A rollercoaster of a night for Newcastle fans but one that ended in a monumental win, as Eddie Howe’s Mags came away from St Mary’s with a 1-0 win – sending us into next week’s return leg with a big advantage.
The game had everything. A brilliant goal – scored by Joelinton and created by a moment of magic from Alexander Isak – VAR drama, a red card for the Saints and more missed chances from the Mags, with Joelinton, Willock and Longstaff all guilty of spurning big opportunities.
Both teams had their moments. They had us on the back foot for periods of the second half – where we looked nervous and knackered, at times – but late cameos from Isak and Saint-Maximin changed the game, stretching a Saints side who couldn’t handle their pace and directness.
We could and should have scored three or four and had one wrongfully chalked off by VAR. However, Pope made some key saves to keep his TENTH clean sheet in a row, with Adam Armstrong’s ‘equaliser’ disallowed for a handball just moments after we took the lead.
Howe named an unchanged side, keeping faith in the likes of Callum Wilson and Joelinton, leaving Allan Saint-Maximin and Alexander Isak to settle for a place on the bench.
We made a really fast start. First Miguel Almiron slipped in Joe Willock – who skied over with a first time shot – then another quick move led to Sean Longstaff fizzing a low ball across the box which only just evaded everyone. Promising signs but another example of us failing to capitalise on big openings.
Moments later, our first scare arrived as Fabian Schar went down clutching his knee after a collision with Sekou Mara. It didn’t look good. Thankfully, the Swiss star managed to soldier on, albeit uncomfortably.
Wilson continued to look a little rusty in the early stages, failing to get a hold of a few balls into the final third. Then, after a Longstaff penalty appeal was waved away, Kieran Trippier’s flashed in a first time cross that was just too strong for Willock at the back post.
In many ways, the pattern of the game was similar to Saturday midway through the first half. We looked the better side, had 60% possession and were largely untroubled defensively, but there were a few nervy touches, loose passes and a lack of conviction or quality when we got into good areas in the final third.
Right of cue, our wayward finishing was then summed up by Willock 10 minutes before the break, as the former Arsenal man smashed a back post volley into row Z after a lovely give and go between Almiron and Trippier ended with another inviting cross that was ultimately wasted.
The biggest moment of the first half then came as Joelinton had a close range finish chalked off by the referee for an alleged handball. Replays showed no conclusive evidence that the ball struck the Brazilians arm, yet the decision stood. Absolutely infuriating and a decision that left Toon supporters incensed on social media.
Former Mag Adam Armstrong then came on for the hosts after Moussa Djenepo’s collision with Nick Pope left him unable to continue and the half-time whistle followed. 0-0 at the break, somehow.
VAR frustrations out of the way – for now – we kicked off the second half with more of the same, only this time it was Longstaff who fired Almiron’s cut-back way over the bar. The Geordie midfielder needs to work on his shooting, no matter how much dirty work he gets through.
Despite our early chance, Southampton did come out after the break with much more attacking intent, but it was Newcastle who created the second big moment and what a miss it was from Joelinton. It looked a certain goal after more great work from Almiron, this time down the right, yet our £40m man blazed over after the ball fell his way. An absolute howler and yet another opportunity I prayed we wouldn’t live to regret.
The Saints then made a double change, bringing on Che Adams and Samuel Edozie in place of Sekou Mara and Mislav Orsic. The noise inside St Mary’s cranked up a gear and the Saints began to get some real joy down either flank, as Edozie skipped past Trippier and Armstrong caused Burn issues.
Adams was then put clean through on goal with just over 25 minutes remaining. He beat the offside trap, only to be denied by Pope’s outstretched leg – a massive let off for a Newcastle side who were well and truly on the ropes at this point.
Howe reacted with a double change, seeing Saint-Maximin an Isak replace the wasteful Willock and tiring Wilson. The latter shook his head as he came off – no doubt aware that it was another below par display – but it was a move that would go on to change the game.
Trippier was struggling to contain the lively Edozie and soon went into the book for a blatant trip on the Saints sub. Both he and Bruno were well below their best in the second half, with the usually reliable duo often being caught on the ball.
We needed some inspiration and it arrived through Isak, as our club-record signing spun Caleta-Car, left the centre-back for dead, burst into the box and set up a tap-in Joelinton could not miss this time! 1-0 Newcastle, finally a breakthrough and brilliant scenes in the away end. In truth, it could’ve been the big man’s hat-trick!
The drama didn’t end there, however. Seconds after the restart, a high ball in the box wasn’t dealt with and Armstrong bundled home against his former club – only for replays to show the ball struck his hand before deflecting in off Burn. Justice!
Another change followed as Howe brought on Jacob Murphy for a frankly knackered Almiron, but we were soon playing against 10 men when a brilliant run from Saint-Maximin was seithed down by an already booked Caleta-Car. It threatened to boil over, although we had the last laugh as Murphy waved off the Croatian!
It could’ve been 2-0 in stoppage time, as Isak latched onto a Longstaff through ball and rounded the goalkeeper, only for his effort from a tight angle to hit the side netting.
Full time: 1-0 Newcastle. A fair result and one that sends us into next week’s second leg with a massive advantage. HOWAY THE LADS!
(4-3-3): Pope – Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn – Longstaff, Guimaraes, Willock – Almiron, Wilson, Joelinton.
Substitutes: Darlow, Lascelles, Saint-Maximin, Ritchie, Lewis, Isak, Manquillo, Murphy, Anderson.
Well I hope we get the Gordon of last season and not this .
kimtoon(Quote)
As long as Gordon is coming fully committed and ready to buy into the Howe way of playing, then I’ll get fully behind the lad & give him time to settle in.
Whilst it’s not the same as a foreign player moving to the club, it’s still worth remembering that Gordon has only ever known Everton – and he’s still only 21.
We seem to have a real togetherness in our squad so I’m sure the players will welcome him – and someone like Shelvey will be able to relate to the kind of harassment he’s experienced.
Hopefully the fans cut him some slack and get behind him too 🤞🏼. I feel confident it’s a player Howe has identified as wanting, so we have to trust in that imo.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I still feel that a window of just Anthony Gordon in is a poor one – even if we do eventually get Ashby as well. I mean the Ashby one has dragged on the whole window really so should have been done long before now.
I wonder if that’s why the Maddison rumours have started up again?!. Make it look like we are still trying for him when it feels highly unlikely Leicester would let such a key player go with so little of the window left to replace him.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Agree Sharpy, I hope we get a couple more in at least. Not much time left now though
Gilly Toon(Quote)
According to the media we have enquired, bid for dozens of players. I’m reasonably confident that somebody is going to crack.
PremAndUp(Quote)
Gordon left Liverpool youth setup to go to Everton where he eventually came through the youth, u21 and then senior team
Really not sure what Newcastle are getting with him as Everton have played him in several positions but presumably that’s one reason why Howe and co are keen. They talked about squad depth and competition coming into the window and Gordon appears to offer that
The window is what it is and as the wage bill is at 95% capacity already this May be a bit of jumping for what’s possible.
Glad this one’s done and now the coaches can integrate him into the team
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
I expect to see three more leave, including Maxi
and two more in including a 2nd high value player
PremAndUp(Quote)
Ward-Prowse was not even on the bench today. Is he injured?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Not one I woud expect Eric
PremAndUp(Quote)
Maddison and Ashby?
Gilly Toon(Quote)
A MF and Ashby
PremAndUp(Quote)
The most obvious place I would expect Ward-Prowse to go is Spurs. They need a new Erikson. Didnt Conte also manage Pirlo?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Harsh as it might sound but JWP would defo be an upgrade for Longstaff.
I’d take take him all day long. My short list for that right side midfield position would be Maddison or Gallagher but Ward Prowse would be in the mix if available.
Sharpy17(Quote)
So there’s Chelsea signing ANOTHER player – this time a RB from Lyon – Bruno’s old club.
A 19yr old RB for just over £25m.
Have our lot hired Mike Ashley’s Florida Villa here or what????.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I have been quite critical of Gordon. I had watched Everton Youtube channels for a bit of schadenfreude and they were relentless in the stick they gave him. He wasnt the only one, but I figured these lads watch every game so they must know something. When I watched Everton he usually wasnt the worst player on the pitch because he had a lot of competition from players like Maupay and O’Neil.
I have now softened as he is our player. There was a lot of scapegoating going on and Gordon got the brunt of it. I am sure the Chelsea offer turned his head but the Everton (People’s Club) fans turned on him really quickly. I think they had him down as 2nd best player last year after TRex.
Then there is Super-Frank. Whenever asked about him the fans would say that they like Frank and it is more the players that are the problem. We will find out soon enough when Dyche bashes a few heads together.
I think Gordon will be eased in but I would love it if he could get 4 goals and 2 assists by the end of the season. Everton fans are saying we have had our pants pulled down only 6 months after saying he was their best player. They compare him to Ross Barkley who they say was twice the player at his age. Maybe in the 1 game in 5 that he played well!!!!!
I am trying to think of NUFC players that were scapegoated. Anybody got any ideas? Not from the Bruce years because they dont count, he would have had Messi playing in goal.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I have thought of one – Chris Wood. We could win 5-1 and The Toon Review would spend the 1st 10 mins of their podcast berating Chris Wood.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Harrison Ashby deal agreed with West Ham for £3million plus add ons. On his way to SJP for his medical apparently. 21 yrs old. Don’t know him! Any good?
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Gilly – maybe I’ve started the year in a pessimistic mood but not knowing much about him, I ask the same question as you.
Why are WHU ok letting him go would be my starting point – and why has there been no other club in for him at as little as £3m.
I know WH seem to favour Ben Johnson and he’s only 23 – but their other RB is Coufal who is 30 – so why would they not be keeping hold of Ashby??.
Are we really filling Trippiers shoes with a £3m RB that WH don’t seem to want?!.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Maybe I’m being unfair because I am so underwhelmed by what we’ve done this window.
But the Ashby transfer reminds me a bit of when Everton got themselves a bit of money and took Lewis Gibson from us for £6m.
He’s now 22 and on loan at Bristol Rover with a Transfermarkt value of 500k.
Ashby may or may not end up being a good signing – I just struggle right now to get excited about signing WHs 3rd choice RB.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I watched a couple of youtube clips and Gordon reminds me of a young Jack Grealish, but faster. He has a tendency to run into players to buy a foul. If we can get Maddison in in the summer it might work out well. What we do need is heading practice for BDB and Botman. We cannot telegraph going directly for goal all of the time.
The number of set pieces we have had, we should have at least 5 more goals.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Sharpy, apparently WH wanted to keep him and offered a new contract, but he didn’t want to sign it. He’s out of contract in the summer so rather than getting nothing in the summer they took our 3mil. 🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️ We have to trust Ashworth etal and see what happens. £3mil is nowt these days if he turns out to be rubbish. Not lost much.
Stories now that we are pushing for Maddison 🤞🤞
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Both Gordon and Ashby feel like those squad depth options Howe and co have been consistently presenting as Newcastles approach to Jan transfer business.
I recall West Ham offered him a new contract and he didn’t take it. No idea how accurate that reporting is tho’.
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
Gilly – I’m not writing the lad off before he arrives but he’s coming knowing he’s not getting first team football.
We shall see.
Sharpy17(Quote)
On another note – love this story of a fan giving Gordon a lift back to the Hilton 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
What a difference from a few days ago & ‘fans’ chasing him down the street shouting abuse.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Why does Gordon get so much stick for his haircuts? If you look at the youtubers putting up vids of the younguns in the concourses before games they all have haircuts like that. Then you have some players who look like they have pineapples on their heads and others with all sorts of symbols shaved into their hair – a lot of lightning bolts!
Anthony Gordon’s haircuts are actually quite tame in comparison to others.
Now to Liverpool. I know they did well last year but did Jordan Pickford knack Van Dijk? He was out for a year and hasnt looked quite the same player since.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Gordon seems pretty well spoken for a Scouser. He doesnt have that Steve G back of the throat thing. I never quite got how the accent went from John Lennon to Stevie G. Me Mam hates it and has to turn the sound down 🙂
Eric Sykes(Quote)
So, Gordon put in a transfer request. I am pretty sure that that means he as to forego any bonuses he was due. Also, I think the player usually gets a % of the transfer fee when they move on and he would forfeit that as well.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Really pleased Shellvey is gone to N/Forest far to slow for Eddies team
Icedog(Quote)
Now we definately need a MF
Any medicals Ice
PremAndUp(Quote)
Shelvey move is a bit of a shock – didn’t see that coming.
Does that mean we’ve got someone already lined up to replace???.
Gallagher & Maddison get mentioned. Saw links with Berge at Sheff Utd today as well.
Could be an interesting 48 hrs
Sharpy17(Quote)
Like others im a bit taken aback with Shelvey move if it happens, not only as its a little quick but also Forest taking a punt while he’s injured .. and according to the chat among their fans they’re loaded at that position.
Newcastle really don’t hang around when a deal suits them and seem prepared to take risks to move players out without a lot of cover
I guess my query is why ?? given the spend so far on Ashby and Gordon and the squad depth narrative they seem to be actively swapping established hi earners with little long term club future for future prospects who incidentally don’t take up squad places. This ties in with the initial evolution over revolution approach
So 100 mil on Maddison and diaby tomorrow then 🤣🤣
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
Now that would be nice
PremAndUp(Quote)
I think that might be dependant upon Maxi to AC Milan
PremAndUp(Quote)
Sharpy: “evolution over revolution”???
Isak 60 mil
Bruno 40 mil
Botman 40 mil
Gordon 45 mil
In terms of what NUFC have done over the past 20 years that is revolution and that isnt even counting the relative bargains like Pope, BDB, Tripps.
And we might not even be done this transfer window.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I am a bit confused as to why they put our game on transfer deadline day. Doesnt that split resources and us at a disadvantage?
Are they going to call eddie on the touchline and say we need your approval to loan Gallagher?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
It’s at SJP, not a problem.
He will know all the irons in the fire before kick off
PremAndUp(Quote)
It was me not sharpy and yup that’s what the club said.
They needed to invest in the defence last year and did so with botman as the splash signing. Guimaraes looks a snip and it’s commonly acknowledged isak was off script to the plan
Sure newcastle have spent and by todays prices £250m doesn’t feel too much to take a club from bottom to top 3 in 12ish months. But yes after the lack of investment throughout Ashley ownership any investment looks impressive (revolution)
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
Didn’t see the Shelvey to Forest deal to be honest. Hope we get in another midfielder as we were a tad light anyway. Making way for Maddison? 🤞🤞
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Maddison is a number 8 we need a number 6
PremAndUp(Quote)
Talking about squad sizes
NUFC 7th with £482 m
Currently we sit 3rd in the table. The third most expensive squad is Liverpool £931m
We are aiming for 4th Arsenal £797m
We could happily spend another £300 – 450m and merely consolidate what we have achieved
So no, Edson Alvarex £40m for a number 6
Diaby for £50m and Maddison £60m
an extra £150m would still leave us in 7th £90m behind Spurs ignoring any income from sales.
PremAndUp(Quote)
This Sandar Berge. At least he’s a genuine No 6. If we interested I’ll assume he can play and at 24 looking for the first team
PremAndup(Quote)
Supposedly, Brighton use a money-ball approach to assessing players and it seems to have served them well. Only a few people at the club know how this algorithm works. One is the owner Bloom and I assume Ashworth was instrumental in setting this up when he was there.
When you look at what Brighton have done it has been mainly finding hidden gems. We have a much larger budget so can fish in a more expensive pond but I would not be surprised if they use the same methods. It seems to be working anyway.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I didnt watch many Everton games in full but did watch some of their youtube channels for the comedy value. It would be fair to say that they ALL scapegoated Gordon for this year’s performances even though they had him down as their best outfield player last year. This lad is just a kid and does not live in a vacuum and I am sure it affected him that his own so-called fans had turned against him. I freely admit it coloured my view on him as I thought, if the fans who watch him every week are universally against him then there must be something to it.
They never said a dickie bird against Super Frank. They could lose 1-2 against Southampton and their post match reaction would always start with “I like Frank”. Their ire in the boardroom was mainly directed at Kenwright who they said was too old.
They didnt even object to Moshiri that much who was the face of the Russian Oligarch Usmanov. That was completely swept under the rug, although they were quite happy to criticise NUFC for our ties to Saudi. There is a difference. The British Govt still do business with Saudi but not with Putin and his Oligarchs.
So, where am I going here? Gordon went from being their best outfield player to a cancer in the space of 10 games. Everton like to portray themselves as some of the best fans in the country. Not from what I have seen!
I think Gordon is well out of there. Having his car chased down by a bunch of yobs must have been scary. He is a 21 year old kid FFS. I would have been scared at 21 if that had happened to me.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Is there a faster front line than this:
Miggy
Almiron
ASM
Isak
Willock
Gordon
Wilson isnt slow either, but we use him as a hold up player who can turn a man.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Oh, and buying Gordon will shut up the Murphy moaners. I expect Gordon will be first up for right sided attacking sub. I said when Wood left that certain NUFC “fans” would direct their moans to Murphy now, and sure enough it happened in the 1st game. Moaners gotta moan! (The Toon Review are number 1 in this category).
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Miggy and Almirton, does that double his speed
PremAndUp(Quote)
hes is on standbye mate a lot of coming and goings,he think theres another or they would let him go
icedog(Quote)
Who is Almirton? Have we signed a new player?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I am trying to think of what team Eddie will start tomorrow and am getting stuck with the forwards. I think Wilson needs a rest. Also not sure if he will play Willock or Sean, probably Sean.
I think I will wait for Olly’s prediction. He has been pretty good recently. This time though, I dont think Eddie will go with an unchanged team.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Aught0korreck
PremAndUp(Quote)
Since I slag off Paul at TTR I will say there is one thing he does very well – the match day commentary. I dont get the game tomorrow and will listen to him. He doesnt act like a pr!ck when doing the commentary which contrasts with some of his other content.
If you cant get to a TV I would suggest listening to him on Youtube.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I know I’m looking forward too far, but
Feb 18th SJP v Liverpool
I’m assuming we will be featuring our strongest possible team
I wonder what that will be.
35 hours to go
PremAndUp(Quote)
Well having heard Gordon speak in his first interview he’s certainly not the arrogant little t0$$er some have him down as.
He’s a feisty fella on the pitch but off it seems a very levelheaded, well spoke lad (despite the accent) – and I still think it’s worth remembering he’s only 21.
Loved his answer when he was asked about his aggressive play ‘I give everything for the badge I wear’.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I also feel bad, apologies (if he’s reading) and fully get behind another player – Sean Longstaff.
He’s been interviewed ahead of tomorrow’s game too & what a truly decent kid. I’ve been really quite critical of only his finishing really – I have acknowledged how well he does everything else.
But he spoke so well in his interview & seems such a good kid, and he gets my full backing too.
Though he does have a black cat that he loves 🤨 is he a Mackem!!
Sharpy17(Quote)
Piero Hincapie. Really ? another LCB ?
PremAndUp(Quote)
I rate Sandre Berge as well & £20m is a decent price.
He’s similar to a Michael Carrick or Rodri at City. He’s not going to be a source of many goals & he’s not going to drill past 3 or 4 players.
But he’s very good at winning the ball back and playing sensible passes.
I think Prem nailed it – he’s that number 6 option we don’t really have at the moment.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Prem – I thought he was going to Spurs??.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Been reported we are in as well
PremAndUp(Quote)
Bit shocked Shelvey gone, didn’t see that coming this window.
Ice , your mate heard any whispers re medicals ?
kimtoon(Quote)
Prem – he’s another – 21yr old that could offer some versatility to the squad playing CB/LB – he’d replace Dummett.
But, it’s certainty not near the top of the list of priorities atm.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Kim – with 48hrs of the window left I hope Ice mate has his phone fully charged & in a place with full bars!! 😂
Sharpy17(Quote)
Can I please have Scalvini 18yr old RCB, heard rave reviews
PremAndUp(Quote)
I never minded Shelvey. I thought he had one of the quickest football brains. But he was frustrating, mainly his inconsistencies. I really never got the criticisms of him being a bad apple. I saw him interviewed a few times and never saw that. I have said this before, but he either a really good actor or some people just painted him as stroppy and it stuck.
Seems to me like he is a good family man who likes his golf. Not a Keiran Dyer showing off in the clubs.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Plus, if Lascelles was out a number of NUFC managers would have him as captain. That wouldnt happen if he didnt have the respect of the players.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
If we do get the guy Sander Berge, he’s 6’5”. 😳. We are going to have a team of giants … and Trippier! 😂😂
Gilly Toon(Quote)
And Fraser, if he stays, will think he’s a kid again! 😂😂
Gilly Toon(Quote)
KIM they are keeping him there. so something must be up,I cannot get in touch with him
Icedog(Quote)
Maybe he can teach our other giants to head the bl00dy ball from set pieces.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
BDB has even admitted that he is **** at heading in the opposition box. Isnt that like the first step in alcoholics anonymous, admitting you have a problem. Eddie should definately get a heading coach – if such a thing exists. Put Dan on a twelve step program.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Ha your’e not wrong mate.
Ice thanks for update.
I read earlier that Sander Berg guy was off to Fulham ?
kimtoon(Quote)
Everton have submitted a bid for Gallagher £45m
kimtoon(Quote)
So the question would be – do we go after Gallagher now or wait til the summer and go for Maddison.
I think Maddison is the ready made version of Gallagher – Maddison is 26 and Gallagher is only 22. With 4 years of coaching I think Gallagher could be as good.
One thing I would say is I don’t think Gallagher is the player Everton need right now – they need a goal scorer.
Sharpy17(Quote)
A loan for Gallagher with an option to buy is the biggest no-brainer in this transfer window. Even though Potter is picking him now there is no way that he will be allowed to pick him with all of the forwards arriving at Chelsea. Looks like they are likely to get another with that guy from Benfica with a 120 million buyout. If you look at the MF and Forwards – 20 into 6 “don’t” go. I think Gallagher will be one of the odd ones out and I also think Pulisic will be as well.
I would loan Fraser to Everton. Not really bothered if we get a fee for now.
Gallagher transformed Palace last year. Now they have a few better players but I think they would have been relegation strugglers without him. Surprisingly, he played cr@p against us.
As an aside. Remember that Billy Gilmour kid who ran the show for Scotland against England. They loaned him out and I dont think he is getting a game.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Hells bells Chelsea now bid £105m for Enzo Fernandez – how much money will they actually spend this window???? …. and still not actually have a CF!!!
If they get him then I’m certain Gallagher and maybe even RLC will be made available to leave – which could be good for us.
BUT the way Chelsea are spending they HAVE to break FFP and things are bound to get a lot stricter – which could be bad for us.
Sharpy17(Quote)
What a little merry go round transfer this could be
Shelvey to Forest, Lewis OBrien to Sheff Utd and Berge from Sheff Utd to us.
Sharpy17(Quote)