Another huge result for Newcastle United, as early goals from Ryan Fraser and Fabian Schar were enough to hand us our first EVER Premier League victory over Brighton!
Our FIFTH win in our last six games and one that sends us seven points clear of the relegation zone on a day that feels like another massive step towards survival.
It wasn’t always pretty and we rode our luck at times, with Brighton having more possession (68%), more shots (15) and more corners (7), however we hung on with the sort of dogged second half display that just never looked likely under the previous manager.
Fraser was energetic as ever, adding a goal and an assist to his efforts, Burn a man mountain against his former side, Schar influential at both ends for the second weekend running and Joelinton typically monstrous in midfield.
Targett also deserves credit for another faultless display that saw him deal with the dangerous Tariq Lamptey, while a surprise pat on the back must go to Emil Krafth – the much maligned Swede who gave everything for the cause at right-back after a nervy start.
We made things hard for ourselves at times and missed a few chances to put it to bed – Murphy could’ve made it 3-0 before the break – but it was a win worthy of the fantastic pre-match displays put on by Wor Flags and our first victory of the season against a top half side!
STARTING 11: Dubravka – Krafth, Schar, Burn, Targett – Shelvey, Willock, Joelinton – Fraser, Wood, Murphy.
SUBS: Darlow, Dummett, Lascelles, Manquillo, Longstaff, Guimaraes Almiron, Gayle, Saint-Maximin.
The visitors made a bright start and had us pinned back in our own half in the early stages.
We were struggling to string more than a few passes together, couldn’t get out or get to grips with Potter’s formation – yet the game took a huge twist in our favour just one counter-attack later.
After a clever ball from Wood put Murphy clean through, the winger beat Cucurella for pace and thought he’d dinked it past Sanchez. To his dismay, it came back off the post, but to Fraser’s delight it rebounded perfectly for the Scot to tap in! 1-0 Newcastle.
Just two minutes later, Murphy won a free kick down the right and Fraser whipped a brilliant ball into the box. Schar climbed highest and powered his near post header past Sanchez to make it 2-0!
It was hard to fathom how on earth we were two up in a game Brighton had utterly dominated to this point, but we’d taken our chances emphatically against a Seagulls side who arrived low on confidence after three straight defeats.
St James’ Park was alive with noise and a picture of positivity at this point. The sun was shining – despite it being surprisingly cold inside the stadium – we were winning again and it felt clear this was a side on the up; not one in danger of going down.
We still had plenty of defending to do, as this one clearly wasn’t over, and it was Dan Burn who made one sensational block to deny Gross from six-yards out just minutes before the break.
Welbeck was also a handful and almost got in down the right, but had his shot stopped by Dubravka after breaking free from Krafth and Schar. It felt vital that we got in two goals up – as the final 45 minutes would provr!
It was back against the wall over the vast majority of the second half as they out of the traps quickly. That said, for all their possession, they weren’t actually creating a great deal.
However, after 10 minutes of building pressure, Brighton found a way back into the game as Lewis Dunk got clear of his marker and headed past Dubravka; who ended up in no mans land and should’ve done better despite a lack of protection on this occasion.
Brighton kept knocking in the door, forcing corners and constantly getting the ball wide to get at our full-backs, but Schar and Burn stood tall and we never stopped running in midfield; despite struggling for possession or any sort of control in the second half.
The final whistle was met by huge cheers and more than just a sense of relief, with that being replaced by belief and pride in a Newcastle Untied side who are now doing the fundamentals so well under Eddie Howe.
Elsewhere today, we’ve seen Leeds lose once again, as new boss Jesse Marsch lost 1-0 in the early kick off at Leicester. Chelsea also did us a favour, winning 4-0 at Burnley, while Brentford secured a massive three points at Norwich via a hat-trick from Ivan Toney.
Next up for the Toon, a trip to Southampton next Thursday – which suddenly looks like one we can attack after they were battered 4-0 at Aston Villa earlier today!
I could get used to this winning malarkey…
HWTL!
I’ve come round a little bit from my earlier disappointment.
I’ve always admired Brighton & rated them as a footballing side since Potter went in. Just coz they don’t have a goal scorer doesn’t say they aren’t a balling side.
We had to grind that win out today. It wasn’t pretty, but they won’t always be. We kept a good defensive shape & kept them out.
In a way, maybe this was the best win yet. Its easier when all 11 are on it and playing well.
We’ve kind of ridden a wave of new signings, the trip to Saudi and a run of performances & results.
We started in a similar fashion in that first half – but whatever happened at HT, we came out slower & for the first time in 6 or 7 games, we looked vulnerable again.
It was disappointing, but we stuck it out & won.
If we play our first half against Saints then I think we keep our unbeaten run going. If we play our second half, then I think today might be the last of our points for a while coz we’ve got some rough fixtures ahead.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Well now comes 3 games stupidly close together, just hope we don’t get a load of injuries. That was a big win today .
KIMTOON(Quote)
Four away games, Soton, Chelsea, Everton and Spurs. Before Xmas that was zero points, now, at least two, maybe four.
PremAndUp(Quote)
I thought bringing Maxi & Bruno one might have swung it back into our favour a bit. But it didn’t seem to at all. Maxi made a few of his mazy runs but they didn’t really create any chances – still it was good to see him back. I thought that sub was Howe going for another goal.
When he brought Bruno on I thought that was him trying to steady the ship. Control the midfield a bit more & see the game out.
The trouble is, I think Bruno came on wanting to prove a point, and play for the fans rather than the team/manager.
Some of the passes he tried were silly (I’ll be nice) and ended up give Brighton the back in dangerous areas. He also tried to play out from our box & nearly got caught out – he went down & we got a freekick. But Schar was over at him – you could tell by the look on both their faces that he’d got a b0ll0cking.
At full time as well, when Howe went to him, he looked pretty unimpressed.
I think the lad has bags of talent, and will be a big player for us. But his cameo today made it clear to me why Howe is holding him back just now. He needs to see the speed and quality of the PL – Chelsea had to do the same with Saul & it’s defo paid off.
I trust Howe and his management of Bruno – let’s be right, he’s got it pretty spot on so far ??♂️??
Sharpy17(Quote)
Prem – I was thinking 3 to 6 – Saints & Everton & Spurs offer points I reckon, though harder being away from home.
I think 6 more points sees us safe I reckon. More would be nice of course but I don’t see Burnley getting to 33 points.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I also hope we don’t pursue our interest in James Trakowski in the summer either.
Burnley were without Ben Mee today & it is crystal clear that Mee is the defensive rock they all play off in that defence. Trakowski looked no better than Lascelles today.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Might be the last points for a while as we’re slowly coming off the boil. MOM between Burn and Schar for me. Maxi, Murphy very disappointing.
georgio(Quote)
We were poor in that 2nd half, but that shouldn’t totally overshadowed how good we were in the first half – or the fact we still won the game.
It certainly shouldn’t overshadow how good we’ve been in the last 6 or 7 games.
But now through to the end of April is a tough run of fixtures that come thick & fast.
Some of the players look tired – Joelinton, Fraser, Willock – they are working hard and need managing this month. Willock in particular is taking a bit of a hammering, but it’s worth remembering – this is the most competitive football the lad has played, and it’s at a far more intense pace under Howe than it ever was under Bruce.
Shelvey looked leggy yesterday as well yesterday & his passing was off.
Our success in this unbeaten run has in a large part been down to our solid midfield – but all 3 looked tired yesterday. We struggled with that battle yesterday and they didn’t even play Bissouma.
Saints have a strong midfield too, so we need to get our 3 boys rested & as close to 100% as we can.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Wow Odegaard, great skill there.
Shamrock(Quote)
I agree mate. Bruno made a fair few mistakes when he came on. Welcome to the PL Son – you don’t get time and space here unless you are very, very sharp. He’ll need time to adapt.
We definitely looked lethargic yesterday. I fear Brighton have worked out how to nullify us and other better teams will copy that blueprint.
We did well to take those two excellent goals and despite Brighton’s pressure, we were pretty good when it really mattered.
What concerned me a little was that we did not seem to have a Plan B. What we do, we generally do very well but when a side comes along like Brighton did, we need to have more tactical flexibility to change things up.
Could easily have been a win for them yesterday. It was slightly concerning but I’m sure Howe will know this. Maybe the team is beginning to get a little too comfortable, not sure. Shelvey was off the pace and looked woefully slow. As for Murphy, just don’t rate the lad. He’s not a PL winger for me. Made a lot of mistakes and wrong decisions again I thought.
Shamrock(Quote)
Saka well played. Great work ethic
Shamrock(Quote)
Sham – I felt like in the first half we were in there faces – energetic & aggressive without the ball. That resulted in them having little time & made mistakes in their passing.
They came out in the second half and we sat off them. They are a good passing side and move the ball around really well – we weren’t getting close.
I don’t know if that was a conscious thing – as in Howe has told them to do that knowing how many games we have coming up & wanting the players to conserve some energy levels – seems a dangerous tactic if so, or was it just that the last 7 or 8 games have caught up with the players & they are running out of steam a bit.
Regarding the plan B – we should have had one really. Having Maxi, Bruno and even Gayle (to an extent) on the bench should be enough to impact the game.
Maxi came on and done very little & Bruno came on and made us look more like conceding if anything ??♂️.
Gayle should be able to come on and provide a different threat up front – especially the way we play on the counter attack. Duffy & Dunk coped with the physical battle with Wood just fine – but struggled with the pace of Fraser and Murphy running at them and in behind. Gayle playing on their shoulder would have give them something different to think about.
I know he’s not much of a goal threat – but then neither is Wood at the mo. It baffles me how little Gayle has been used, yet always makes the bench.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sham – you can now see what Arteta is wanting at Arsenal can’t you. They could well get the reward for sticking with and backing him.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Agree with that Sham – Murphy just isn’t good enough and several of them looked tired.
georgio(Quote)
Another fantastic goal from the gunners. They’ve been a joy to watch today like.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Decent game that. Odegaard is a quality player.
Shamrock(Quote)
For as good as Arsenal can be for large parts of the game – they also have some spectacular brain farts ? made for a great watch anyway.
What kinda Manchester Derby will we get. I hate Utd, but nee fan of City either to be fair – a United win would keep the title race interesting I suppose.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I’d like a City win. Hate how self entitled Manure fans are and looking forward to them being unsurped by us soon and them consistently failing to quality for CL.
Shamrock(Quote)
Unt ain’t catching the top 3.
Ars a point above with two games in hand
Spurs 5 points behind with 2 games in hand.
They need pts today
PremAndUp(Quote)
It does not look like they are getting any
PremAndUp(Quote)
Just seen a tweet on the Geordie Boot Boy site from Shelvey acknowledging they were under par yesterday & acknowledging he was at his best & apologising for it.
I don’t think the lad needs to go as far as that to be fair to him. I hope he’s not getting hammered that badly that he feels the need to do that.
He’s been brilliant in the last 6-7 games before yesterday & is allowed an off day. I’d happily take a 1 in 8 off day, coz I’m used to a 1 in 10 decent game.
In all seriousness though, the lads are playing great at the moment & their commitment to Howes way is definitely paying off – it’s the type of football the fans have been desperately wanting.
Great attitude to post the tweet, but no need to apologise or beat himself up. Stick at it coz he and the rest of them have been brilliant.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Cracking first half of football that like.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Eric – I know you’re stuck in the dessert mate but when you get chance True Geordie has a podcast with Trippier ??.
Hope you’re enjoying your trip mate ????
Sharpy17(Quote)
https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/statistik/endendevertraege
Looking at the long list of quality players who’s contracts expire in the summer – coupled with just how many improvements we need to make to our squad, there’s a good 5 or 6 players off the list I think we should go for.
Kamara
Deyaner
Lingard
Origi
Nketiah
Even if we get 2 or 3 in, I imagine we will still spend to bring other targets in too.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Savannah, Georgia. I would recommend this town to anybody.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Sharpster: you know what I think. Minimum 150 mil.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
I think we are going for CL next year. Spurs, @rse and man u are not that good.
We have a chance in million.
Spend Spend Spend.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Yes to Kamara, Denayer and Liingard
I dont expect us to be challenging Liverpool or City next season, so a two step approach may be in order
Aarons is a decent RB from Norwich, Whereas Sarr and Pedro would be good squad players from Watford. There is nobody at Burnley I want.
We look to be tapping up Utd so Luke shaw and henderson would be good.
So where do we spend money
Diaby £70m, Ndicka £30m from Frankfurt for LCB to cover with Burn (we ain’t getting Botman)
Ekitike and Amine Gouiri £45m from Nice as CF
PremAndUp(Quote)
N di ck a since the children’s settings are a pain
PremAndUp(Quote)
I’m assuming we are buying Targett as well
PremAndUp(Quote)
New signings team
Henderson,
Aarons, Denayer, Ndi cka, Shaw
Kamara,
Diaby, Lingard, Sarr
Ekitike , Gouiri
with Pedro on teamsCompetition for places, finish 3-7 somewhere in Europe
PremAndUp(Quote)
Nice looking half time score. Keep it going spurs.
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
Oh dear Everton 😳 😳
KIMTOON(Quote)
Kim – I was sure Everton would be alright. Not now!!. That was awful.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Super Frank, Super Frank.
I said they were in trouble.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Prem – it’s funny you should say Aarons. I was watching the Trippier podcast today thinking how good he is, but he’s 31 and will maybe do 2 more seasons – who would be a good understudy to him to learn from, and Aarons was the lad I thought would be idea.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Calm down, calm down blue scousers. It’s not like the ‘lecky was cut off and Liverpool will win the Champions League and you will be relegated.
OH
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Sharpy, I can actually see them going down, they look shell shocked. They have never been relegated from PL, maybe this is the season it happens.
KIMTOON(Quote)
Kim – it’s them or Leeds for me now. Burnley always seem to grind out results & Dyche will do it again I think. Brentford were really clever with Eriksen – they just started to dip after an exciting first half of the season. Bringing Eriksen in seems to have given them that lift. They’ll be on the edge, but just survive I reckon.
But Leeds are struggling. They mourn for Bielsa & if this new manager doesn’t get a few wins quickly, he won’t get the fans or players onside – without Phillips & Bamford they will struggle, and as much as Cooper is a limited defender, he’s a leader in their team. He’s been a big miss too.
Then there’s Everton who are in a really mess both on and off the field. Last night was largely down to individual errors – but when Howe came in for us he cut those out, Lampard doesn’t seem to have had much impact at all – despite being the one they all wanted.
They have spent so much money and have so little to show for it – Anthony Gordon & DCL their best players & home grown … what did they buy???.
They remind me of McClarens Newcastle last night – and look what happened to them.
With their off field problems, I think if Everton go down they could be a Leeds themselves you know.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I read the Everton forums before and after they played us at SJP. They believed it was their right to win against us a ‘poor team’.
???
Would be good to see them go down. Reality check ☑️
Shamrock(Quote)
Sharpy, what do you mean Lampard has had little impact? He has made them even worse 🙂 You know there will not be a peep out of his media pals though. They have already anointed him the 2nd coming of Bill Shankley and results and performances will not change their minds. I dont have anything against Super-Frank personally, it is his pundit pals I despise.
I watched the highlights and the TRex Mackem was at fault for the 2nd goal and probably the 5th. And his decision making is appalling, he never knows when to come for a ball.
Even if Everton dont get relegated there should be some fun to be had at their expense after their self-entitled rubbish whenever they play us. I really hope we put another nail in their coffin when we play them next week.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
I also watched a replay of the Manchester derby. City could/should have had 7. And Rashford is no better as a winger than what we have. There have been links today.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
I wish we had Wilson for the Everton game – he’d have a field day against that defence!!.
I think they have Wolves next & they won’t get anything from them – then us – and their confidence by then will be shot to ****.
Lampard said last night their next 2 games are at home and he’s pleased about that – really???. They get beat by Wolves & if we get on top of them early either in position & god forbid we nick an early goal – their fans will turn toxic. Maybe not towards him, but the players and definitely the owners.
Sham – I think that’s a huge factor in the relegation battle. Brentford fans will stick with their team coz (no disrespect to them) they shouldn’t be here. Burnley fans are used to this so they will stick with the team.
Leeds & Everton fans could quickly turn against the owners though – Everton fans for sure.
I honestly think they would have had a better chance with Big Dunc.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Just read an article on Everton and they are in deep ****.
It insinuated that the Russian Oligarch Usmanov was the real Charman and Moshiri is just a front. Usmanov has had assets frozen and all sponsorship deals connected with him have been cancelled. This will cost Everton at least 20 million a year.
Then there are their losses which have been 265 million over the last 3 years. This is why Rafa had no money to spend. They would have been docked points under FFP. If they go down they can only make losses of 13 million a year and that would be impossible with their current player contracts, loss of PL revenue and loss of sponsors. They really could do a Leeds/Sunderland if they go down. Administration is NOT out of the questions.
Then there are their last 6 games when they have to play Man U, Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal.
I think they have to beat us or Wolves to stand a chance.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
My ins for the summer would ideally be
Henderson
Max Aarons
Denayer
Botman (ideally) Lenglet
Targett
Kamara
Lingard
Doku
Schich (ideally) Orgigi
A lot in I know, but I think Henderson could go straight in, Targett is already there, Aarons would be understudy to Trippier & I’d keep Manq so he’s got time to develop.
We’d have Burn & Schar so Denayer & Lenglet would have time too – I’d probably keep Lascelles for now too.
Our midfield is strong enough for Kamara to have time too.
Lingard could go straight in, but we’d also have Fraser so Doku would have time too.
Schich or Orgigi could go straight in too – but Wilson & Wood would give options should they need time.
That’s 9 in, so my 9 out would be
Gillespie and Woodman
Clark
Fede
Dummett
Hendrick
Longstaff
Murphy
Gayle
Sharpy17(Quote)
Hells bells, I forgot Krafth & Ritchie off that list as well – finding the space for the new arrivals really won’t be too difficult.
Hayden could move on too – but letting him & Longstaff go, we’d need another in.
God I’ve just remembered Almiron as well ??♂️
Sharpy17(Quote)
I’ve also deliberately not mentioned Jamal Lewis coz I don’t want to give up on him just yet. I’m hoping with Targett in, and Manq & Burn and even Trippier if desperate, all able to cover LB – that buys Lewis time to learn from those players and develop into the PL player I think he could be.
I’m not sure what’s happened with him this season, but I think there’s a player there and I’d love to see him come good ??
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpy: I reckon Almiron, Hayden and Ritchie are certs to leave. We will have space for Murphy and Lewis and they are young enough. Murphy has a 6 year contract.
We might even get a bit of money for those leaving. Hayden, Woodman, Lascelles and Dummett might get roles at a promoted team. Gayle to the Championship. Almiron to Spain.
Some would be frees like Richie, Clark and Fede. I would say good luck to them because they have done OK for us, especially in The Championship. They all worked hard for the team.
I would keep Dummett if it wasnt for his injuries. He is not worth a squad place though, given his record.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
You know our goal difference is less than Everton’s now. Minus 16 NUFC and minus 18 for them.
And that is after we lost 4 nil to Leicester and City during Eddie’s first few games.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Target is a good left back but I guess the question is can we get better?
Stuart79(Quote)
I see we’ve agreed a fee of £15mil for Targett. We should definitely make him permanent for that. He’s done really well so far.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Stu – I don’t know what ‘better’ is anymore.
The fact Villa let Targett go coz they got Digne in would suggest Digne is better – but I can’t say I’m convinced.
I imagine Liverpool fans might have asked the same question when getting £5m Andy Robertson or Chelsea when getting Chilwell.
I’m not saying there isn’t better out there. But for where we are now, and our push for the top 6 – I think Targett is consistently good enough to get us there. Then maybe look to upgrade in a season or 2 time.
Sharpy17(Quote)
When you consider Wan Bassaka cost 45 million I think Target is a steal.
I would also like us to keep Lewis but I see many fans saying he has no future. He is still training with the team even though he doesnt have a squad place.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Sad to hear of Gordon Lee passing away.
Happy memories. His team were my first and are still my favourite nufc team .. prior to selling supermac.
The most exciting of my nufc memories is the league cup semi final against spurs. The owld stand was rockin .. what a night as a young lad that was
RIP
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
Another thing on Targett is it says a lot about the lad that he’s with us now.
He could have easily sat back and accepted his wage at Villa & just put his feet up for the rest of the season.
Instead he has up routed from his home comforts to a hotel or apartment the club have laid on – even if it’s a mansion out in the sticks, it’s not his home.
He came at a time when we were well and truly in a relegation battle – from a safe and comfortable mid table position with Villa where everything was feel good after the recent arrival of Steve Gerrard.
It’s a loan deal, so not a huge risk for him. But certainly a chew he probably didn’t need to put himself through.
I think it speaks volumes about the mentality & determination of the lad – and we could certainly do with players like that in our side.
Sharpy17(Quote)
LEWIS under going a opp on his groin which hes had trouble with for a year,now we know why he dropped off
icedog(Quote)
How high do we aim next season? Bellingham, Rudiger and Martinez for me. 😀
georgio(Quote)
Ice: Eddie mentioned that when he was left out of the squad. I have seen a lot of people, including that Times article, saying we will sell him. I am not so sure. He looked OK under Eddie and he is only 24. I dont really see the point in selling him, we should give him at least 1 more year injury free.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
So Everton might run into FFP trouble. It just keeps on getting worse for them but I dont see them being docked points this year.
I mentioned this the other day because their finances dont add up and without Usmanov and his sponsorship deals I think they are up **** creek. I am still not sure if Moshiri is Usmanov’s puppet. He has his own money but not enough to finance Everton and I think it was made through his connections with the Russian. There is something really dodgy there which may add more to their troubles.
I would love it, just love it if we beat them!
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
I quite like hassenhuttl and have a soft spot for the saints .. think it’s because I like the south coast and always enjoyed my away days to watch nufc when I was there .. but he really needs to move on from the postponed game .. he sounds like a petulant child. He seemed to spend as much time talking about nufc as his own team
I was Howe I’d be quietly chuffed that hassenhuttl is worried about the game
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
Anything that takes S’ton’s eye off the ball (figuratively) is a good thing as far as I am concerned. If Ralf is concerned about something from 2 months ago then that means he is not giving his full attention to tomorrow, I dont care if it the journos baiting him, it should work in our favour.
It also gives him a built in excuse if they dont perform. It will be all down to Covid, Saudi money and how unfair the transfer system is/was to Saints.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Will it be an unchanged team tomorrow? There is something about St Max going to France again and Eddie said he is not 100%, so he wont start.
I actually think Krafth has done OK but teams are attacking that side so they must see a weakness. BDB did some good covering as well. I would prefer Manquillo but I think it is 50/50.
Shelvey has been vocal about having an off game. I think that is a bit of a ploy to get plaudits for the good games he has had recently under Howe. I think it is also a bit of a ploy to keep himself in the team as it must be time for Bruno to start. I reckon it will work and we will begin with the same starting 11.
The funny thing is that there is very little talk of our captain getting back in the side!!!
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Ice – I didn’t realise that about Lewis so thanks for that mate.
That makes sense that he didn’t get a squad place if he’s out recovering.
I don’t think Howe is the kind of manager who will cut players lose, especially a young player with as much potential as Lewis.
One to watch then.
Sharpy17(Quote)