Newcastle vs PSV Eindhoven: Yoani Wissa inspires after ‘coming for these nights’

It took Wesa a long time to make offers like this.

Wessa, who had already endured a turbulent pre-season following his lengthy departure from Brentford, has scored just three goals since making his Newcastle debut last month.

The striker looked rusty at times, failing to convert a big chance to open the scoring in the defeat to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup semi-final last week.

But Wednesday night showed what he can offer this side.

Howe had called on Wisa to “go to the limit” before the match, and he led the press effectively against a gullible PSV side, who frequently played out from the back.

This certainly did not go unnoticed by fellow goalscorer Harvey Barnes.

“It’s been a tough start since he’s been here,” he told TNT Sports.

“He’s obviously been injured for a long time. I had a similar start here. I know how hard it is to watch from the stands, so I know how happy he is.

“His first goal in the Champions League. I think he played really well, so I’m excited for him.”

The challenge for Wissa, of course, is to start scoring more regularly.

But he’s a different type of hunter than the towering Nick Woltimad, who likes to dig deep.

Of those strikers who have played at least 250 minutes in the Premier League this season, Wesa ranks first in terms of crosses per game.

It is defined by Opta as running into the penalty area to make yourself available to play a cross while your teammate has the ball in a wide area.

Wesa also ranks 15th at running back.

Given their different qualities, Howe felt it was “transferential” to have Wesa available after Waltmad had to shoulder the burden upfront in his absence.

It was always the plan for the duo to share the load after Newcastle lost top scorer Alexander Isak to Liverpool last summer, and Wesa’s experience in the Premier League helps explain why Newcastle paid such a hefty £55m fee.

“Yoann’s career at Brentford was great to watch from afar because I thought he was fantastic for them, scoring a number of great goals,” Howe said.

“I liked his attitude, the way he played, the determination and aggression with which he played.”