A memorable night at St James’ Park and mammoth step towards a top-four finish, as Newcastle United saw off Brighton in a magical night on Tyneside to move three points away from securing Champions League football.
Before the game, some feared we were running out of steam and feeling the pressure after Liverpool’s run of victories sent them just one point behind us ahead of kick-off.
It’s always been in our hands and we grabbed the opportunity with both hands, rising to the occasion and silencing those who feared we’d be turned over by a Brighton side that battered Arsenal at the Emirates last weekend.
The first half was electric in every sense. We could’ve sat off Brighton, let them dominate possession – as they often do – and looked to hit them on the break. Not Howe’s high-intensity Mags! Instead, we pressed from the front, gave them no time to play out and played with intensity – both on and off the ball – in a five-star first 45.
We smothered them from front to back, winning our man-to-man battles and every loose ball. We looked far more balanced, just needed to finish the chances coming our way. Schar stung Steele’s palms with a powerful effort from range, Willock fired wide, Almiron blazed over and Burn almost snuck one in after a smart turn, but it was Brighton’s Caicedo who handed us a lead, glancing Trippier’s corner into his own net. 1-0!
It was a goal that had been coming, but we weren’t done there. After a vital last ditch challenge from Botman (how vital does that look now?!), we went down the other end and won a free kick. Trippier delivered and Burn rose highest, planting a header past Steele to send St James’ wild. The 2-0 cushion our dominance deserved and the perfect end to an outstanding first 45.
We still had a job to do, as this Brighton team proved at the Emirates what a dangerous side they are. It was noticeable straight from the restart that they’d come out with belief they could turn this around. Our intensity dropped slightly and they were starting to find gaps, but we had a golden chance to make it three, only for Miggy to fire a point blank volley at Steele after Willock’s cushioned header.
They continued to play out from the back and found a way through our tiring midfield, as Gilmour burst into space and set Undav away. The striker held off Schar and slid beyond Pope to make it 2-1. Game on and anxiety levels increased inside St James’ Park – but the lads didn’t let that get to them.
We were knackered and carrying so many knocks. Willock went off with a hamstring pull, Joelinton was soldiering on, Bruno was giving his all despite that ankle issue and Trippier also went down holding a muscle. Tensions were high and they were growing into the game just as we were running on empty, but our never say die spirit and determination to stay ahead was snuffing out each attack or half chance they managed to muster.
Then, in the 89th minute, Wilson beat the offside trap and burst clear after some brilliant play from Miggy – who was outstanding from start to finish. Our No 9 had plenty to do and an onrushing Steele to beat, but he held his nerve and sent the Gallowgate wild, restoring our two-goal lead and sending the Gallowgate wild in the process. 3-1!
Three points sealed and it got even better a couple of minutes into stoppage time. Wilson was involved once again, only this time he turned in the box and laid off for Bruno who smashed home to make it four! Magical scenes followed and a huge sense of emotion swirled around the stadium.
It wasn’t just a win, it was the nature of it. From fearing a 2-2 draw to winning it in style, coming on strong in a game that threatened to get away from us and boosting the goal difference in the process!
Nothing sums up the character of Eddie Howe’s Mags and this group of lads like the way we reacted to adversity and powered past Brighton in those final stages. We could’ve dropped deep, hoping to hang on and limp over the line, but we dug in and delivered everything that we love about this new-look Newcastle – organised, energetic, decisive and devastating. We no longer wilt when big moments arrive, we thrive and feed off a fanbase in love with its football club again.
It isn’t done yet and we’ve come away with a couple of new injury concerns, but we have every reason to celebrate a truly massive three points and performance to be proud of.
Next up, a chance to secure Champions League football with a win over Leicester on Monday. Let’s make this count and go again next week.
HOWAY THE LADS!
How to try and control the emotion right now.. I shudder to think what I’ll be like if Newcastle actually go on to win anything in future.
From complete control albeit with wasteful finishing in the 1st half to anxiety in the 2nd
The way Newcastle changed from slick domineering in the 1st half to disruptive tacticians in the 2nd half was impressive looking back but it felt bl00dy nerve wracking in the moment
Wilsons had his detractors this season but his belief and quality in tense situations is tip top. Never doubted he would score once he picked up that hall from almiron
Can’t praise this team and manager enough
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
Excellent write up Olly! I second everything GoWest said. Watching in a busy pub in Edinburgh was stressful enough and the game on top. Great result. So pleased for Burn too, getting his goal. A well deserved win. Could’ve had a few more too if the Brighton goalie had not been so good and if we’d got a penalty … Apart from the not given pen I thought the ref did ok too.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
What a night! Everything about it. I’ve never seen anybody put in a shift like Almiron last night . Astonishing!
Callum also proved what a top striker he is.
georgio(Quote)
Thanks mate, appreciate it!
What a night. Love these lads. Was quite emotional after the third and fourth goals went in! Felt like a different kind of euphoria. We’re used to celebrating ‘staying up’, so moving one step away from the UCL for the first time since I was 9 was pretty crazy!
Olly Hawkins(Quote)
Brilliant night, we have to just have to make CL now.
kimtoon(Quote)
I posted yesterday that the period between the Leeds draw & last nights Brighton game was huge for Howe & the coaching staff for how they prepared the players.
It was evident that they worked hard on the high press & on set pieces. Burn & Trippiers post match interviews certainly suggested it.
The boys were sensational last night.
I can’t lie. When we were had the under the cosh in the first 20 mins or so, but not scoring – I did fear it was going to be one of those games. Then when Miggy missed that sitter & they scored 30 secs later, I feared the worst.
But as Olly so rightly said – that 3rd & 4th was a different type of euphoria.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I’m of a mind to get super sentimental after Ollys taking about CL for the first time since he was 9 – but I’ll hold off until qualification is confirmed, hopefully at home on Monday.
What I will say for now though is to find out that Bruno dedicated his goal to a young fan battling leukaemia sums everything up about this club & community.
Those who don’t know our club will read the headlines about the Saudis. But there is a honesty & goodness about our club now. I’m proud of the people that represent our club, proud of the players that wear our shirt & proud of the people that coach & guide them.
Sharpy17(Quote)
And hopefully we will get the investment that Pards was denied.
PremAndUp(Quote)
Loved last night .. the flags, the tension, trippier’s deliveries, burns knee slide, heads in hands at the bar as chances went begging, Anderson’s deft little touch to almiron to set up Wilson’s goal ( can’t believe no-one has mentioned it) Wilson’s finish, guimaraes’ salutation .. the moment of the night was Howes cheesy grin after the fourth goal as he’s surrounded by his coaches. What a lovely image of someone normally so reserved and controlled in public
That’s the moment, now the nerves and anxiety kick in again as we move towards Monday with so much at stake.
Note to self it’s already been a fab season so calm down and remember this Newcastle team are not those Newcastle teams.
I’ll take some convincing 🤣🤣🤣
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
Pardew was (is?) a less than bad manager and a loathsome individual who signed up to dealing with owner of the time and in doing so undermined a thoroughly decent bloke.
I’ll happily forget he ever had anything to do with my nufc.
Nufc may have worse but now have so much better.
Moving on
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
Liverpool winning at Villa is not a given! Villa could give then a very hard game and if they take points off Liverpool tomorrow we could be guaranteed CL before we play Leicester on Monday. Fingers crossed. Then we can use a few youngsters in midfield due to our injuries.
Another possibility would be to push Schar up into a defensive midfield position which I think he could do, and use burn at centre back and bring in Targett.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Villa are at Liverpool
PremAndUp(Quote)
Go West – I’m with you on Pardew.
Whilst I acknowledge his team played decent football, he & his coaching staff were vile individuals who sold their souls to Ashley. When he stood infront of the cameras and dedicated wins to Ashley, whilst having a pop at the fans – nah, he’s a sh!thouse.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I said the other day I don’t think Lpool are nailed on to beat Villa – though they do seem to have found their mojo again.
But I think it’s good they & Man Utd play the weekend & we know exactly what’s needed come Monday night.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sorry, I meant when they play Liverpool… I didn’t know which team was home and which away. 😬🤷🏻♂️ Villa could give them a tough game.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Pards was horrible and some of you may remember I posted that I had a dream about him whilst he managed us. I dream’t he was digging massive holes in my garden and ruining all my borders. I shouted at him what the hell are you doing, but he was just laughing at me. Such a strange dream and the only person associated with NUFC , that I have ever dream’t about, which is odd given how big a crush I had on Ginola !
kimtoon(Quote)
Bruno and that little lad is a lovely moment.
kimtoon(Quote)
Kim – I once dreamt I was washing dishes with you!
georgio(Quote)
Kim – I didn’t know about your Pardew dream but that’s hilarious 😂 – he’s the type of bloke who would do that was well!! 😂
Sharpy17(Quote)
Just watching the build up to the Spurs v Brentford game & the talk is obviously about the Toney ban.
I knew he got an 8 month ban – I didn’t realise that included not being allow to train with the team for the first 4 month!!.
I know the lad has done wrong and I know it’s for betting – but it’s that really a punishment befitting the crime? – why can’t he train?.
If we accept that gambling is an addiction, I’d if right to banish the lad for 4 months?!.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Georgio, seriously, ha ha .
Sharpy, yeah, very weird, not a clue why or what it meant mind. Nearest I could think was with every interview I said he was digging a bigger hole for himself, maybe my dream was that literal ? Or maybe I had eaten too much cheese !
kimtoon(Quote)
Kim – test your theory. If you think you can subconsciously influence your dreams then say some stuff about wor Davide and see what happens 🤷🏼♂️🤞🏼🤞🏼😂
Sharpy17(Quote)
If/when Spurs lose Kane I see them dropping like a stone.
I can’t think of another club so heavily dependent on 1 player in all my time watching football – over 30 years.
They have spent a fortune on players & there is so little quality in that squad I’m not sure it matters who they get as manager.
I don’t see them staying in that top 6 bracket without Kane.
Sharpy17(Quote)
During the Brighton game when I could bear to watch from behind my hands I was paying attention to caicedo .. I’m trying to be a grown up and pay attention to football outside of nufc.
Tough gig for him on Thursday out of position and up against joelinton who was properly aggressive.
I thought he was pretty good. A bit sloppy 1st half in possession but that could’ve been due to pressure from nufc. What I liked was his athleticism and attitude. He would’ve cleared trippiers corner for the first goal if his mate hadn’t got involved with Wilson and blocked him.
he showed a Good touch too when he switched to MF 2nd half. He stood up to the challenge, was quick on the ball wether running or passing and has a nasty streak.. he absolutely nailed joelinton just before the fee kick for burns goal
I liked what I saw and so will be trying to do the same for Maddison on Monday.
One day I might even try to use stats and not just rely on my cockeyed judgement to inform my thoughts
Ooh and get in Brentford
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
Great idea
kimtoon(Quote)
Yes he was in his best position second half and far more effective.
kimtoon(Quote)
Villa leading pool and toffees losing, if it stays like this it’ll be a good day .
kimtoon(Quote)
Plus villa missed a pen,put it wide of the post,I want Everton to go down along with Leeds
Icedog(Quote)
Pool level
kimtoon(Quote)
Ice, want Everton down too.
kimtoon(Quote)
C’MON VILLA
kimtoon(Quote)
Unbelievable Everton equalize
kimtoon(Quote)
99th minute too
kimtoon(Quote)
loads of extra time in pool game too, trying to get them the winner.
kimtoon(Quote)
Still, one point will do it now.
If we lost both games 1-0 I wouldn’t put it past the bindippers to get 5 against Soton and beat us on goals scored
PremAndUp(Quote)
PREM the diff now is 8 points I say we are there now
Icedog(Quote)
8 goal diff that is
Icedog(Quote)
Ice
we + 35 lose both games 1-0 (unlikely) we +33
liv + 28 beat soton 5-0 (not impossible) they +33
they are ahead on goals scored
Mathematically we need at least a draw on Monday
PremAndUp(Quote)
We still need to go for a win against Leicester. Don’t give Liverpool any hope at all. Also hoping for Everton to go down. It’s really them or Leeds now as Forest are safe.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
it’s who wins their final match survives
PremAndUp(Quote)
I see a rumour that City and Arsenal are swopping Tierney and Canchelo ?? spl
PremAndUp(Quote)
Mostly glad nufc are currently not involved in relegation struggles and can’t bring any enthusiasm to want teams relegated as they’re just fans like us who want their teams to succeed.. unless of course it’s Liverpool who I loathe after several awful experiences as a toon fan thanks to ******* slobs at the cesspit otherwise known as anfield
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
PREM your right like but its doubtful but look at it this way we are in Euros in some form anyway
icedog(Quote)
Prem – what you doing fella. You’ve been supremely confident all season & with a point to go you’re pouring cold water!!.
Your vision is about to come true & you’ve been truly humble with it mate. I respectfully questioned you early doors – I just didn’t see it, but your yet to throw it back in my face (not I think your that kind of bloke, I’m only joking).
I just wish it was confirmed now & the lads could have their party night that they’ve worked so hard for & deserved. 1 more performance to earn it outright though 🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼
Sharpy17(Quote)
Simples. I still want six points and third place. It’s doable and given the in-laws grew up season ticket holders at Old Trafford, vital.
I must admit I said that a point at Brighton would be enough because I thought our superior goal difference would be enough, but crunching the numbers I realised that this wasn’t the case. My last couple of posts has been to show why.
I can’t see us taking our foot off the scousers throats and I expect Eddie to continue to deliver high-tempo football whoever is fit.
HWTL roll on tomorrow night.
PremAndUp(Quote)
Prem – I agree & I don’t think Howe will need to say a great lot to the players tomorrow.
My only concern is will he have a midfield to put out there tomorrow.
Gutted for Longstaff & Willock and their season ending the way it has.
I know it’s dangerous but I ONLY see a win tomorrow night & a hugely jubilant & emotional SJP – everyone at the club deserves that this season.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Just entertain me for a moment.
Say £60m gets you either Rice or Maddison – which would you take?
Sharpy17(Quote)
Rice of course.
Could Leicester be the biggest ever banana skin? We should stuff them but anything could happen in football and we’ve seen it all at SJP.
georgio(Quote)
Rice, Maddy is injury worry .
kimtoon(Quote)
Yeah I wouldn’t put it past leicester to **** on our party.
End of the day we have to put them to the sword.
kimtoon(Quote)
So Everton live to see another season by looks of it with Leeds losing
kimtoon(Quote)
Final Games
Everton v AFC Bournemouth
Leeds United v Tottenham Hotspur
Leicester City v West Ham United
assuming the other two lose, whoever wins stays up.
PremAndUp(Quote)
Easy to see all of those bottom 3 losing their last game and other than the nerves getting to the team because of what’s at stake it’s not reasonable to expect anything but nufc win tomorrow at sjp
GoWest!Mag(Quote)