‘Like Thierry Henry’: Paul Merson hails Newcastle player’s display at Brentford

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Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson lauded Newcastle United midfielder Joe Willock for his goal against Brentford today.

The Arsenal legend claimed the Magpies ace and Gunners graduate’s effort was reminiscent of Thierry Henry.

Newcastle made it seven Premier League games unbeaten as they ran out 2-0 winners in London.

The Magpies had a man advantage for most of the game following Josh Dasilva’s sending off in the 11th minute.

Referee Mike Dean consulted VAR for Dasilva’s challenge on Matt Targett and subsequently showed him a red card.

Brentford briefly rallied round but Newcastle eventually made their numerical advantage count.

On 33 minutes, Ryan Fraser beat Kristoffer Ajer and sent in a cross from the left that Joelinton powered home.

And just before the break, a Newcastle counter-attack led to Willock doubling the Magpies’ advantage.

Fabian Schar charged upfield before finding the 22-year-old, who fired an emphatic finish past David Raya.

“It was a great finish into the roof of the net,” Merson said on Soccer Saturday.

“He opened himself up like Thierry Henry used to do.”

Willock hadn’t scored all season for Newcastle, but now has two in two.

Eddie Howe’s first game in charge of the Magpies was a 3-3 draw against the Bees.

Today’s result against the same opponents shows just how far Newcastle have come under his tutelage.

The Magpies are going in the right direction and the prospect of top-flight survival is no longer a miracle.

That said, Newcastle’s relegation rivals are also improving, so it’ll be a tough battle near the bottom of the table.