Chris Wood: ‘Out of order’ Newcastle United fans slammed by Kenny
Chris Wood is making Newcastle United a better team and should not be criticised for his lack of goals.
That’s according to former Leeds United stopper Paddy Kenny, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the New Zealand international’s start to life on Tyneside.
Wood, 30, has started Newcastle’s last five games, in which the club is unbeaten, but he has failed to find the net.
He joined the Magpies from relegation rivals Burnley in January after his £25million release clause was activated.
This came after star man Callum Wilson picked up a long-term injury.
Despite his lack of goals, Kenny insists Wood is making Newcastle a better side.
“Yeah, he should be scoring more goals,” Kenny told Football Insider correspondent Ben Wild.
“That’s what he was signed for but he is getting Newcastle further up the pitch.
“He’s holding the ball up and in their last few games that has allowed players like Saint-Maximin to take it off him higher up the pitch, closer to the goal.
“I think he suits this Newcastle side. They need a big tall striker who is a handful rather than a smaller, quicker forward.
“He does need a goal and we know he can do it at this level so if he keeps playing the goals will come and he will be back to his brilliant self.
“The important thing is that he is contributing because strikers aren’t just there to score goals.
“I think any criticism of him is harsh and a bit out of order to be honest, he’s only been there a few weeks.”
Eddie Howe’s side are next in action against Brentford on Saturday (26 February).
The Magpies will go above Brentford if they manage to secure all three points,
In other news, one pundit has reacted after the Toon were hit with another injury blow on Tuesday.