Yesterday was just brilliant, wasn’t it? Five goals, a feel-good atmosphere throughout, Wor Flags treating us to another superb display and Eddie Howe’s Mags doing likewise with a convincing win over Brentford.
Bruno Guimaraes ran the show, Miguel Almiron made it three goals in a week and Jacob Murphy even got in on the act, however there were two performances in black and white that went under the radar, for me.
They won’t make today’s headlines, but I thought Sven Botman and Joe Willock were both outstanding.
Starting with the big Dutchman, he just oozed class throughout. After losing his first duel with Toney – the first aerial battle he’s lost all season – he went on to bully the former Toon striker, reading the game immaculately and showing real quality in possession.
He swept up with ease in potentially awkward situations and gave us that ability to get on the front foot from deep, playing some lovely cutting passes that allowed us to get in behind the Brentford midfield. He’s only 22, but he was both a giant presence and calming influence yesterday.
As for Joe Willock, he built on his brilliant display at Fulham – where he bagged two assists – with another superb performance.
His ability to carry the ball at speed left the Brentford midfield struggling to keep pace with him, as the former Arsenal man drove at their defence.
Willock’s touch and passing range was also that of a confident player enjoying his football, while his off the ball work was equally impressive, with his non-stop running and relentless pressing forcing Brentford into errors.
He’s yet to score this season, but it won’t be long until the athletic midfielder is bang amongst the goals if he keeps playing like this.
As for Botman, a call-up to the senior Netherlands squad will be inevitable if he continues to put in such classy, dominant and unflappable displays at Premier League level.
That’s a serious trip into cliche city there Olly.
Without a doubt, in Newcastle articles this season the most over-used phrase has to be “unsung hero”.
As for Wor Flags – that huge picture of Staveley was just downright creepy!
Daveys **** mate(Quote)
I thought Sean was fantastic as well. I don’t know who “Daveys Mate” is, but he doesn’t know how to use apostrophes! Mackem, by the sounds of him.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I am not the biggest Mackem hater either. I have only met 2 in my life. One was a barman in a comedy club in London and said he was from Newcastle. I said – that’s not a Newcastle accent and he admitted he was a Mackem. The other lived next door to me in University and used to run around his garden in his underwear. I have no idea why.
Despite this, I really don’t hold any grudge against Mackems. I have known plenty of Geordies who are as stupid as them!
Eric Sykes(Quote)