Our final pre-season friendly of the summer at St James’ Park ahead of the new Premier League season, and it was another good run out – with us dominating in a convincing 2-1 win over St-Etienne.
St-Étienne – who finished 4th in Ligue 1 last season – arrived with a strong side, filled with several familiar faces, including ex-Mag Mathieu Debuchy, former Mackem midfielder Yann M’villa and Arsenal’s new £27m centre-back William Saliba (who’s been loaned back to the French side).
NUFC starting 11 (3-5-2): Dubravka – Schar, Lascelles, Fernandez – Manquillo, Hayden, Shelvey, Longstaff, Aarons – Almiron, Joelinton.
It was an accomplished and controlled performance which featured some exciting moments from our three new signings and a special moment for 19-year-old local lad Matty Longstaff – who smashed a 25-yard shot in off the crossbar just seconds after making his first senior appearance at St James’ Park.
Here’s the opening goal by Joelinton, who latched onto another sublime through ball from Fabian Schar and did well to beat both the goalkeeper and two St-Etienne’s to a couple of 50/50’s:
Joelinton impressed, with his all round play and movement being arguably more eye-catching than the fact he scored once again. He’s happy to come short and link the play, he’s strong enough to back into his man and play the target man role, but he’s also got impressive movement and mobility, with him constantly being on the shoulder of the last man in a bid to get in behind.
It’s early days, but he looks to have all the makings of a VERY good striker, having a rare mix of pace, power and impressive movement.
Almiron was everywhere and pulled the strings, although it is another game where he’ll be wondering how he hasn’t scored. It’s a slight concern that his final ball is letting him down, but I am confident he’ll be flying as soon as he bags that first goal, with his general play, energy and enthusiasm for the game so, so impressive.
Shelvey dictated the play in a deep-lying playmaker role, with Hayden and Longstaff pressing well and getting into some advanced positions either side of him. At the back, Manquillo did a good job once again and both Schar and Fernandez showed moments of class, while Lascelles was rock solid and dealt with just about everything thrown at him in the middle.
Then, with just over half an hour remaining, £16.5m man Allan Saint-Maximin came on – and he ran the show from then on in. As the video below shows, his first 49 seconds at St James’ Park were exciting to say the least, seeing him press brilliantly and beat his man with ease after receiving a warm Geordie welcome from the 16,000 crowd:
The Frenchman was absolutely electric, not only going on some sparkling runs, skipping past St Etienne players at ease, but also picking out some tidy passes and testing the goalkeeper with a few shots.
Then, for all of Saint-Maximin’s magic, Almiron’s energy and Joelinton’s movement, the moment of the game arrived – via a stunning strike from Matty Longstaff (see clip below).
The 19-year-old had only been on the field for a matter of seconds, but, after some showboating in the corner from Willems and Saint-Maximin, he received a pass from brother Sean and unleashed a brilliant 25-yard strike that smashed in off the crossbar:
A special moment for the Geordie midfielder, who looks likely to stay and fight for a place in the first-team squad after several eye-catching displays over pre-season.
Aarons did OK, but, based on Jetro Willems’ impressive late cameo, I can’t see him starting at left wing-back for much longer while Matt Ritchie is out.
Willems played some intelligent passes down the line, looked a decent dribbler and linked up with Saint-Maximin well.
It’s hard to judge over pre-season, but we looked nicely balanced and a team that could cause all sorts of problems in behind and on the counter, with Almiron, Joelinton and Saint-Maximin all constantly looking to burst in behind or run at their man.
With today’s result in mind, we’ve ended pre-season with the following results
- L – 0-4 vs Wolves
- W – 1-0 vs West Ham (Muto)
- L – 1-2 vs Preston (Shelvey)
- W – 3-1 vs Hibernian (Joelinton, S.Longstaff, Lascelles)
- W – 2-1 vs St-Etienne (Joelinton, M.Longstaff).
Next up – Arsenal at St James’ Park a week tomorrow for the start of our 2019/20 Premier League season!
Joelinton racing after that ball to score the first goal was just like watching Malcolm Macdonald doing the same too many years ago.
The crowd will love him.
It is going to be a great season.
sidekick(Quote)
Looks like we are now built for speed. Bruce is saying we are keeping Gayle and Muto is fast as well. Add that to Almiron and the new players.
I don’t see any downside to keeping Gayle. If he ends up being a spare part because of the new signings we can always sell him in January to a contender in The Championship. However, I think he will do well for us, even as a sub.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Good to see that Olly is getting his enthusiasm back. I am now totally sick of all of these boycott groups, Chronicle comments and blogs who have nothing good to say about anybody in a Toon shirt or anything NUFC.
Howay the lads. Bruce is not as bad as he is being made out. 1.12 points per game in the PL with **** teams. That gets you 42 points. Rafa at NUFC was 1.17 PPG in the last 2 PL seasons which is 44 points.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I have no idea what anybody is “worth” in the PL anymore. Did we overpay for Joelinton? I have no idea! In a world where Perez costs 30 million, McGuire 80 million and Pogba 150 million, I just have no idea anymore.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I have been banging on for ages about Hayden not having anywhere to go that made logistical sense and that he would stay if we tripled his wages.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
AND…AND it looks like the Fat Man might be doing the obvious and giving some of our players new deals. With the price of even average players now it seems like a no brainer to keep what we have.
Schar. Longstaff. Hayden. Ritchie.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
And Dubravka.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Steve Bruce probably right in saying we do not need another striker and I agree with him on keeping Gayle.
Sounds like Gayle has a bad calf strain. Usually takes 3 months for that sort of injury to heal and then he will need to get match fit. I do not think he will be fighting for a first team start before December.
Yannick Toure made good progress last year. joining the academy at 17 and getting into the under 23 team within a few months. Those fans who watched him play were likening him to Drogba.
Man Utd are not afraid to throw young players into the first team. Maybe Steve Bruce might be brave enough to play him if the need arises.
sidekick(Quote)
I’m not convinced by the forward cover. But with Gayle injured, nobody is taking him this window. We also have Muto, and I’d be keen to see Sorensen around the first team too.
In an ideal world we’d get another in, but there is only so much space in the squad.
I am excited by our front 3 of Joelinton, Almiron and ASM though – they look like they’re gonna be fun to watch.
A pretty solid midfield behind them with players like Shelvey, Hayden, Longstaff and Ki – with young Longstaff knocking on the door now too.
The same solid defence as last season, with the addition of Willem – and Dubravka behind them.
I’m optimistic about this season, and it’s great news that we have also started to tie key players down with new improved contracts too.
Sharpy17(Quote)
The boycott talk is just totally fcking depressing. You would think we are in the situation of The Mackems with an owner that has no money and wants to sell his share of the team for the price of Joelinton because he got the team for $5 million in the first place and wants to make a quick buck.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Who’s signed a new contract?
If Joelinton gets injured or needs time to settle at PL level we have only Muto currently to replace him. If that makes for satisfaction then God help you, Sidekick!
Stuart79(Quote)
The fatman may be backing Bruce, but lets not forget all the other windows and the 12 years of lies and under spending. We look to of returned to pre Rafa system, young prospects we can sell on rather than building for the future and progress. £40 and £20m are the new £9 and £20m that we used to spend re Pards and Mac. Fact is he had to dip into the cashpot or we were down before a balls kicked in anger and he knows it. What happens if we lose Joelinton to injury ?Anyone who thinks we can get a decent goal tally from Muto and Gayle,( who always seems to get injured when in the PL ) needs their heads examined. Sorenson would be a better bet than them two, not impressed by Muto one bit i’m afraid and no faith in Gayles fitness.
I will back Bruce and the lads but i still worry we are short up front, think we could get a 16th place finish with luck and no vital players injured.
That’s not me being negative just realistic. On the plus side, early doors, but The saint, Joe and Matty all looking good additions.
Eric, we get it that you don’t rate a boycott, that’s fine, you don’t have to keep repeating it . People are just trying to do something, anything to try and we remove Ashley, who is anyone to rubbish what they are trying to do, let them get on with it, it either works or it doesn’t.
kimtoon(Quote)
Kim, as usual we will have a load of cash in the bank, struggle and then try and buy someone in January when it’s dearer instead of now.
I seriously question Bruce’s judgment if he think he’s ok in the striker dept. He says he has five. Have we signed someone secretly? Joe, Gayle, Muto and?
Stuart79(Quote)
Kim – I cant speak for all of those feeling optimistic, but I suspect they will be the same.
Looking forward to the new season and being excited about new players is totally separate to Ashley. I can’t stand the bloke and I want him out!! – that will never change.
But years before him and years after him, I support NUFC. I love watching my team and even more so when they are performing well.
Pleased don’t think that just coz he’s slashed a bit cash, it’s slate clean for Ashley – that’s definitely not the case. Even if he’d brought Pep in and signed Messi & Ronaldo – I want him out!.
But I want our team to do well, and want to enjoy watching Newcastle at the same time.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Kimtoon: I will shut up about a boycott on here. It is a spillover from me being on Eds where it is a constant repetition from a very vocal group on there.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Stuart: I am not sure if there is much dropoff between Perez and Gayle. Rafa wanted to keep Gayle.
Perez scoring rate at NUFC is 1 in every 4.25 games.
Joelinton or Rondon? Rondon has a scoring rate of about 1 in 4 in the PL.
I know the stats that Rondon and Perez were involved in a very high % of our goals last year, but we didn’t score many did we? It is not like they were Aguero and Salah.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
BTW Stuart, I have no idea whether Joelinton is any good or not. I have never seen the lad play. We get Bundesliga here but it is always Bayern and Dusseldorf. I cant remember seeing a Hoffenheim game last year.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Stu, that’s what i can’t understand mate, just get another quality forward in now, as it’s so much more expensive in january. Lee said that himself at a fans forum so it’s not like he doesn’t know.
Sharpy, I know you want him out mate, no worries, i’m just fed up with anyone who still questions fatty being labeled as negative and a moaner.
We’ve had his PR offensive since Rafa left via the media and his little self indulgent pr statement with all it’s woe is me content. He signs a few players (as he should ) and all is supposed to be forgiven if you are to believe some fans.
Well not me i’m afraid, he’s a blood y cancer on this club, he’s strangling the life out of us and i can’t see him ever letting go, he makes too much from merchandise just like at Rangers.
kimtoon(Quote)
Eric, you still winding that lot up over there ? Thought you would of left em to it by now, like a bunch of school kids half the time.
kimtoon(Quote)
Joe looks a player. Big strong fast and determined. He’s much better than I expected.
What we need now is to get rid of some of the dross, no hopers. Muto would top my list. He’s done nothing of note in his time here. Zero. Murphy is the same. Elliot still here. Why? Lazaar?
Bruce will probably keep Colback and Aarons as back up but young Matty is coming on strong.
We do need another striker but that may be Carroll already agreed. I’m with you Sharpy. Can’t stand Ashley but can’t stop watching the team.
georgio(Quote)
Kimtoon: it was mildly entertaining on Eds for a while as I was watching the cricket at 4.30 am. I wound myself up more than anything else so I think I will stop. It reminded me of some of the morons I went to school with. There were so many tw@ts I went to school with in Newcastle and it did bring back memories.
I must admit I took the bait sometimes and got into stupid arguments, so maybe I should grow up as well.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Kim – people are welcome to go to town on Ashley – he deserves it, and his PR statement was a joke. I was surprised at Martin Samuel for agreeing to it if I’m honest – I thought he was better than that. But that just strengthened my belief that journos are parasites too. Truth doesn’t matter anymore if it gets in the way of popularity and coin.
I have a problem with people taking pops at Bruce and the players though. I think that’s unfair.
I’m not saying Bruce would have been my first choice – but to be fair to Bruce, I think he knows he was nobodies first choice.
I read ex players say they’d have more respect for him if he turned it down. I actually have respect for him taking it, at a time where it was toxic. Let’s not forget, it wasn’t like he was out of work and desperately needed to take it. He chose to run this gauntlet while everyone was shouting ‘we don’t want you’.
That’s a brave man in my opinion, yet people will call him a puppet and insult him and his family – that’s disgusting.
He might do rubbish. The new players might be rubbish. But as a fan of NUFC, I’m gonna get behind them and support and encourage them to begin with, coz they at least deserve that I think.
Sharpy17(Quote)
We’re suppose to be getting better not replacing like for like surely?
Stuart79(Quote)
The CF situation is probably made more difficult with the Gayle injury.
If he was fit, I think he’d be sold and we’d replace him.
Muto – I’m not sure anyone knows that to do with him yet. He feels more like a link up forward, similar to Perez. Will drop deeper and isn’t always going to be in the box when the ball gets played in.
I think when Bruce says he has 5 forwards, he seems ASM and Almiron in his forward options. They aren’t your typical NUFC no.9 but if it came to it, he could put a team out with them up top.
I would like to see Sorensen get a chance too though. I’d rather promote him over bringing someone like Charlie Austin or someone like that in.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpy, aye, i quite like Bruce as a person ( i hated Pards), hope he gets rewarded for being brave enough to take it. I do fear it may be the impossible task though, mainly due to restrictions from above.
Agree about Gayle, terrible timing for the calf injury, Bruce needs to watch back some of his previous performances for us when we first come up if he needs to see if he’s a viable long term option.
Calf injuries can take a while to heal too, two or 3 months is a possibility. 🙁
kimtoon(Quote)
And Martin Samuel has previous for bigging up Ashley, wrote an article saying Ashley isn’t a villain as it’s header ! a year or so ago. I read somewhere Samuels agent is KBA, but couldn’t confirm when i searched.
kimtoon(Quote)
But on a lighter note:
The Mackems are really Stuart Donald Ducked.
He got the club for 6 mil on the basis of him being the only one willing to give Ellis Short the remaining parachute payments. Then he tried to do a runner by selling most of his shares for a quick buck. That failed.
Now they have no money and **** players. It is promotion or bust this year. The next Coventry City.
They truly are Chancer Stuart Donald Ducked.
And the Mackems still love him.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Kim – I think the big difference is arrogance. Bruce would be the first to admit that there are better tactical managers than him. He probably doesn’t study the game the way some other managers do.
But he’s a good man manager and can do a decent job given the chance.
The likes of Pardew and Fat Sam are arrogant and believe they are as good as any other manager out there, it just their face doesn’t fit or they haven’t been given the chance – nonsense.
I honestly don’t think Bruce can loose. Many expect him to fail (some even hope he does), so keep us in the league and he’s succeeded.
But imagine if he did better than that?!. Imagine if he took us on a cup run and had us safe with games to spare.
Gayle did ok for us in the PL, but his composure let him down unfortunately. But his injury makes it a non starter anyway really. If a player is not fit to play it’s irrelevant whether we think he’s good enough or not.
All this said, im not completely convinced something won’t happen next week. We shall see.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpy, history tells us we are done for this window, but like you i have a feeling we may yet get another.
kimtoon(Quote)
Sharpy – if Bruce really is considering bringing in a last minute striker then let us hope it is not another Joselu. Rafa delighted the Stoke fans with that signing.
I still think Sorensen or Toure will be sufficient cover for Joelinton or Muto. Steve Bruce might also think that.
sidekick(Quote)
One injury to Joe and we’re totally screwed. Unless of course Gayle changes a habit of a lifetime and starts scoring goals in the PL.
Stuart79(Quote)
from the chronicle
Bruce stated that Gayle is yet to appear in pre-season only because of injury.
He said: “It’s a calf injury and it’s not reacting to treatment yet
worrying, funny things calf injuries, like i said 2-3 months out i reckon.
kimtoon(Quote)
Eric – on an even lighter note , The Mackems did not get off to a good start in their promotion push back to the Championship.
A home draw against Oxford was really 2 points dropped.
They did put their penalty away but to need a penalty to salvage a home point does not auger well for their promotion hopes this season.
sidekick(Quote)
If Gayle was fit and ready to go I would be satisfied with our forward options. But the fact he’s out for possibly 3 months and it’s Muto who seems to be 1st back up – that’s what concerns me.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Everton have just signed that youngster from Juve – I wonder if they would sell Tosun – might be worth a cheeky £15m bid to tempt them. I think he’s around 27/28 so might not fit the transfer policy like.
I like Neal Maupay at Brentford too. He’s only 22 and has scored over 20 championship goals in the last few seasons. I know PL is a different level, but that many goals in mid table Brentford side is impressive.
I’m surprised PL clubs haven’t gone for him – that suggests something puts them off. But I’ve saw him in a few games and he’s a grafter who knows where the goal is on the field.
Sharpy17(Quote)
City 1.0 up but Pool have looked threatening
kimtoon(Quote)
Gonna have to record last part of this game as Bristol city v leeds on sky at 4pm 🙄
kimtoon(Quote)
What has he ever done in the PL that makes him good enough, Sharpy?
Stuart79(Quote)
Stu – I think he’s a competent back up forward to Joelinton. But I think I’ve made it pretty clear that in an ideal world I would want to replace him for better.
I do think we need more goals throughout the team as well though – particularly midfield. Last season Schar was third highest scorer behind Perez and Rondon.
I’d want to see Almiron and ASM chipping in, along with the likes of Longstaff, Shelvey and Hayden.
Sharpy17(Quote)
What did Joselu do in 2 seasons in the premiership ?
Gayle would have done better.
sidekick(Quote)
Gayle hasn’t done better though as he? His top flight record is about the same as Joselu’s. Gayle did his job whilst we were in the Championship. He’s never done anything in the PL for any team. He ain’t good enough if we have to rely on him and give we only have Joelinton and Muto as alternatives it doesn’t bode well.
Although I’m all eyes if you can show me a parallel universe in which he’s scored goals in PL.
Stuart79(Quote)
Stuart – Steve Bruce thinks Gayle is good enough for the premiership .
sidekick(Quote)
That’s a worry in itself. His record suggests not.
Stuart79(Quote)
I don’t think it matter who thinks Gayle is good enough and who does – if he’s out injured for 3 months, he not backing anyone up.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I remember the last time Gayle was in PL with us he was injured a fair bit and on some occasions nobody could find out what was wrong with him. This time he’s not responding to treatment. Does he have a mental block in this league?
Stuart79(Quote)
Where has the 3 months come from? I don’t have much confidence in him myself especially in the PL but I’d prefer him to Muto. In fact I’d prefer Sorenson to Muto.
georgio(Quote)
Bruce says Muto is better than he thought he was,is that pre-judging players??
icedog(Quote)
Stu – last time round he was full of hell coz he’d scored the goals to get us promoted, but didn’t get a new deal and pay rise. At the time Mitro was on more than him and wasn’t playing.
He was playing, but he was clearly unhappy and always twisting on at his teammates and the ref – maybe that’s part of his game (a bit like Bellamy).
What you have to take into account is that Rafa swapped him for Rondon – so he clearly wasn’t the forward for Rafas formation. However Bruce is filling his forward line with pace – and Gayle has that.
I remember him having plenty of chances, he just didn’t convert enough of them – was that coz he’s not good enough, or was it he was just having an off season.
But the healing time for his calf injury is 3 months – so it’s pretty irrelevant anyway really.
Sharpy17(Quote)
So where Gayle was huffed with Mitro getting paid more last time, apparently he’s now huffed that Joelinton has been given the no.9 shirt ahead of him.
F@ck it, can’t be arsed with huffy bairns. Get rid.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Gyale wasn’t having a off season. Sharpy. All his seasons in the PL have been average.
Stuart79(Quote)
Stu – I don’t care anymore, I want him replaced.
Sharpy17(Quote)
It’s almost like Rafa knew what he was doing when it came to wanting to replace certain individuals.
Stuart79(Quote)
Careful though Stu, Rafas record wasn’t all great.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Gayle and his injuries in the PL is a funny one. i believe either he doesn’t trust in his body to of healed when it has or he knows he can’t cut it in the PL and lets his injury drag on or re-flare up as an excuse not to play and still continue picking up his wedge.
Latest is his calf isn’t responding to treatment ! BS, unreliable except when in the fizzypop league.
How long is left on his contract ?
kimtoon(Quote)
Stuart79
August 5, 2019 at 12:55
It’s almost like Rafa knew what he was doing when it came to wanting to replace certain individuals.
Quite
kimtoon(Quote)
Oh and i hope to christ the Phil jones links are BS too
kimtoon(Quote)
Kim – no way would we get close to his wages – which is a good thing coz I wouldn’t want him in a month of Sunday’s.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpy, Good 😆
kimtoon(Quote)
Harry McGuire is now the most expensive defender in history. Yes, ever. In the history of the world!
Eric Sykes(Quote)
That makes Schar and Lejeune very expensive players!
georgio(Quote)
Kim – it’s a shame though, coz he’s a very good player, as his show reel proves …
https://youtu.be/hFgg2Gdjm7o
Sharpy17(Quote)
Anyine doing fantasy footy league this year?
Shamrock(Quote)
Nobody is always right. But then again, Rafa seemed to be right more than he was wrong.
Stuart79(Quote)
Marginally I’d say. But wasn’t it Rafa that signed Gayle? ?
He did but its a bit unfair coz Gayle was a good signing for the Championship. How Rafa then had chance to get rid of him, but instead opted to play him.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Super 6 for me this year mate
Sharpy17(Quote)
What’s that mate?
Shamrock(Quote)
Sky Super 6 – a score predictions app. Sky select the fixtures each week and you predict the scores – 2 pts for a correct result, 5 pts for a correct score
Sharpy17(Quote)
Ah ok mate. Will have a look
Shamrock(Quote)
I’m doing fantasy football mate… not that I’m much good at it… ☹️
Dubai Toon(Quote)
Are you doing the Premier League website on Dubai? I have just made a team but not joined a league yet. I’m rubbish too haha!
Shamrock(Quote)
can jabba get any lower what a greedy pig he is
https://nothingbutnewcastle.com/2019/08/blogs/ashley-ticket-charges-revealed/
icedog(Quote)
To be fair, Kim, £20,000 is cheaper than what corporates pay. So maybe he does give them a discount. Players should not have free boxes. That’s a major revenue stream for the club. They should have free complimentary normal seats though. I don’t even think they get that though…
Stuart79(Quote)
Well I like Gayle and I think with the present set up would do better than with Rafa’s one up front. I would rate him above Perez but I know many would disagree. The myth that he cannot do it in the Premiership came about when he played for Pardew at Crystal Palace. Enough said.
Groucho(Quote)
Well I like Gayle and I think with the present set up would do better than with Rafa’s one up front. I would rate him above Perez but I know many would disagree. The myth that he cannot do it in the Premiership came about when he played for Pardew at Crystal Palace. Enough said.
Line added because original not posted.
Groucho(Quote)
Sorry for duplicate posting but original was not posted and when I tried posting it again it would not accept it because it was a duplicate even though it did not appear. By adding an extra comment it became acceptable as a new comment and was posted triggering off the posting of original. You will see a 6 minute difference in the posting times even though the actually appeared together.
Groucho(Quote)