Well, that was fun! Another first class display from Eddie Howe’s high-flying Mags as a 4-0 win over Aston Villa consolidated our spot in the top four!
Callum Wilson boosted his England hopes in style with a brilliant brace in front of Gareth Southgate, Joelinton found the net as Brazil boss Tite watched on from St James’ Park and Miguel Almiron scored AGAIN, curling a stunning left-footed effort into the top corner to round off a magical afternoon on Tyneside.
The result keeps us in fourth place and three points ahead of Chelsea; who remain fifth after suffering a 4-1 battering at Brighton, sending a reminder to the rest of the Premier League that we mean business in our first full season under Eddie Howe and new owners!
The first half was a bitty affair that was never really allowed to get going, but we battered the Villains in the final 45, looking sharp, confident and brimming with quality all over the pitch to make it eight games unbeaten and five wins from our last six.
For all our goals and free-flowing football in the final third, Nick Pope was a spectator once again. He’s faced just four shots in our last two home games, failing to make a single save this afternoon for the second match running at St James’ Park. Our forward players will make the headlines, but that speaks volumes!
We made a lively start. Joelinton looked sharp down the left and we were threatening to get in down the other flank too, with Trippier and Almiron looking to run beyond Young from Bruno’s balls in behind. Villa were posing a threat on the counter in patches, having pace out wide in Bailey and Watkins, but we were the better side at the 30 minute mark, even though our only effort on goal was Joelinton’s low shot that was parried by Martinez.
Moments later, the biggest chance of the first half fell Villa’s way. After Bailey left Schar for dead down the left, he cut in and found Buendia; who looked destined to score only for a goal-saving block from big Dan Burn. One let off was followed by another as Buendia then had another chance, only this time it was Trippier who came to our rescue with a huge block. At this point, we’d lost our control of the game; although it was horribly lacking in rhythm thanks so some Aston Villa time-wasting and poor refereeing.
Thankfully, those tactics fired up the crowd and the team responded. First, Almiron had a sweeping effort saved by Olsen – who’d just come on for the injured Martinez – but our in-form Paraguayan won us a penalty during the 10 minutes of added time, as an Ashley Young handball gave Wilson the chance to score from the spot in front of Gareth Southgate. Our ice cool number nine didn’t disappoint, chipping it straight down the middle to give us a 1-0 lead going into the break. It was almost two when Willock played Wilson in behind moments later, only for the offside flag to deny us another after the striker had rounded the goalkeeper and fired home.
The second half was a joy to watch. Our fitness levels shone through, we wanted it more, picked up the pace of our play and simply ran riot in front of a packed out St James’ Park who just couldn’t get enough!
Wilson’s second came from a well worked corner that ended in a Trippier cross he heaeded home, then it was Wilson’s low shot that led to Joelinton’s well deserved strike, with the Brazilian bundling home after our number nine’s effort was blocked by Olsen.
Three then became four as Almiron cut in from the left and unleashed a stunning effort into the far corner, making it SIX goals in six games for the Paraguayan; who lapped it up in front of the Gallowgate end as more brilliant celebrations followed.
Botman was faultless once again, Burn made some huge blocks, Schar continued his unflappable form at the back, Trippier was brilliant (again) at both ends, Longstaff put in another strong display, Joelinton was a man mountain and worthy of his goal, Murphy brilliant from the bench, Almiron electric, Bruno our Brazilian maestro and Wilson doing what he does best; scoring goals at St James’ Park!
Next up, a trip to Southampton next Sunday!
Georgio – I think you hit the nail on the head with cover for Trippier.
Maybe not in Jan but it should be a priority for our scouts to identify a long term replacement for him. He’s been the catalyst to our change in form imo & a huge addition to the squad – hence him taking the armband.
He’s the wrong side of 30 sadly and it would be good to make that signing to work with him for a season or 2 and an apprentice almost.
I know we have Krafth & Manq but they need moving on really & some quality brought in.
Sharpy17(Quote)
A right back I’ve seen a few times this season is a lad on loan from Man Utd at QPR – Ethan Laird.
He’s only 21 but is already a very tidy player and has stood out in a QPR side playing very well this season.
Another is the other Man Utd right back out in the cold at the mo is Wan Bissaka.
I know I’m likely on my own with this one, but the lad is only 24 and his confidence was shattered in a very poor Man Utd defence. I think he’s a lot better than his most recent performances for them.
Look at how Krafth improved under Howe 🤷🏼♂️. I think working with Howe and being mentored by Trippier and Wan Bissaka could easily come good again.
I’m pretty sure Man Utd would sell either as well.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Is anybody really that worried if Southgate takes Wilson to the WC? He wont play him, so he will have a nice few weeks in the sun in a luxury hotel. Southgate sets up with a back 5 screened by Rice so we will probably not get more than a 1 goal lead even against the US, Iran and Wales. That means he will keep Harry Kane on most of the time. If we are desperate for a goal, Grealish will get a runout, not Wilson.
It is a 26 man squad and I see Wilson as the 26th man in this if he goes at all.
England really do have the easiest group but Southgate needs to stop protecting McGuire by picking a back 5 + Rice.
Unless we are playing San Mereno, Southgate is another one of these keep it tight and nick a goal due to individual brilliance type managers.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Pope wont play either, so he will have a nice holiday as well.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
one thing i have been strange to work out Dan Burn is playing really well but not once has he got his head on the ball from free kicks,corners at 6.7in you would think he should do better imo
icedog(Quote)
At lower levels growing up he probably never had to jump.
PremAndUp(Quote)
Other teams pay an enormous amount of attention to him and not to the likes of Wilson.
georgio(Quote)
Olly: as I was on about earlier, it is not just about who goes to Qatar it is about playing time. The only ones of our group I see making regular appearances are Tripps and Bruno. The rest would have an extended holiday and we hope they dont get injured in training. But that could happen in Eddie’s Saudi trip so I am not that worried.
They havent used Bruno that much and seem to prefer Fred. However, the Brazil manager being in Newcastle could change that. What it also says is that international managers are now starting to pay attention to NUFC so it will help us attract players. Getting into Europe wouldnt hurt either.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
It would be good to see the Aussie kid plays some games at the WC coz that could help with his work permit.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
You know we could cost Hasselhuttl his job if we beat Saints on Sun!
Eric Sykes(Quote)
AND… and… what the fck do you need a provisional 55 man squad for 2 weeks before the WC? YOu have had 4 years to make up your mind and they are letting you take 26 players which is more than a full PL squad.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Gareth’s phone is going to be very busy:
Hi James (Maddison or Ward-Prowse) sorry but you will not be on the plane. We just have to make room for Tyrone Mings and Harry McGuire.
Hi Callum, sorry but Ivan Toney has an extra goal than you so you wont make it either.
Hi BDB, McGuire has been shyte for a year and you have been brilliant but he is one of my faves. You know how that is. Thanks, and good luck when the next WC rolls around and you are 34.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
BORING Michael Owen talks about the Toon again. That was fun! Like listening to Paul from Toon Review talk about Chris Wood and many others before, who he has now changed his mind on.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Can anyone remember that player City paid £100m for?
Started tonight’s game against Seville – nothing game as City have already qualified, so Pep could rest his key players tonight.
Anyway, that £100m player got subbed tonight coz he was playing s.h!te – the same kid who had a pop at Miggy in the summer 🤷🏼♂️.
Be interesting to see if he goes to the WC based on his form as well – I wouldn’t be taking him!!.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Just seen the very sad news that Ronnie Radford has passed away.
Truly one of the iconic goals and memorable cup upsets.
Despite it being against the toon it remains one of my abiding memories of football growing up and boy did I take some stick from my Mackem friends
RIP RR
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
I am still not getting my head around this “shortlist” of 55 players available for the 26 man England squad. Sounds like a bl00dy LONG-LIST to me and that Gareth should have a better idea of who he likes by now.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Chilwell looks out of the WC now – could open the door for Burn or Targett 🤞🏼.
Both would be in for me, but doubt Southgate will.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Andrew Reynolds on here seems to think we should be worried that Banal Tomato-Ketchup might play against us on Sunday. I am not. I have never heard of him!
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Big Joe is suspended for Sun. If you go by Eddie’s pattern, he starts the same team with Murphy for Joelinton and ASM as a sub on 65 mins.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Eddie’s tactics are pretty interesting. Nothing like Rafa or Bruce.
He has the high press going, but when we are defending he will also keep Brono, Big Joe and Little Joe further upfield and have the fullback or Schar hit balls on the outside to our wide players – Miggy and Murphy. Then you have Schar who can hit 50 yard balls to land on a sixpence (or is that a pound coin with recent inflation?).
Eric Sykes(Quote)
This is a difficult NUFC team to defend against.
You have players that can run with the ball like Miggy, Murphy and ASM. But you also have players that can see a pass like Schar. You have others that can do both, like Bruno and to an extent Little Joe.
I can’t categorize Big Joe, just have to accept he has been immense under Eddie. A few more goals and he would be starting for Brazil.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
It will be good to have Jonjo back as well to give us an option. Eddie seems to like him as he gave him the Captain’s armband on a number of occasions. If you don’t give him time and let him work on instinct he is one of the best midfielders out there. Give him a direct free kick and time to think about it and it will end up 15 yards over the bar. A corner, and it will end up floating towards the head of a defender.
I think Eddie has worked this out, which Bruce never did.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I am in a bit of a grumpy mood., so I will get back to Chris Wood and the Youtubers.
Served a purpose, helped keep us up. Was Eddie’s go to option without Wilson. Now probably 3rd or 4th striker and on for 10 mins. Why berate the guy, Youtubers?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
What Miggy should have done is start to run into other players’ legs on purpose and get fouls and a 100mil move to Man City.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
BTW: that is the last time I am listening to The TR. Beyond the rants about Chris Wood there are the constant requests for donations (charity) which the other channels dont do. The constant talk about the hosts’ health. And family situation. The other channels dont do this. It is like he wants money and sympathy!!!
So, that’s it for me with The Toon Review.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Keown is saying nice things about us again. I have always thought Martin was fair, even though he is ex-Arsenal. The others just talk incessantly about Man U and Liverpool. In the 5 minutes they gave us it was to call our fans delusional. In the last 5 years or so, you could break it down in 3 ways:
The Rafa haters, mainly Keys and Gray but some others.
The Bruce defenders. Poor Steve was doing a great job with the resources he had. There was not a Manager on the planet who could get a tune out of Miggy or Schar. He played the 9-0-1 out of necessity and was a victim of delusional fans.
Blood money! NUFC are buying success.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Most of these pundits are missing something here. They are missing a city, owners and Manager all come together as one behind the team. I love the reaction of Amanda and Mehrdad at the games. Even the Chairman when he goes. Ashley had a bit of that to begin with but lost the fans after Keegan and Shearer. For about the last 13 years him and Charley were Showroom Dummies in the Director’s box when they decided to show up.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Jamie Reuben even matches the cash donations to the Food Bank. That says something about him as a man. He realises what a privileged position he is in and is helping those less fortunate. He is prabably still a Tory donor, but when you are in real estate you sort of have to pay off those layabouts to get deals done!
My ex-Father in Law was a real estate developer in Indiana. He was always donating to politicians. It was expected if he wanted to get his projects approved quickly.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I see Paul Merson’s Giant Balloon Heed is now (sort of) on the NUFC bandwagon. He has us down for a 3 nil win at S’ton. I always worry a bit when former Bruce apologists change their tune. He is saying our players are “playing out of their skin”. That is a very backhanded compliment and gives no credit to Eddie and the staff.
Even when these C@ckerney bastards are playing nice they are doing it through gritted teeth.
What’s next? Will Richard Keys say Bruno is player of the season?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I know Keys is not from London! I have no idea where he is from? I know he has no lips though.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
We have a plus 14 goal difference, only bettered by Man City and Arsenal. That usually tells you if you are in a false position or not. I don’t think we are.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Spurs v Liverpool is the key game this weekend
If Spurs don’t win and we beat Southampton then we go third.
I know we have played one more than ManU but they don’t play that one until after Christmas
PremAndUp(Quote)
Did you see what Chris Sutton wrote in his prediction column this week
Chris Sutton in his prediction on the Villa Man Utd game.
I annoyed a few Manchester United fans when I suggested to some callers on 606 last week that just referring to them as United is a bit disrespectful when there are so many other Uniteds out there. Some of them were really nasty to me on Twitter.
So I will refer to Manchester United in full here – as far as I am concerned, Newcastle United are above them in the table, so they are the ones who should just be known as United right now.
And then on the Southampton Newcasle game.
I love what Eddie Howe is doing at United. They have got a really nice balance to the team, and are stingy defensively.
Howe has not just bought that improvement with the players he has signed – he is getting much more out of the United players who were already at St James’ Park when he arrived 12 months ago.
PremAndUp(Quote)
Prem: it was alway the 2 team town and they didnt like each other. It was City and United, so it never really got on my t!ts like it seems to do with some folk.
It is actually pretty funny sometimes when Martini Tyler screams – it’s UNITED and then the co-comm says they are playing West Ham UNITED.
It really doesn’t bother me though because it is a big city with 2 clubs. It did for a while, but I got over it.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I wonder why it corrected Martin to “martini”. Maybe I will have a martini at 7am. I dont have vermouth though. I have olives.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Am I dreaming this or was there really a show where D!ck Dastardly and his dog Mutley used to chase a pigeon around in their plane trying to kill it?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
It was simmink like – catch the pigeon?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Am I making this stuff up in dreamworld. They chased pigeons around in bi-planes and tried to kill them in cartoons, right? And he had a dog in his plane called Muttley, right?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Correct
check youtube or wiki
PremAndUp(Quote)
Eric, Wacky Races. Loved that as a kid .
kimtoon(Quote)