Yoane Wissa scored for Newcastle United in their Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur. The 29-year-old striker, who turned 30 last Thursday, netted in the 72nd minute of the 2-2 draw. Newcastle currently sit sixth in the Premier League with four points from their opening two matches, two points behind leaders Manchester City.
Wissa's goal against Spurs represents a significant improvement from his difficult debut campaign. He joined from Brentford for £55 million but struggled with form and fitness, missing the Africa Cup of Nations and not making his debut until early December. His first Premier League goal came against Burnley on December 30, but he failed to score again in the league after that. An injury in a World Cup qualifier against Senegal in September further hampered his progress, leading to murmurs of discontent among some supporters.
This season has begun with far more promise. Wissa was Newcastle's standout performer in the opening 2-2 draw with Liverpool. He followed that up by finding the net against Tottenham. His pre-season form, which included a two-goal performance against Valencia, has carried into the competitive fixtures. Manager Eddie Howe has praised his training and movements, even calling him the best signing of the summer so far. Wissa's unique blend of ingenuity and physical prowess is beginning to show, making him a dynamic presence who excels in the pocket and connects Newcastle's transitions effectively.
As the team's frontman, Wissa's resurgence is vital for Newcastle's ambitions. The club needs goals and results this season, and his ability to draw more fouls than any other player on the pitch creates valuable set-piece opportunities. His relationship with manager Matthias Jaissle appears critical. Jaissle is relishing the challenge of rehabilitating the striker and has been encouraging the whole squad, expressing happiness at the team's overall improvement. With three years remaining on his contract, Wissa is in one of his peak years and needs to prove he can be a success story at a major club.
After two matches, Newcastle United hold sixth place in the Premier League table. They have four points from one win and one draw, with a goal difference of plus two. The team has scored four goals and conceded two. Their next test is a home fixture against Bournemouth on September 5. Bournemouth are currently 14th in the table, making it an important opportunity for Newcastle to build momentum at St James' Park.
Wissa reflected on his goal celebration, explaining its personal significance. "It's a dance we like to do in my country," he said. "So every time I score a goal, I use it to pay tribute to my country." His memorable equaliser against Portugal at the World Cup in Houston, where he scored three goals in total, remains a career highlight. That tournament output was three times his entire Premier League tally from last season. While two games don't provide a definitive answer, they augur well for the months to come. Newcastle face Bournemouth at home on 2026-09-05.
