The Magpies had less than 25 per cent of the ball against the Premier League’s defending champions but were disciplined and organised throughout, twice coming from behind to maintain their unbeaten home sequence at St. James’ Park.
After Raheem Sterling opened the scoring midway through the first half, Dutchman Willems equalised for Newcastle with a crisp strike into the far corner after picking up Miguel Almirón’s pass. Kevin De Bruyne looked to have won it for City with a raking effort from distance, only for Jonjo Shelvey to restore parity for a second time with two minutes to play.
That, Willems felt, was fully deserved from the Magpies’ point of view, and the wing back quickly called for more of the same on Thursday night when they look to rediscover their form on the road against high-flying Sheffield United.
“I think we did well defensively – that’s our strength, especially at home,” he told nufc.co.uk. “I think we would have been disappointed if we didn’t get a point. I think we could have won the game also; it was a lucky goal, (their) first one. But you know, it’s Manchester City, so we can be happy after a draw.
“We did well today. After a losing game last week (against Aston Villa), we’ve turned it around. At home, we do our job better than away. We need to have the same focus in away games – we did it against Tottenham, against West Ham and against Liverpool too, where we were unlucky. It’s possible and we can do it. We are in a good shape and a good way now. The last game was just unlucky, and we have to forget it.
“We can be glad and now we just have to focus on the next game. We play a lot of games in December and we have to take care of each other, and ourselves. We have to be professional. It’s going to be hard. But in our squad we have a lot of players, and I think everybody (will get) a chance.”
There was a touch of déjà vu about Willems’ strike; both of the 25-year-old’s goals for Newcastle this term have come in early kick-offs, against title-chasing sides and with his – supposedly – weaker right foot.
He chuckled as he considered the similarities between the two, and also paid tribute to the Magpies’ other scorer on the day.
“I think I’m choosing to score against the big two!” he laughed. “It’s nice to score and, of course, to draw the game. For me, it’s important to enjoy the game. And of course, I’m happy. I’m trying to take care of myself and focus on each game more, and just keep going like this.
“I think it was a great goal for Jonjo. He showed his strength. I’m glad for him also.”
