Yoane Wissa does not need to search far for motivation when pulling on Newcastle United’s famous number nine shirt. The club’s history is steeped in legendary goal-scorers who defined eras at St James’ Park, from Alan Shearer and Jackie Milburn to Andy Cole, Malcolm Macdonald and Les Ferdinand. Carrying that legacy brings expectation, pressure and inspiration in equal measure.
On a memorable Champions League night against PSV Eindhoven, Wissa showed exactly why Newcastle entrusted him with such a symbolic role. Under the floodlights at St James’ Park, with supporters urging the team to “write the next headline,” the DR Congo forward stepped up and delivered a performance that felt like the beginning of something special.
Newcastle’s 3-0 victory was built on intensity, belief and ruthless execution, and Wissa was at the heart of it. He wasted no time making his mark, opening the scoring after just eight minutes with a composed finish that lifted the stadium. His influence did not end there. His relentless pressing forced a costly mistake from PSV defender Yarek Gasiorowski, directly leading to Newcastle’s second goal and underlining the aggressive style Eddie Howe demands from his forwards.
By the time Wissa was substituted midway through the second half, the outcome was all but decided. The standing ovation he received reflected not only his contribution on the night but also the journey he has endured since arriving on Tyneside.
The striker’s Newcastle career did not begin smoothly. A knee injury picked up while on international duty with DR Congo in September delayed his debut before he had even completed a full training session. It was a frustrating setback for a player eager to make an immediate impression at a club competing on Europe’s biggest stage.
Eddie Howe acknowledged the mental challenge such a start can pose. For any new signing, especially one stepping into a historic role, suffering a serious injury before finding rhythm can be demoralising. The Newcastle head coach revealed it has taken time and patience to rebuild Wissa’s sharpness, but performances like this suggest the process is finally paying off.
Howe described the PSV match as a landmark moment for the forward — precisely the type of occasion that attracted him to Newcastle in the first place. Champions League nights under the lights at St James’ Park are rare and precious, and Wissa seized his opportunity to make a statement.
Despite flashes of promise, consistency has been slow to arrive. A disrupted pre-season following his prolonged exit from Brentford, combined with injury setbacks, meant Wissa entered the campaign short of rhythm. Prior to the PSV match, he had scored just three goals since his debut and looked short of sharpness at times.
That lack of confidence was evident during Newcastle’s Carabao Cup semi-final defeat to Manchester City, when Wissa missed a gilt-edged chance that could have changed the momentum of the tie. Yet football often rewards persistence, and Wednesday night felt like a turning point.
Howe challenged Wissa to “max out” his performance, and the striker responded with tireless work both on and off the ball. Against a PSV side determined to play out from the back, Wissa led Newcastle’s press with intelligence and intensity, repeatedly forcing hurried clearances and mistakes.
Teammate Harvey Barnes was quick to praise the forward’s resilience. Barnes, who experienced injury struggles earlier in his own Newcastle career, spoke about the difficulty of watching from the stands while trying to regain fitness and confidence. He highlighted the significance of Wissa’s first Champions League goal and described his overall display as thoroughly deserved.
While one standout performance does not define a season, it provided a glimpse of what Wissa can offer Newcastle. He may not resemble the traditional towering number nine, but his movement inside the penalty area sets him apart.
Statistically, Wissa ranks among the most effective forwards in the Premier League for cross-option runs — movements designed to attack space in the box when teammates are wide. Among players with over 250 league minutes this season, he sits top in this category and also ranks highly for runs in behind defences.
These qualities complement those of Nick Woltemade, a very different type of striker who often drops deeper to link play. Howe has previously described the dynamic between the two as “transformative,” especially after Woltemade carried the attacking burden alone during Wissa’s absence.
The club’s long-term plan was always for the pair to share responsibility following Alexander Isak’s departure to Liverpool last summer. Wissa’s proven Premier League experience, developed during a productive spell at Brentford, explains why Newcastle were willing to invest heavily in his signing.
Howe admitted he admired Wissa’s time at Brentford from afar, praising his work ethic, aggression and ability to score important goals. Those traits were fully on display against PSV and offer hope that Wissa can grow into a leading figure in Newcastle’s attack.
Attention now turns to a daunting trip to Paris, where Newcastle face Champions League holders Paris St-Germain. The Magpies currently sit seventh in the standings and have already secured a place in the knockout phase. A positive result in the French capital could even see them qualify automatically for the last 16.
While Howe dismissed talk of revenge following a controversial late penalty that cost Newcastle during their last visit to Paris in 2023, motivation will hardly be lacking. Barnes acknowledged the lingering disappointment from that encounter and expressed confidence that Newcastle can rise to the challenge.
For Wissa, the match represents another chance to prove he belongs at the highest level — and to continue writing his own chapter in Newcastle’s storied number nine legacy.
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