Joe Willock importance to this Newcastle United team – Stunning Premier League stat | OneFootball

Joe Willock has made a welcome return to full fitness and first team football.

After a horrendous year of persistent injury and fitness issues, the midfielder has now started the last four United matches.

Joe Willock starting in the wins over Chelsea, Arsenal and Forest, as well as the defeat to West Ham.

On Monday night things weren’t quite clicking for the former Arsenal player early on and then a freak accidental collision with Sean Longstaff, saw Joe Willock needing lengthy treatment.

He got through to half-time but was then replaced by Harvey Barnes for the second half.

With his injuries of recent times, a lot of worries concerning him, however, great to see that on Wednesday, the club’s official training images heavily featured Joe Willock. So thankfully looks like no lasting damage.

Whilst he wasn’t at his best on Monday night in the limited minutes he had on the pitch, it doesn’t change the fact that Joe Willock has looked very impressive this past month.

Which is perfectly summed up by an interesting new Premier League report.

This new report from The Other 14 showing the top Premier League players when it comes to chances created per 90 minutes so far this season (not including set-pieces):

Only three Premier League players bettering Joe Willock’s 2.66 chances created per 90 minutes, whilst also great to see ANthony Gordon averaging 1.96 chances created per 90.

Newcastle United upcoming matches confirmed to end of January 2025:

Saturday 30 November – Crystal Palace v Newcastle (3pm)

Wednesday 4 December – Newcastle v Liverpool (7.30pm) Amazon

Saturday 7 December – Brentford v Newcastle (3pm)

Saturday 14 December – Newcastle v Leicester (3pm)

Wednesday 18 December – Newcastle v Brentford (7.45pm) Sky Sports+ (Carabao Cup)

Saturday 21 December – Ipswich v Newcastle (3pm)

Thursday 26 December – Newcastle v Villa (3pm) Amazon

Monday 30 December – Man U v Newcastle (8pm) Sky Sports

Saturday 4 January – Tottenham v Newcastle (12.30pm) TNT Sports

Wednesday 15 January – Newcastle v Wolves (7.30pm) TNT Sports

Saturday 18 January – Newcastle v Bournemouth (12.30pm) TNT Sports