The atmosphere inside the Parc des Princes is legendary for its intensity, but Joe Willock managed to do something few visiting players ever achieve: he silenced the Parisian ultras.
On a night where Newcastle United faced the reigning champions of Europe in their own backyard, Willock emerged as the hero of the hour. His perfectly timed header just before the half-time whistle earned the Magpies a vital point in a 1-1 draw that felt like a victory in everything but name.
As the players retreated to the dressing room at the end of the night, Willock was undoubtedly the man of the moment, proving once again that he has a knack for rising to the biggest occasions.
The goal itself was a classic display of the midfielder’s instinct. Popping up in first-half injury time, he outjumped the defense to beat goalkeeper Matvei Safonov, marking his first goal of the current campaign.
While it has been a little while since his last strike a memorable brace against Birmingham City in the FA Cup last season this goal served as a powerful reminder of what he brings to the squad. Since he first made the journey from Arsenal to Tyneside, originally on loan before a permanent £25 million switch in 2021, Willock has found the net 19 times for the club.
In a team often praised for its defensive grit and tactical discipline, Willock provides that rare, explosive energy from the middle of the park that keeps opposition defenders on edge.
Despite his obvious talent, the rumor mill has been busy lately. With the transfer window always casting a shadow over the squad, names like Crystal Palace and Leeds United have been mentioned as potential destinations for the London-born star.
However, those whispers have been firmly shut down by the powers that be at St. James’ Park. Eddie Howe has made his stance incredibly clear: Joe Willock is not for sale. With a contract that runs until 2027, the club is in a strong position to keep him, and more importantly, the manager views him as an essential part of the long-term project.
Howe’s faith in the 26-year-old has never wavered, even through the difficult periods where injuries threatened to stall his progress.
Speaking to the media in the aftermath of the Paris showdown, Howe was glowing in his praise. He noted that the version of Willock seen on the pitch last night was the “Joe Willock of old.” It was a performance defined by high work rates and the ability to arrive in the box at exactly the right second.
Howe pointed out that during his early days at the club, Willock’s goal-scoring record was one of the strongest in the league for a midfielder. While injuries have made the last couple of years a challenge, the manager believes those struggles are firmly in the rearview mirror.
For Howe, seeing Willock wheeling away in celebration was a just reward for a player who has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to regain his peak physical condition.
Interestingly, while the goal might have stunned the fans in Paris, it didn’t come as a surprise to his teammates. Following the match, veteran defender Dan Burn revealed a bit of a “training ground secret” regarding the midfielder.
According to Burn, the squad sees these types of clinical finishes from Willock almost every single day during their sessions at the Benton training base. He is reportedly one of the most consistent goalscorers in small-sided games and tactical drills.
This internal reputation as a “silent assassin” is what gave the coaching staff the confidence to start him in such a high-pressure environment. They knew that if a chance fell his way, he had the muscle memory and the composure to take it.
Howe echoed these sentiments, explaining that Willock’s inclusion in the starting lineup was a calculated move based on his recent training data. The manager had been waiting for the “right time” to unleash him, specifically looking for a game where his “legs” and unique ability to transition from defense to attack at high speed would be most effective.
Against a PSG side that likes to dominate possession, Willock’s engine was the perfect counter-measure. He provided the athleticism needed to cover the grass while also offering a genuine goal threat that forced the PSG midfielders to think twice about committing too many men forward.
For Joe Willock, this goal feels like a turning point. After a period of frustration, he has reaffirmed his status as a “big-game player.” For the fans, the message from the club is equally reassuring. In an era where Premier League clubs are often forced to sell their best assets to balance the books, Newcastle is standing firm.
They recognize that players with Willock’s specific skill set young, homegrown, and capable of scoring against the best in Europe are nearly impossible to replace.
As the team moves forward into the knockout stages and continues its domestic push, having a fully fit and confident Joe Willock might just be the secret weapon they need to turn a good season into a great one.
