Micah Richards burst out laughing when recalling one moment during Newcastle United’s win over Birmingham City.
In the space of a week, Newcastle United booked their spot in the 2025 Carabao Cup final and then progressed to the fifth round of the FA Cup with a hard-fought 3-2 win over Birmingham City.
Eddie Howe made sweeping changes to his Newcastle lineup at St Andrew’s, handing much-needed rests to some key players. However, it resulted in a poor start with Birmingham taking the lead within one minute.
But a brace from Joe Willock and a goal from Callum Wilson on his return from injury secured another cup victory for Newcastle.
Alan Shearer defends William Osula moment vs Birmingham
Howe’s changed lineup handed an opportunity to £10m summer signing William Osula, who has had to wait patiently for his chance in the first team.
In what was his third start of the season, Osula starred on the right wing and added two assists to his tally.
However, the 21-year-old fluffed a huge chance to score his second Newcastle goal in the first half when he bizarrely blocked his own shot on the goal line with his standing foot. Thankfully, Wilson was right behind him to find the back of the net.
Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Micah Richards burst out laughing at Osula’s missed chance, but Newcastle legend Alan Shearer jumped to his defence.
“Who is the lad who missed it on the line, Alan? He missed it on the line but then Wilson was there to tap it home,” Richards joked.
“I think I’d be going into the dressing room at the end and saying ‘how good was my assist?’,” Gary Lineker replied, before Richards added: “He had his head in his hands, he was distraught.”
Shearer then jumped to defend the Newcastle forward, saying: “I actually think he played well, Osula, he should have scored but he did do well for both goals. He did do well I thought.
William Osula is finding his feet at Newcastle United
Osula finds himself competing with the world-class Alexander Isak for a starting spot at Newcastle – something any striker in Europe would find difficult.
But he showed against Birmingham that he perhaps has a future at Newcastle as a right winger – his display against Birmingham was impressive, with the young Dane causing plenty of problems out wide.
Eddie Howe was full of praise for Osula after the Birmingham win, and the Newcastle boss insisted he can be a “massive player” for the remainder of the season.
With Harvey Barnes injured and Miguel Almiron departed for the MLS, he could find himself playing on the right more regularly.
Newcastle received a loan offer for Osula on deadline day, but the Mapgies simply could not afford to lose another forward and now he can kick on as a key member of the first-team squad.
Alan Shearer defends Newcastle United star after Micah Richards mocks moment vs Birmingham City
