Matthias Jaissle has hailed Joe Willock as 'not normal' after the midfielder's starring role in Newcastle United's 2-1 win over Hull City. The Newcastle manager made the comment in the wake of the Premier League victory at St James' Park last Friday.
Willock opened the scoring after just three minutes, finishing from a Harvey Barnes assist. Lewis Hall doubled the lead four minutes later, again set up by Barnes, before Hull pulled one back through Mohamed Ali Cho in the second half. The result lifted Newcastle to ninth in the table with eight points from five matches.
Speaking after the game, Jaissle reserved his highest praise for the 26-year-old Willock. "He is not normal," the manager said. "His energy and the quality he brings to our midfield is something special." Willock's goal was his second of the season, making him the club's top scorer so far.
Early goals set the tone
The quickfire double from Willock and Hall gave Newcastle a commanding early platform they never relinquished. Harvey Barnes was instrumental in both, taking his assist tally for the campaign to two. The team's recent form shows three wins in their last five outings, though they were beaten 4-1 by Leeds in their previous league fixture.
Jaissle will be without several key players for the upcoming trip to face Coventry City on October 12. The current injury list includes Anthony Elanga, Joelinton, and Jacob Ramsey. Fans can check the full squad availability on the club's injuries page.
Newcastle have scored nine goals and conceded nine in the league this season, leaving them with a neutral goal difference. They sit seven points behind early leaders Manchester City. The next challenge is an away match against Coventry, who are 18th in the standings. The full schedule is available on the fixtures list.
