A stunning second half display from Eddie Howe’s Mags, who fought back from a goal down to see off Southampton in style at St James’ Park.
It threatened to be one of those afternoons as the hosts went into the break 1-0 up, but a 45-minute brace from Callum Wilson and Theo Walcott own goal saw us run out comfortable winners in the end.
Not for the first time in recent weeks, we went through the gears just when it mattered and blew away the Saints, who couldn’t cope with our pace and intensity. In the end, it could’ve been four or five, as Wilson had one disallowed and also hit the bar.
The win – our EIGTH in our last nine games – sends us 13 clear of Brighton, 11 beyond Spurs and Aston Villa, nine ahead of Liverpool and two clear of Man Utd, who beat Villa narrowly today. It feels like there’s no stopping us now, as we’ve overcome three different tests in the space of seven days with flying colours, scoring 13 in the process. Whether it’s responding from the cup final defeat, coming through a hostile atmosphere at Goodison or reacting to being 1-0 down today, Eddie’s Mags always have the character, quality and desire see us over the line.
It was a frustrating first half. Flat in the stands and flat on the pitch, as if we’d all turned up expecting to blow away the bottom side without breaking sweat. There was an early warning within the first minute, as Walker-Peters got a shot away in the box to force Pope into a save just 30 seconds in.
We did have plenty joy down our left, but Gordon didn’t always make use of the space given by Lyanco. Our £45m man had his moments – he fired one effort into the side netting, hit the outside of the post after Isak sent him clear and almost set up the Swede with a few cut-backs into the box – but he faded after a lively start. Bruno flashed a volley wide and Joelinton also went close with a header. However, were sloppy in possession and open on the counter, with cheap giveaways and wayward passes allowing the Saints to run at a Newcastle defence that looked far more exposed in Longstaff’s absence.
Then, five minutes before the break, Southampton struck. Sulemana burst past Botman and his cross was bundled home by Stuart Armstrong. 1-0 down at half-time and an improved second 45 needed if we were to make it eight wins from our last nine.
As ever, Eddie had the answer. He took off Gordon – a tough call, yet one that proved to be the right one – and sent on Wilson, who made an immediate impact. Shortly after he and Botman failed to convert Trippier’s wicked delivery, our No 9 latched onto Isak’s ball across the box and stabbed a looping effort past McCarthy.
Wilson thought he’d made it two 20 minutes later, only for VAR replays to show Miguel Almiron in an offside position in the build up. A mini-setback with 15 minutes to play, although we made up for that moments later, as Botman’s flick-on from Trippier’s corner was bundled in by Theo Walcott. 2-1 Newcastle and it soon became three, as Wilson pounced on Maitland-Niles’ error, went round McCarthy and slotted into an empty net. His second of the game, his seventh in his last eight matches and 15 for the season, making him the first Newcastle United striker since Demba Ba to reach that tally in the league.
A superb win and well-deserved win. Southampton caused us problems on the counter in the first half, but they had no answer as soon as Howe moved Isak to the left and brought Wilson on. Both were unplayable and will be pushing to start together when Arsenal come to Tyneside in seven days time!
STARTING XI: Pope – Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn – Willock, Bruno, Joelinton – Murphy, Isak, Gordon.
SUBS: Dubravka, Dummett, Wilson, Ritchie, Lewis, Targett, Manquillo, Almiron, Anderson.
Another half time master stroke by Howe – I know it’s obvious that you increase your chances to score with Wilson on the pitch, but Howe didn’t hang round.
He didn’t like what he saw so changed it at half time.
Had he waited & give Gordon 10 mins of the 2nd half then it might have took longer to adapt & who knows what impact that has.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I know the rumour mill has linked us with him but I thought Lavia played really well for Saints today.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I think Lonstaff. is a big miss imo he does a lot of unseen graft and very underrated
Icedog(Quote)
How was that not a penalty for Spurs?
Gilly Toon(Quote)
A draw here between Liverpool and Spurs would be ideal but VAR determined to help Liverpool win
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Yeah Palace got a pen against WHU for a pull back in the box on Ayew.
Konate did a similar thing on Richarlison – probably more contact actually & no penalty given.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Can you imagine telling a Bmth fan at the start of the season that come the 1st May you’ll be on the same points as Chelsea 😂.
They’ve done so well. That’s them safe now & Gary ONeil deserves so much credit.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I gave you a reply on last thread
Icedog(Quote)
Great result, can’t believe Spurs though, the draw would of been perfect result
kimtoon(Quote)
Surely Jota should’ve been sent off though? He kicked the spurs player in the head, drew blood, shouldn’t have been on the pitch to score that last goal. VAR are doing all the can to get Liverpool up there.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Thanks a lot Ice, I saw it mate! I’ll see what I can find. 👍👍
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Excellent result, especially given results elsewhere.
Wilson excellent again and isaks touch just stays at top level.
at one point his little wall pass to himself to get past two defenders was brilliant. Wonder how long it’ll be before Howe starts them both.
Guimaraes is carrying a knock that is effecting his game so not fully mobile but was better 2nd half
That nufc managed to dictate so comprehensively 2nd half was very impressive after the 1st half
There was a lovely passage of play when trippier, almiron and I think joelinton did a series of triangle passes to bamboozle three Southampton players in our defensive corner to get time and start another attack
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
On Gordon, I think he’s trying too hard. He’s still very young and it coming into a very different place to what he’s used to and it’ll take time for him to adjust to Howe’s style.
If Gordon’s smart and settles down it’ll come as with so many of the others in the team. Also Howe has a full off season to work with him
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
I’m amazed that people are on Gordon’s back already, he’s 22 and only started a few games. Give him time in the team and he will flourish like the others.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
I don’t mean people on here, but the press and some fans
Gilly Toon(Quote)
He looks nervous to me. Lacking confidence.
It’ll come (probably from Mad Dog!)
georgio(Quote)
I wouldn’t say I’m on Gordon’s back – I just expect more from him.
I don’t know that he’s trying too hard, more like he’s too hard on himself though.
Miggy misses and he smiles and puts a 90yrd sprint in.
Gordon seem to let it get to him.
I know he plays with attitude & grit but he has to learn to balance it out coz it’s affecting his game & likely the reason Howe picked him to come off for Wilson.
He’s got some good pros around him at NUFC and it’s up to him to allow himself to be mentored by them. Not just become a better player but a better person too.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Here’s one then.
Callum Wilson is in immense form and has just broke the record for goals scored in a calendar month with 8 goals (Shearer had it with 7).
But Wilson is 31 and we know has his issues with injury.
What’s the future for the NUFC no. 9 shirt??.
Do we keep Wilson or sell him while his stock is high – he’ll only have 2 seasons tops & expects first team football.
Is Isak the long term answer – or is he the answer to the left forward position?.
Or am I looking too much into this and should just enjoy players in form 😂.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I guess in turn that begs the questions about our wide players – who’s in & who’s out?
ASM
Miggy
Gordon
Joelinton
Murphy
I’d add Isak to that list as well coz I think he offers more wide than through the middle – though that’s no criticism of him through the middle mind coz I think he’s mustard wherever he plays.
But stick him in that pot with the above players & add to that I think our priority signing in the summer should be Moussa Diaby – then who’s first choice and who misses out??.
Sharpy17(Quote)
While I’m on, I wouldn’t be looking for LBs either. I think Burn & Target are good enough for now with Lewis still having potential for development.
However RB I think there is a gap. Trippier is 32 and I expect Manq to go in the summer. Ashby is still a way off being that cover for Tripz yet imo so we need that cover.
I’d go after Walker Peters at Saints if they go down as he can cover both flanks to a good standard.
But I think a RB is more necessary than a LB.
Sharpy17(Quote)
SHARPY there no attacking intent from Taggert that’s a big problem with him
Icedog(Quote)
@sharpy id look to keep Wilson but as a backup to isak. A finisher (opposed to starter ) role suits Wilson and protects his fragile hamstrings somewhat. He stays involved in a team that are on the up
If playing isak wide left as a regular starter I’d suggest nufc have let themselves down as I’m not sure that’s his best position albeit hes shone in that role as the best option right now
Id be surprised if more than one(st maximan) of those wide players leave unless they choose to do so and shocked Joelinton moved on. You missed Anderson off the list
Prioritising RB over LB seems to be ruling out Ashby and assuming manquillo and krafth will move on. that doesn’t feel like Howe without seeing ashby play and not sure both krafth and manquillo will move on in one window
Between the misdirection of the nufc board and the guff spouted in tabloids and social media wtf knows what’ll happen so I’m with you on just enjoy the ride 🤣🤣
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
I wouldn’t be overly disappointed if Maxi moves on in the summer, as we play very well without him, however if he wants to stay, we need more end product from him. Goals and assists are thin on the ground from him at the moment.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Your points make sense Gilly, although I must admit I’ll be a bit sad if st maximan moves in the summer
I never fully bought into the hype around him and he was unfortunate to be in a team run by the incompetent slob that is Bruce
I think he has tried to adjust his play for Howe’s team and to see someone who is undoubtedly talented not quite be able to take the opportunity that a Howe coached team presents is .. well .. a bit sad.
I soooo wish he’d slotted that chance at Wembley
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
Two more wins. Can we . . . will we…. Leicester? Leeds? A tired Brighton or disinterested Chelsea? We should be able to do it. I’d be totally gutted if Liverpool got past us.
georgio(Quote)
Georgio – I fancy our chances against Arsenal mate
Sharpy17(Quote)
L/pool have very easy games now all teams at the bottom
Icedog(Quote)
Liverpool have Fulham, Brentford, Leicester, Villa & Saints still to play & are currently 9 points behind us.
Whilst they set off on fire against Spurs they let them right back in and really Spurs had the best chances of the game.
It wouldn’t surprise me if behind the scene at Liverpool the take is to almost right the rest of the season off?!.
They won’t want Europa league & if they can’t get CL then imagine what they do in the PL when there’s no European distractions & travel.
I think if they beat Fulham & Arsenal beat us they will go after it. But if they drop points or we pick up points, I think there’s a real chance they put their flip flops on and start planning for next season 🤷🏼♂️.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Now that’s thinking ahead Sharpy. You could be right but a lot of cash would be lost from no Europa games.
We can beat Arsenal. It would put them out of their misery.
georgio(Quote)
You know me, I’m more interested in whether we can beat Man U to 3rd than whether Liverpool can catch us. Suddenly we are dropping points all over the place? Not a chance.
If Brighton beat Man U we are well in with a shout.
PremAndUp(Quote)
I’m just glad that i’m enjoying a season relegation battle free .
kimtoon(Quote)
I know the discussion is about Liverpool winning all their matches and having 71 pts, which we will match with two wins, and with our better goal difference that might be enough. But I think our target should be 74 pts as Brighton can still get 73 if they win all their games.
PremAndUp(Quote)
Well it now looks like we have lost wor Eric. He’s been the songbird on here for so long I just can’t see him deciding to drop out. Thanks Eric – you’ll be missed.
georgio(Quote)
I hope you are wrong, georgio, but I fear you are right.
PremAndUp(Quote)
😔😔 I hope he’s wrong too
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Yeah likewise. I’ve decided he’s met a Mexican senorita & is living his best life – I truly hope it’s closer to that anyway
Sharpy17(Quote)
Hopefull Eric reappears soon
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
I wonder just how much Liverpool have paid VAR and the premier league match officials… if that was a penalty last night, then I’m getting crowned King of England. Un, fucking, believable 😂😂😡😡
Gilly Toon(Quote)
I know there’s a lot of transfer talk going on & we are being linked with any amount of player – but for me a think a no brainer essential signing is Marcus Thuram on a free.
He’s still only 25, is predominantly a CF but can player as a wide forward too – 28 app so far this season with 13 games & 5 assists.
With Wilson 31 now, I think Thuram could be an ideal replacement entering the prime years of his career.
I know wages & agent/sign on fees will still be a factor. But with no transfer fee that leaves money to spend elsewhere.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Well lads I have to agree on Eric, looks like we’ve lost him. Just hope it’s like Sharpy suggested and not more of a sadder ending. Will miss him posting, was single handed keeping this site alive for a long time when not many were posting. Hope he’s ok and enjoying watching us finishing so well in league.
kimtoon(Quote)
I watched the Brighton game last night & have to admit – they are to me what our ‘entertainers’ were to everyone else.
I have no affiliation with them and have no emotion watching the like I do with NUFC, but I really enjoy the football they play.
Further to that, I love how they are run as a club. I wonder in their case if it’s sustainable & fear it probably isn’t. Saints had a similar model a few years back & you see where they are now.
I’m hoping our appointment of Dan Ashworth brings a similar model because I think we have the financial clout to make it work.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Do I take it we have exhausted all avenues of search for Eric?
I maybe very old but my memory is still quite sharp.
I have known Eric as a blogger since Ed’s blog in the early days, then Worky’s and Toonsy’s blogs which brings us too now Ollies. Early days he was not known as Eric that’s how I know his real name, he revealed it in a discussion pointing out his christian and surname were inter changeable. I will not give up hope he will pop up again sometime! He is missed!
nutmag(Quote)
Interesting Nutmag. I missed that but I did join in around Toonsy’s break up with Worky. I thought Eric joined a bit later than that and joked with him that I knew Hattie (Jaques). He is a miss.
Been looking at various Toon pics lately and what really bugs me is the really low quality of Castore’s stuff. It looks so cheap on Eddie and the players. Cheap shiny tat that feels just like that.
Look forward to Sunday. No forecast.
georgio(Quote)
So what is Eric’s real name? I’m sure he’s posted it on here in the past but I cannot remember it. I’ve been posting since Ed’s blog, and also was on Toonsy’s and workey’s blogs before they transitioned into this one. I always thought Eric had multiple names on here.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
He used the name Tony Mollony on Ed’s back a year or two ago Gilly.
kimtoon(Quote)
I don’t remember that name Kim! There was another character on here that disappeared, I forget the name now, (I forget lots of things 😬), but I always suspected that he was an alter ego of Eric too. Argumentative
Gilly Toon(Quote)
I think you refer to Troy Stavers
PremAndUp(Quote)
defo prem
kimtoon(Quote)
or was it Tony baloney, something like that.
kimtoon(Quote)
Yes that’s it Troy Stavers! I was convinced that Troy was also Eric!
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Gilly for argumentative there was no one better than Chuck the New Yorker but he stayed with Worky most of the time, but he was just a little younger than me. We talked a lot about the Toon as it was at the end of the war so he was certainly not Eric.
nutmag(Quote)
Troy Stavers was – is – a real person, but not his real name. I met up with Troy at a pub in Newcastle during one of my visits. About 2014.
Brisvegas(Quote)