A pre-season defeat for Eddie Howe’s Mags as we lost 3-2 to Benfica on Tuesday night – but it was a feisty and competitive affair at the Estádio da Luz which could serve us well ahead of the new Premier League season.
23 players featured, Miguel Almiron made it SIX for the summer with another brilliant brace and 1,500 travelling Geordies saw us give as much as we got against a very decent side.
We conceded a few poor goals and Joelinton’s late red cost us in the end, but these are all valuable lessons to learn ahead of the new season.
It was always going to be our toughest test of the summer so far, as the hosts had comfortably beaten Girona, Fulham and Nice prior to this clash in Portugal.
Pre-season results don’t really matter, but this felt like a good test of where we were at against a strong side who went toe to toe in the quarter finals of the Champions League just a few months ago.
Both sides fielded a strong side and Benfica took the lead from a 15th minute corner. It was a great ball in, but Nick Pope didn’t cover himself in glory, finding himself in no man’s land as Ramos glanced into an empty net.
We were level seven minutes later through Miguel Almiron, who combined brilliantly with Kieran Trippier and smashed home after the England international’s perfectly weighted cut-back fell to the in-form Paraguayan.
Grimaldo made it 2-1 Benfica just after the half hour mark with a brilliant free kick Pope could do little to stop, but Miggy was back at it again before the break, making it 2-2 after more link up play with Trippier resulted in a fantastic left-foot finish into the bottom corner. That’s now six goals over pre-season for the smiling South American and another emphatic finish!
We made 11 changes at the break, seeing the likes of Pope, Botman, Trippier, Guimaraes, Saint-Maximin and Wilson replaced by Darlow, Burn, Krafth, Joelinton, Murphy and Wood.
We actually had more control of the game in the second half and were the better side in the final 45, with Shelvey creating big chances Murphy and Wood could and should have converted.
However, shortly after Jonjo was forced off with a concerning hamstring injury, Joelinton received a second yellow card for a late challenge on Benfica midfielder Florentino, leaving us a man down for the final 10 minutes.
That red proved costly, as Henrique Araujo scored an 89th minute winner for the hosts after Yaremchuk beat Burn for pace down the line. Against the run of play, but a lesson learned in a friendly that felt competitive and fiery from first minute to last.
Shelvey’s injury is a concern – he looks razor sharp and added balance to our midfield in the second half – however it was good to see Anderson get another start and fellow U21 talent Matty Bondswell do very little wrong after coming on for the final 45.
Botman showed his class, Almiron continued to look a player full of confidence in the final third and the intensity of our pressing was clear to see from the off, showing how our fitness levels have improved.
Here’s everyone who featured in last night’s game, followed by our pre-season schedule in full – featuring the double-header to come at St James’ Park this weekend:
First half XI: Pope – Trippier, Lascelles (C), Botman, Targett – Guimaraes, S Longstaff, Anderson – Almiron, Wilson, Saint-Maximin.
Second half XI: Darlow, Krafth, Schar, Burn (C), Bondswell – Willock, Shelvey (M Longstaff 75), Joelinton – Ritchie, Wood, Murphy.
Unused subs: Turner-Cooke.
Not in squad: Dubravka, Manquillo, Fernandez, Lewis, Fraser, Dummett.
Benfica XI: Odysseas, Grimaldo, Morato, Otamendi (C), Gilberto, Florentino, Enzo, João Mário, Rafa, David Neres, Gonçalo Ramos.
- 1st July (Friday) – Players returned for pre-season training
- 9th July (Saturday) – Newcastle 5-1 Gateshead (behind-closed-doors)
- – Austria training camp
- 15th July (Friday) – Newcastle 3-0 1860 Munich (SaalfeldenArena Bürgerau)
- 18th July (Monday) – Newcastle 0-1 Mainz 05 (Kufstein Arena)
- – Portugal training camp
- 23rd July (Saturday) – Newcastle beat Burnley (behind closed doors training games)
- 26th July (Tuesday) – Benfica 3-2 Newcastle (Estádio da Luz)
- 29th July (Friday) – Atalanta (7.45pm) at St James’ Park
- 30th July (Saturday) – Athletic Bilbao (3pm) at St James’ Park
Olly – I think you hit the nail on the head mate – this was a tough fixture.
The Portuguese league is better than it gets credit for imo & full of technically gifted players – Benfica are certainly one of them!!.
It’s always disappointing to lose a game, but this was a good preparation for the PL kick off next week. This little point in beat Hartlepool 5-0 at this stage of pre season.
Tough tests are what we need & it hasn’t told us anything we didn’t already know. We still aren’t strong enough up front. We still need to strengthen in key areas & the players we thought aren’t good enough, still aren’t good enough.
What has been pleasing though is Miggy has had chance to shine – I think he’s salvaged his career in a B&W shirt & could kick on now.
Anderson has had plenty of game time & hasn’t done his chance any harm either & by all accounts Bondswell shone today too.
I think Howe probably knows where he’s at with the squad now & which players will play a part & who he’s happy to let go – either on loan or permanently.
He’ll have to work with that for now, as whilst I’m sure Ashworth will do all he can to bring in what Howe needs, there are no guarantees & I don’t see them settling for 3rd or 4th choice as we have in the past.
Sharpy17(Quote)
So happy that Miggy is doing well. I had got a bit down on him recently.
Is that stadium named after the place in Sunderland?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Not much sunshine in Sunderland
PremAndUp(Quote)
Just woke up from a weird dream. I was going to the match with my brother and he took me to an old working man’s club but you had to buzz to get in, There were 2 men on the door and they said “alreet lads, you are the last ones in”. We were playing Celtic because there was a bloke with a green cap on. It was happy hour before a quiz and we ordered beers called “Island Spacific” and the logo was the Hawaiin Islands and part of the quiz was to name them all.
I have never even been to Hawaii but that is a very specific dream 🙂
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Glad that Elliot Anderson seems like he will get a chance at NUFC and not as another loan. Please nobody call him “Ando” though as it will remind me of the most depressed NUFC fan in the world, John “Ando” Anderson who makes Marvin the Robot from Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy seem cheery.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I think the shift in my measure of expectation since the new owners have come in has shown itself today.
I’m really annoyed that WH have signed Scamacca!! – and I’m annoyed at the ease in which they seem to have been able to do it.
I know there’s a lot of the window still to go, but WH were already ahead of us with the quality of their squad and that has only seen them pull further away.
I will say now that my expectation have always been realistic going forward. I’m not one who thinks we should be top 4 next season or winning trophies.
I’ve always said our aim should be more about getting more points than the season before over league position – that’s the only real way you can measure improvements imo.
But to improve on that points tally we HAVE to strengthen up front.
Scamacca was a big opportunity missed imo.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpy.. a understand what ya sayin we desperately need a striker but what if howe doesnt want him. All well and good saying ya not happy with him goin to west ham and not us. What if he isnt even on our possible target list. Still while yet to go in window am sure some 1 will be brought in. Give them a break man. A trust howe and the process am sure you do too
David(Quote)
David – I know it’s unlikely you’ve read any of my previous comments.
I’m not digging out Howe or Ashworth. My priority signing this signing was Ashworth – I rate him highly & think he’s the man to oversee getting these signings done. Prior to that, Howe was my pick for manager. I have complete faith in them both & my only expectation of Howe is bettering his point accumulation from last season – shouldn’t be difficult after Bruce wrote off the first half of last season.
I didn’t say in my post that Howe should have signed Scamacca – I said I was annoyed WH have. I rate him as a forward and think he’s moved them further on when we are already trying to catch them.
I’d be happy to see him at NU, don’t get me wrong. But if he’s not what Howe wants then so be it. I think we know enough that Ekitike was a forward he wanted and we missed out on him – it’s hard to compete with PSG.
But we need to start making headway on our main targets now. I know there is time in the window, but the selling clubs need time to replace the players we buy too & if we leave it too long then there’s a chance those clubs don’t sell & leave themselves weaker going into a new sign.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I get that we don’t want to pay the “Newcastle tax” but I feel like we may be losing good players because of it. I think there may be a point where we just say fu.ck it and just pay what’s asked as long as it’s not spectacularly out of proportion to the real value. We will see who comes in. 💪🤞🤞
Gilly Toon(Quote)
well imo our capt was to blame for two of their goals seemed to switch off which he has done be
fore
ive got georgio details again,what the hell is going on?
icedog(Quote)
A read this blog every day. For at least the past 4-5 years. Only ever commented hand full of times, so yes av probs read every comment ya wrote. A think we will break owa record this window still, diaby or paqueta and bring belotti in on a free. Am not interested what other clubs are doin 1 bit. Never been more excited about a new season for a very long time and believe we will finish 6-8th
David(Quote)
Gilly – I definitely think that’s a factor. I also wonder/worry if we are too conscious of the media backlash of us spending big – are they TOO focused on public opinion.
I get they want to buy young & grow the club – the problem is we don’t have the success or reputation to attract the young players.
I use WH as the example because they have had 2 seasons in the top 8 now – they can sell their project to young players.
I hate to say but are we too loyal to Wilson??.
We needed cover in January and the best we could get was Woods – and that was mainly coz of a release clause. He was a needs must signing – and I know we were in a vastly different position in January.
But now we need to get our targets signed up. 2 signings minimum imo – CF & RF this window.
If that costs £100m then that’s what it costs. We can be half ar$ed on this.
Sharpy17(Quote)
David – I hope you see that I’m not some mad overly expectant fan then mate. I try to stay as balanced as I can – but I am still a fan.
I’m not majorly concerned, and I’m certain that with Howe and the squad we have right now – relegation doesn’t even enter my thoughts.
Even with additions, I still don’t expect him to break into the top 6 this season. It’s a building process – and other teams are strengthening too. That has to be looked at in any form of competition.
I know it’s not all on us either – for example, I know the Paqueta deal will be slowed up because of their change of ownership – there’s little we can do about that 🤷🏼♂️.
I’d just be happier if we were further along with any signing really. I know things can move fast once there’s a break through – but it feels a long way off that for anyone right now.
Good to see you posting anyway mate 👍🏻
Sharpy17(Quote)
Paqueta for me is a must. Technically gifted and would be perfect middle of bruno and linton, bruno 6 goals in pre season might make howe change his mind on rw position, am stunned a striker not been brought in especially league 2 weeks away. Wood isnt good enough for us to move forward, south shields lookin for a forward ha. Belotti for me no brainer. Free signing means more money strengthening else where
David(Quote)
I totally agree with David that we will break our transfer record and it will probably be on Paqueta. That is not any slight on Sharpy either as he has made clear that he would like us to sign another star player.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Yep, really hope we sign Paqueta
kimtoon(Quote)
I looked the wages that some of the “big” 6 are signing and they are a bit nuts. Per week, Haaland is on 375k and Sterling is on 325k.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
David – I think Belotti could be a good free transfer. He lacks a bit of pace, but he’s a big physical lad and can score a goal.
My head scratch is why another Italian club haven’t snapped him up??!!. That tends to be how it works out there – especially with free agents.
Did you see the reception Dyabala got at Rome 😦 I think even the Pope turned out (not Nick).
I think they are wanting younger than Belotti though. They seem to be wanting back up to Wilson rather than competition – or that’s how it feels to me anyway.
I’d love Paqueta – but I think we might have real competition from Arsenal if he is moving. It would be a massive signing if we beat them & he arrived at SJP. It would be a ‘we’re coming’ signing imo.
I think there’s still a deal for Diaby there as well. But I could also see Asensio as well you know.
We shall see 🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼
Sharpy17(Quote)
Eric – I never said we wouldn’t spend over the £90m or whatever figure it was suggested – I was more saying I didn’t think we needed to if we played the free & loan market right.
But they showed fairly early in that that wasn’t their intention. Signing Botman & going after Ekitike showed they had a plan from January that wasn’t swayed.
I wouldn’t be annoyed or disappointed if they spent either – as long as it’s don’t the right way & not an Everton way.
I think the second half of last season showed we have a squad that can compete – we now need those 3 or 4 diamonds in there now that can change or win games.
It’s important to get the right ones those – Paqueta would definitely be one for sure.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpy: the Pope was in Canada in a wheelchair when Dybala signed for Roma.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Who knows why Il Papa was in Canada when he should have been kissing the ring of Jose Mourinho for signing Dybala.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Eric – I saw mate, dressed up like the village people offering a half ar$ed apology.
It was right to acknowledge the wrongs that were done, but the head dress made it feel a bit gimmicky to me.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Talking of the Village People. Trump rallies all ended with his homophobes singing YMCA. You would have to be 8 years old or a complete moron not to know what that song is about.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
You know it is going to come down to penalties against the Germans. If Stan Boardman is still alive he will be p!ssing himself with laughter at his own cr@p jokes.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
****.
Stan Boardman is still alive and is 84. He will be worse than ever if anybody is stupid enough to give hime a mic.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Gonna be a good weekend. I thought it would be a quiet football summer but we have NUFC on Fri and Sat and then England and Germany women on Sun.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I know there is a lot of political talk in the UK with the PM election and stuff, but even Boris could not top the nutter Trump. The nuttiest nut-case in the history of nutcases. And nasty and vindictive as well.
Closely followed by his (until recently) sycophant Pence. You probably don’t know that he is a religious freak. When he was thinking about VP his wife saw an eagle in the sky and said it was a sign from God that he would someday be president. Never mind that augurs were pagan in Rome, she thought it was God speaking to her and Pence.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
If we ended up with paquetta and a striker like Belotti for example, I’d be happy with that. I think we have a few very promising youngsters that can come in as backup too.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
I’ve thought about this after my chat with David yesterday & my want for a sense of urgency isn’t because I don’t trust Ashworth & the gang – it’s the fear that the longer this drags on the more I feel these players will attract attention from other clubs.
For example Paqueta – the more MU struggle to get De Jong, do they then decide s0d it we’ll get Paqueta instead.
I think that’s why I was as annoyed with the Scamacca deal – they didn’t hang round to have their legs done.
I’ve had 14 yrs of knowing we’d miss out under Ashley so it was never a thing – but now there is this fear of missing out – I just want a couple of players in to settle the nerves 😂
Sharpy17(Quote)
Fully agree with that Sharpy… we seems very slow in all the deals or potential deals. But let’s see.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Here’s a question for you Gilly. What is your favourite museum? Mine is the Uffizi where I am going again in a month. I have been to The Louvre, Prada, The Met, The Tate and even The Egyptian Museum but I have no doubt where I would go first.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
That wasn;t my favourite thing in the world!
I haven’t puked in 20 years and then did twice in 1 night.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Eric – Beamish hands down
Sharpy17(Quote)
The paqueta deal is there for the taking, hes willing to come, his best mate here, price isn’t outrageous. What a dont want Happening is we go into season with no new striker. Wilson gets injured first game and we stuck with wood. Then we pay over the top for some 1 we could of had weeks ago
David(Quote)
The Problem with Paqueta is that we don’t need him.
Our Midfield is Bruno, Big Joe, Little Joe, Shelvey, Longstaff and Anderson. Would he improve that, of course he would. But are there more important areas of the pitch to improve?
Has Miggy done enough to cement his place at RW, if not we need a new one.
What happens when Wilson goes out injured. Wood does a job, but he’s not a natural goal scorer and that’s what we need. Some one good enough and young enough to learn from, cover and challenge Wilson.
PremAndUp(Quote)
David – I want to think your right about Paqueta – but is his friendship with Bruno really a bigger reason to come to us than a club that can offer European football or trophies now … I truly hope so!!.
I know you mentioned Belotti yesterday mate – is he your preference for who we bring in or is there forward you’d prefer instead?.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpy/David – Paqueta has said he does not want to the toon or gunners he wants CL footy,shame like
(Quote)
icedog(Quote)
Prem – ideally I’d want each position addressed in order of urgency – but I don’t think our squad is strong enough to overlook a player of Paquetas quality when the opportunity presents (overlook is probably the wrong word but you know what I mean).
Longstaff is not good enough. Shelvey can do a job but Paqueta is better. I like little Joe, but again Paqueta is better.
Games are won and lost on midfield battles & there won’t be many better midfields with Bruno & Paqueta in it imo.
Has Miggy done enough? – the jury is still out I guess. I still question his physicality for the PL. it’s similar to that of Pulisic at Chelsea, but he is a far more aggressive player.
I guess the question is, if it was a start shoot of between Paqueta & Diaby but we only had the money for 1 – which do we go for?
Sharpy17(Quote)
I’d rather get a striker in first. then see who is available elsewhere.
PremAndUp(Quote)
Ice – I never saw that, but I can understand that to be fair to him.
Maybe that is why our window is as slow – maybe we are ‘punching’ – looking for quality players we can’t offer the level of competition they are looking for.
Maybe we need to set our sights a little lower in order to climb the table to then attract the players we are trying to.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpy.. belotti wouldnt be my choice, am sayin him coz hes free, been there done it. Italian international also. Means we can put owa money else where in team. My choice would be mitrovic. Now were more attacking a think he be quality just never gona happen. As for Paqueta.. yes he wants champs league but if a champs league team doesnt come in for him then y not us. A still believe we could get him
David(Quote)
Museums Eric? Not been to many, but Beamish is right up there!
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Quick predictions.
I think we will sign a top, top player (copyright H. Redknapp but also every other stupid pundit now) – Yes you Rio. So, top 6.
Relegation is 2 of the promoted 3, plus Everton. Super-Frank is a pretty **** manager and they have no money.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Bernard Cribbins died. RIP.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I will always remember Bernard as the spoons salesman in Fawlty Towers.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Great Actor
PremAndUp(Quote)
Eric – the hotel inspector 😂
He was still doing kids tv shows as an old man bless him.
Sad loss but good innings and seemed to have an interesting life.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Eric – I wasn’t taking the Micky when I said Beamish either. It holds so many personal memories for me as a kid visiting my Gdad who was a tram driver there. Then taking my son there on days out – we still go now.
The natural history museum was a mind blow for me though – not just the artifacts but the genius minds that once made so many discoveries and presented so many findings in that very building.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpy: I lived in London for 3 years and the stupidest thing I ever did was NOT TO GO TO the British Museum. I worked up the street from it and could have gone on my lunch break FFS.
I dont think I will ever go back to London unless it is to see NUFC and then I will go to the British Museam.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
2 games in 2 days and then the England lasses will lose on penalties.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
The Wombles, classic stuff RIP Bernard.
Very quiet on the incomings front, we need a striker asap, very worried if we lose Wilson to injury.
kimtoon(Quote)
kimtoon(Quote)
https://twitter.com/KieranMaguire/status/1552267867017576448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1552267867017576448%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nufcblog.com%2F2022%2F07%2F28%2Fnewcastle-secure-140m-loan-to-help-with-summer-spend-according-to-report%2F
kimtoon(Quote)
all PL clubs take out loans,of course press will highlight the toon,dicks paper buying ploy thats all
icedog(Quote)
The real question is how big is the loan and will it buy us Diaby, Isak and Paqueta
PremAndUp(Quote)
Prem – I think the real question is why are we only taking the p!ssing loan out half way through the transfer window???
Sharpy17(Quote)
Because we haven’t needed it yet?
Deals not agreed?
But are Now?
PremAndUp(Quote)
This load surely means theres summit in pipeline transfer wise, like prem says.. paqueta and diaby be a dream and would push us up table 3-5 places. A forward to compete with wilson a honestly believe we could get 5-7th. Fingers crossed
David(Quote)
Loan
David(Quote)
I have said all along that we would spend 120-150 mil this transfer window. The Saudis are not in it to finish 10th.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Linked to Cornet now from Burnley. Apparently he has a £17.5million release clause. Sounds ok to me. Would he be a good addition and better than what we have? Not sure.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Better than Murphy yes, Younger than Fraser. Depends which Miggy turns up. ASM no.
PremAndUp(Quote)
I am waiting for a food delivery and have been amusing myself with who are the most overrated and underrated bands of all time.
Over:
The Eagles – 1 good song
The Cure
Nirvana
Shakira
Smashing Pumpkins (from Chicago)
Under:
Willie Nelson
Blondie
The Kinks
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I could probably name 100 or more overrated. But I will leave it with Ted Nugent.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Gilly – I’d take Cornet at that price mate. I’d even look at making Murphy part of the deal and they’ve just lost McNeil to Everton too.
Murph on loan & £15m or Murph permanent & £10-12m.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Well that was a first – I had David Coutts details pre-filled there 😳.
Anyway, I will defend The Eagles & my cousin who is 8 years older than me & I idolised growing up was a huge fan of The Cure – I can think of 4 songs I liked 🤷🏼♂️😂
Sharpy17(Quote)
nufc tv just stopped broadcasting says off air
kimtoon(Quote)
Kim – yeah mines the same & when it does play it just stutters.
Bitterly disappointing & p!SS poor really 😡😡😡
Sharpy17(Quote)
Anyone trying to watch the Atalanta match on NUFC tv? Shocking stream.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Terrible stream, bouncing all over the shot
kimtoon(Quote)
Tripps gone down, back on pitch now . Lot of nasty challenges, Tripps defo not comfy either
kimtoon(Quote)
Aaaggghhhhh this stream is shocking 🤬🤬🤬🤬
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Olly, I gotta keep opening a new tab for this site to keep up with comments as mine not showing unless I do. Are they still not able to fix the site properly ?
Frustrating site, frustrating stream Aaagghhh .
kimtoon(Quote)
Ah the issues are back, now I’ve got Kim’s log on details 😡
Gilly Toon(Quote)
I’ve got a good stream now. No audio and we just scored a pen, but no idea what the score is.
PremAndUp(Quote)