And breathe…
After an awful first half full of penalties, poor defending and Brentford pressure, Newcastle United came from behind to seal yet another massive win in our pursuit of a top-four finish.
It was arguably one the worst 45 minutes we’ve delivered all season, but Ivan Toney’s spot kick was turned on its head as two brilliant half-time changes from Eddie Howe inspired us to a superb comeback.
We weren’t at our best and looked jaded in our third game in six days, yet we showed our Champions League mettle and bags of bottle to fight back against a Brentford side who hadn’t lost at home since September.
On a day where Man Utd and Spurs also picked up three points, this feels like another defining moment in our season and a victory to savour. We could’ve folded against a Brentford side unbeaten in their last 10 at the Gtech, but a half-time reshuffle, moment of Isak magic, massive performance from Joelinton and much improved second 45 was enough to make it five wins on the spin, sending us 13 clear of Liverpool and 10 ahead of Brighton; who lost 2-1 at Tottenham.
The hosts made a decent start, as a cleverly worked free kick and early opening for Toney was scrambled clear by Schar, before Botman was needed soon after to stop the pacey Schade from bursting through on goal. Another close shave followed when Toney tapped into an empty net from Pope’s parry. The entire stadium thought it was 1-0 Brentford, only for VAR replays to show the former Toon striker was marginally ahead of Longstaff. Phew.
That didn’t take away from what had been a really slow start, however. It was all Brentford and an opening 15 minutes to forget, as we looked half asleep in the West London sunshine. We needed to wake up and finally settled into the game leading up to the 20-minute mark, getting our foot on the ball and pushing the Bees back after their bright start. Sadly, that period of pressure didn’t last long.
Schade left Schar for dead down our left, Botman was dragged out and the Dutchman got his challenge all wrong, wiping out the forward to hand the home side a penalty. Toney had scored his previous 32 from the spot, but Pope guessed right and gathered his tame effort.
That was ANOTHER big let off, but we had to sort it out. We looked all at sea defensively and as open as I’ve seen all season the build up to that penalty. A few minutes before the break, we were punished by more reckless defending, as Isak’s stray boot caught Henry. VAR took a close look, sent the referee to review and another spot kick was given, although I haven’t a clue how it could’ve been considered a “clear and obvious” error. Either way, it was given and Toney converted on this occasion, sending Pope the wrong way. 1-0 Brentford and exactly what we deserved after a pretty awful 45 minutes.
Dare I say, the worst half of football we’ve produced under Eddie Howe? We looked slow, tired, were rash in the tackle and totally unorganised. A much improved second half was needed if we were to turn things around against a Brentford side who hasn’t lost at the GTech since September. Thankfully, that’s exactly what followed.
Something had to change and Howe didn’t mess about at the break, bringing on Gordon and Wilson in Longstaff and Murphy’s place. This saw us move to more of a 4-2-3-1, with Isak playing just off Wilson, Willock moving out to the left, Gordon operating own the right and Bruno partnering Joelinton in a double pivot. It almost paid off immediately, as Bruno slipped in Burn – who was marginally offside before having his effort blocked by Hickey. Thankfully, a strong start to the second 45 was soon rewarded, as Joelinton cut in from the right and fired an effort from the angle in off Raya. 1-1!
A reward for our positive start to the second half and two decisive changes from Howe, yet we weren’t done there, as some good work from Wilson set up Isak on the edge of the box on the hour mark. The Swede had plenty to do, but curled an edge of the box effort into the top corner before celebrating in style in front of the travelling Toon Army. What a finish and what a turnaround after such a sluggish first half, seeing us go from 1-0 down to 1-2 up within the first 15 minutes of the restart.
It looked like we’d then made it three moments later, as Wilson fired home from Schar’s flick-on from a set piece. However, replays showed the ball struck the top of his arm in the build up and VAR chalked it off. Frustrating, yet more positive signs.
At the other end, Pope stepped up once again to save our bacon, palming Toney’s glancing header away to safety from another dangerous set piece. We had been a constant threat on the break, looking far better for Wilson and Gordon’s introduction, but we were starting to tire, as our No 9 fired a good chance wide after great work from Bruno before a subbed-on Anderson had a tame effort gathered by Raya after a quick break from Gordon.
Lascelles replaced Isak in the closing stages to help us cope with Brentford’s aerial threat, which gave them one last chance as Toney pinned Botman from a looping ball into the box. Thankfully, his header looped over Pope and onto the roof of the net, seeing Newcastle hold out for a MASSIVE three points.
Joelinton was outstanding after dropping deeper alongside Bruno, Botman, Schar and Burn recovered from a really ropey first half showing and Pope also played a key role – not only saving a penalty and stopping Toney’s later header, but also claiming a host of high balls into the box.
On a side note, Gordon didn’t seem best pleased at being subbed off, cutting a frustrated figure as Howe attempted to explain his late withdrawal. Hopefully he learns from that and understands the decision, as it was clearly a late ploy to run down the clock; not a reflection of his high-energy cameo down the right.
Three wins in six days, five victories on the spin and a stunning turnaround to keep us ahead of Man Utd and Spurs; who both won today to keep the pressure on in the top-four race.
Next up, another tough trip to Aston Villa next weekend. GET IN!
STARTING XI: Pope – Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn – Longstaff, Guimaraes, Willock – Murphy, Isak, Joelinton.
SUBS: Dubravka, Dummett, Lascelles, Gordon, Wilson, Ritchie, Targett, Manquillo, Anderson.
Tough game massive 3 points
kimtoon(Quote)
Ordinarily I would have had no hesitation in saying Isaks head kick was a penalty – my immediate reaction was an intake of breath & wince.
But I almost immediately remembered fake Bruno on Schar and thought it won’t be given.
But then VAR got involved & the longer the review went on the more I expected it to be given – despite the fact the longer it took HAD to mean it wasn’t clear and obvious!!.
Then when the ref went to the screen you just know which way it’s going.
I thought the officiating of our game was awful today – they should have had 5 yellow cards imo.
But I’ve just watched the highlights of the Brighton game & believe it or not – their game is far worse!!.
Brilliant changes by Howe & the boys responded 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Sharpy17(Quote)
I remember looking maybe less than 2 weeks back now and thinking the race for top 4 was going to be very tight – Liverpool, Brentford, Brighton & Fulham werent far behind us at all – maybe only 4-6 points of something like that.
Our form has been outstanding & we’ve really pulled away – there’s only the 3 teams in it now imo.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Got it spot on again OLLY,keep it up
SHARPY don’t you get drunk mind
Icedog(Quote)
Ice – I don’t drink mate 🤥😂
Sharpy17(Quote)
Really worried about Eric now like.
kimtoon(Quote)
Waiting for match of the day to see highlights but sounded like some horrible decisions today. Well done to our lads for rising above and beyond and getting the win against a decent Brentford team. Shocking use of VAR today.
I’m wondering though, when is Toney going to get his ban?
Onwards and upwards!
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Yeah Kim, very strange for him to be missing so long. Any idea when/what his last post was? Any clues from that perhaps?
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Can’t remember his last post but it was ages ago.
kimtoon(Quote)
we think we’ve got a couple of bits to follow up on and the local toon army branch are reaching out to him.
if anyone knows Stuart79 let him know please as I think he’s the only one here to have met Eric
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
Yeah Kim I’m genuinely worried about the bloke now. Hope he’s ok 🤞🏼
Sharpy17(Quote)
As I have posted before I have Erics real name if it can help in anyway.
I do not know how this fits with blog’s rules and laws, and who do I give it to?
nutmag(Quote)
Massive 5th win after a dreadful first half. Pope had me worried all game. Wobbling despite the penalty save.
But what a phenomenal player Joelinton has become. He’s a midfield powerhouse. Outstanding!
I wouldn’t swap him for anyone (having slagged him off for two years!)
georgio(Quote)
Gilly Toon – someone told me about these fire stick thingies for watching the Toon. I haven’t tried it myself . . . .
georgio(Quote)
That would be a massive help.
kimtoon(Quote)
Think I’ve got Eric’s name and confirmation would be good as we’ve reached out using details we have.
Olly you have my details .. can you pass onto nutmeg so he and I can chat separately
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
Watched game late on catch up yesterday and as expected a tough game with Brentford aggressive and effective going forward without too much end product
Nufc rode their luck when under pressure and were decisive when it mattered when Brentford weren’t
One penalty decision right, one wrong and Wilson’s disallowed goal puzzled me.
Is the handball rule different for attacking players to defenders as it appeared to hit Wilson and his arm was natural in line with his body. Great finish tho
Talking of Wilson he looked very sharp yesterday and appears to be on his way back. It’s pleasing and while he was poor for a while hes showing just how stupidly premature the entitled among nufc fans were when they suggested he was finished.
Pope makes me nervous and Brentford were very aggressively pressuring him on back passes. he looked shaky playing the ball out and on crosses. Some good shot stopping as Brentford pushed in the last 1/3 of the game
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
Formation change worked too.
Lots of talk about a no 6 in close season but I wonder if nufc already have one in joelinton
I like the 3 of willock, isak and Gordon behind Wilson too. Some nice options for Howe to tinker with as the run in continues
A little daylight now to villa and Brighton. If NUFC, Mufc and spurs continue winning, the game at end April could be very tasty
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
Looking at stats for no 6s Europe wide. Our Bruno is in the top 10
PremAndup(Quote)
I am not on social media at all but if you have Eric’s real name might he be on Facebook?.
I know it feels a bit Catfishy but could be worth a check 🤷🏼♂️
Sharpy17(Quote)
I’m sure Eric has given his name on the site before. I don’t see him being unhappy if it’s shared on here. Hope we can find out what’s up with him.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
These Arsenal and Liverpool players are falling down left right and centre. A puff of wind and down they go.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
That’s was given as a penalty? 😂🤣. Different rules for these two… then karma as Salah misses the penalty 😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Aye I saw those stats too.
I guess I was working off the common view that guimaraes wants to play further up the field.
I guess the question becomes guimaraes / joelinton central and lash out on a wide forward (diaby??) or lash out on central mf (insert name from many) or dare we dream both 😁
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
I think a dedicated no6 gives us more flexibility.
I expect a wood replacement. Big old fashioned no 9
Diaby would be good left footed like Miggy, everyone else is right footed.
And a proper attacking Midfielder.
PremAndUp(Quote)
Prem – big centre forward? Like Wood type? Weird thinking there mate when they’re looking at Joao Pedro types.
georgio(Quote)
https://www.nufcblog.co.uk/2023/03/31/6ft-4-giant-watched-by-newcastle-as-club-plan-chris-wood-replacement-report/
https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/beto/profil/spieler/595809
Didn’t just pluck out of thin air Georgio
PremAndUp(Quote)
I’m sure you didn’t mate. Personally I think the Wood types are becoming history. City played all of last season without a CF even.
georgio(Quote)
But the first Howe did at Bournemouth was buy a big number Nine target man to be the focal point of the attack and he did the same here. He likes this type of player and I would be surprised if he doesn’t sign one at some point.
PremAndUp(Quote)
tend to agree Prem
icedog(Quote)
At £15m I think Beto would be an absolute bargain. A great option off the bench if nothing else. Scoring headers from crosses is something we have moaned about on this site given the height of our players.
PremAndUp(Quote)
Prem – my pick would be Viktor Gyökeres from Coventry – I know signing Coventry players isn’t very ambitious for our riches, but the lad is real quality & will be playing in the PL next season im sure.
Sharpy17(Quote)
All of the money Chelsea have spent on these young superstar players – I don’t see it personally.
They may be talented footballers but they totally lack a grit & fighting spirit. Enzo Fernandez cost over £100m & for me he could lace Bruno’s boots. I know it’s early days for him but I’m not even seeing glimpses of what makes him £100m.
Ironically De Paul & MacAllister from that Argie WC winning midfield are in good form.
They are an awful team & will need to spend a lot more to get it right imo. Imagine all that money & they haven’t even got a good manager, keeper or CF 😂😂
Sharpy17(Quote)
If we can get Thuram on a free in the summer then I’d spend as much of our budget as needed on Rice for our midfield – I think Joelinton left side, Rice middle & Bruno right – nowts getting passed them.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Prem if you’re interested in a big CF type then that kid at Brighton’s the real deal. Evan Ferguson.
georgio(Quote)
and at 18 a good shout, if Brighton will sell.
PremAndUp(Quote)
Head screwed on, he might prefer to stay and develop at Brighton but he couldn’t do any better than play and learn under Eddie. He’s two footed and incredibly well balanced. Very impressed.
georgio(Quote)
Ferguson would be excellent from what I e seen, but I think Brighton would demand a big fee for him. If they sell him at all
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Brighton would want a kings ransom for the young lad and someone like Spurs or Chelsea are stupid enough to pay it.
I would want to see a couple of consistent seasons out of him before going after him. It’s the same with the likes of Caicedo & Mitoma – they look good now but can they do it consistently?! – and before you leap to say yes I refer you to Bissouma & Cucurella, both looked decent for a short period of time for Brighton before being sold for huge money.
Sharpy17(Quote)
You can’t wait for everything Sharpy. I would pay a king’s ransom right now for the kid.
georgio(Quote)
Georgio – that’s where you get your pants pulled down mate – chasing the next big thing.
I’m fine with signing prospects but not at huge money – I think it’s a dangerous gang & has all the potential of burning money.
Ferguson has played 12 games so far – there is no way of telling how good the lad really is after such few games.
If he plays a full season & gets 15 plus goals then I’d consider him a worthwhile signing. I’m not saying he couldn’t be a top player, but he’s proven nothing to me yet.
Sharpy17(Quote)
spot on mate
icedog(Quote)
what do we all think re our midfield. Do we go for a top no6 like Rice and play him behind Bruno and Big Joe, or do we go for a top no8 like Maddison and play him in front of Bruno and Big Joe ??
PremAndUp(Quote)
Prem – I think Rice fits Howes team better personally.
He basically brings the same workrate as Longstaff but can tackle and break down play. He can run with the ball well too though.
I think it would give us one of the best midfields in the league – maybe only City with better.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Looking at goals scored and goals conceded we have let in 21 as opposed to 27 and 29 by City and Arsenal respectively, so I’m not convinced a no6 is our priority. On the other hand, we have only scored 48 compared with 75 and 72 respectively so more goals are the priority.
We need another 25 goals in the team.
PremAndUp(Quote)
Prem – you make a strong argument there to be fair mate.
Maddison would certainly create & score more chances than Rice – but I can’t help favouring Rice. I just think he fits what we do better.
I’d want to see more goals from the rest of the team. Miggy, Wilson & Isak have banged them in, but I want more from our central midfielders, from Maxi & Joelinton & mostly our defenders!!.
With Schar, Botman & Burn – how is not 1 of them a weapon from set plays???.
I will say now, if we were to sign Maddison I won’t be disappointed by the way.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Ime with Prem on this one Maddison is a must,goals win games and in a better team he would score more imo
Icedog(Quote)
I don’t disagree at all fellas, maybe it’s just Maddison being out of form at the mo. The kids quality no doubt about it.
What if we signed both – Rice middle & Maddison right forward in place of Miggy?
Sharpy17(Quote)