will be, but having that movement up top will be vital to break down tougher opponents.
We’ve had to wait a long time for Wissa to get up to full speed after that unfortunate knee injury just days after signing for United back in late summer.
However the signs are there that Newcastle could finally be about to get a major return on their £55m investment.
Content cannot be displayed without consent