We’ve done it! NEWCASTLE UNITED ARE BACK IN THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE.
A packed out St James’ Park were denied a goal and that magical winner at the Gallowgate, but it didn’t matter. 20 years after Sir Bobby had us mixing it with Europe’s elite, Eddie Howe’s Mags had delivered what no one on Tyneside could’ve dreamt of barely 18 months ago.
We deserved the win. We struck the woodwork three times, 77% of the ball and 23 shots to Leicester’s one. The visitors played for a point and stuck by a low block, giving us little space and adopting a tactics we may have to overcome more often next season.
What a time to be a Newcastle fan. After weeks of calculations, blitzing past Spurs, then wondering if Liverpool will be able to catch us, we can relax, enjoy next weekend and look ahead to what promises to be an exciting summer.
Howe made one change to begin with, bringing in a fit again Sean Longstaff for the injured Joe Willock, only for Joelinton to pull up in the warm up. That saw Elliot Anderson come in for just his second Premier League start, with his last being short lived in that defeat to Liverpool a few months ago.
We started on the front foot and bidding to break down a Leicester side who’d went with a back five. Longstaff had a weak penalty appeal waved away, Isak was getting joy down the left and we were dominating possession without finding space in and around the box.
A stroke of luck came our way just eight minutes in, however, as Bruno’s high tackle on Boubakary Soumare – the man who almost joined Newcastle just a few years ago – was lucky to see just yellow. Had the shoe been on the other foot, we’d have been calling for Red!
Leicester’s plan was clear. Get men behind the ball, deny us joy in wide areas and hit on the counter when the chance came, with Iheanacho and Vardy looking for balls in behind. Almiron had fired a half chance over after doing well to create space in the box, but it took until the 22nd minute to test Iversen, as Anderson’s curling effort was collected comfortably from a decent curling effort from range.
Isak became the second Mag to go into the book, making his second cynical foul to stop Leicester breaking away on the counter. He hurts himself in the process but was OK to continue; a relief for Howe after the number of recent knocks.
‘Eddie Howe’s black and white army’ rang around St James’ and a brilliant challenge from Longstaff lifted voices seconds later. We were in control and looking the better side, yet it seemed Leicester’s low block had taken us by surprise, giving us a different tactical battle to navigate as we passed the half-hour mark.
After conceding eight in their last two, it’s understandable that Smith looked to improve defensively, yet it seemed such a negative approach for a side in desperate need of all three points. Still, we needed to be much better with the ball. Considering we’d enjoyed 82% of the ball over the first 35 minutes, we didn’t have enough to show for it with just one shot on target; Anderson’s tame effort from range.
We needed to keep the tempo high and move the ball quickly, as Leicester’s banks of blue shirts made it difficult for us to get Wilson into the game. We looked good, but like a side in need of a game-changing technician like James Maddison; the man sat on the bench for the Foxes!
Our biggest chance of the half then came five minutes before the break. Burn beat Iversen in the air, giving Wilson two bites at a net protect by outfield players. His first effort hit the post and his second was headed off the line by Ndidi, who cleared for a corner. Moments later, we clipped the woodwork again, this time it was Almiron who rattled the post after smashing Schar’s cushioned header into the ground and off the upright. Isak followed up and fired over, leaning back slightly as he met the rebound.
Pressure was building and we forced another corner. Trippier’s delivery found Wilson free at the back post, Iversen was caught in no man’s land and the header went over. Promising signs and a potentially ominous spell for the Foxes, even if we went into the break frustrated to be level.
Leicester hadn’t laid a glove on us, failing to muster a single effort in the first 45. Replicate that late pressure attacking the Gallowgate and it felt like a matter of time until we found the breakthrough. 14 shots to Leicester’s zero and 83% of the ball; a season high!
Just after Jamie Reuben beat Mehrdad Ghodoussi in Fun88’s half-time challenge, Maddison replaced Iheanacho at the break to add that sprinkle of quality to Leicester previously non-existent attack. One change in personnel but the approach was just the same from Leicester, who sat deep hoping to hold on.
It was like a training session at times. Defence vs attack, with Botman and Schar sweeping up every loose ball Leicester hacked away. For all our dominance, it felt like we needed added spark. Saint-Maximin from the bench and the dangerous Isak moved into a more central role? The Swede can play wide, but his stinging effort from the edge of the box showed exactly where he’s most effective, while the left flank was crying out for the chaos ASM could create.
Leicester brought on Barnes and Daka, sacrificing a centre-back in Evans and changing their shape in a bid to win it with 30 remaining. Schar followed with a long range effort that flew well over, summing up our struggles to create clear-cut chances in the box, and Howe’s first move followed – Saint-Maximin on for Wilson, allowing Isak to move into a central role.
Anderson forced a corner and the resultant corner clipped the post, as Trippier’s delivery was glanced off Faes and off the the far post! Bruno was there at the back post, but failed to make contact. 20 attempts towards goal and 83% of the ball, but no breakthrough as we approached the final 15 minutes. A point was enough to seal a top-four spot, but a packed out St James’ Park were desperate for a goal – and almost got one as Longstaff’s low effort was blocked well by Iversen before Almiorn fired over once again.
Murphy then replaced Anderson – who seemed to be holding his hamstring – and replaced Miggy on the right, seeing the Paraguayan slot in alongside Bruno and Longstaff. Another throw of the dice, but frustrations grew as we huffed and puffed to find a way past this wall of blue shirts. Again, you’d think we needed a winner to secure a top-four finish, summing up how our ambition has changed in the space of 18 months!
We were desperate to sign off in style and the visitors equally determined to pick up a point, it seemed. An incredible stat emerged, highlighting that Nick Pope has completed more passes that the majority of Leicester’s starting 11, yet the visitors actually went close to getting in behind, as a rare passage of possession finished with a crucial intervention from Schar.
Gordon replaced Almiron in one last throw of the dice from Howe and five minutes of added time were signalled. Suddenly, it felt vital that we held on, as one big chance for the visitors – who STILL hadn’t mustered a shot all night – could leave our Champions League hopes hanging in the balance again! Nerves increased as Longstaff brought down Maddison and Leicester big moment arrived. After initially playing it short, Maddison finally got the ball into the box and Castagne arrived, smashing his effort on goal. Thankfully, Pope was equal to it, palming away his effort before Schar cleared the danger to stop. PHEW.
A late scare out of nowhere and save that summed up Pope’s season, always stepping up when needed to help us over the line. The final whistle followed and so did celebrations on and off the pitch. Relief, elation and applause from co-owners and Alan Shearer, who’d all witnessed the end of a 20-year wait.
Next up, Eddie Howe for Manager of the Season, Chelsea away and an influx of transfer rumours as we prepare for potentially THE most exciting summer yet. HOWAY THE LADS!
(4-3-3): Pope – Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn – Longstaff, Guimaraes, Joelinton – Almiron, Wilson, Isak.
SUBS: Dubravka, Dummett, Gordon, Sait-Maximin, Lewis, Targett, Murphy, Anderson, Miley.
What an absolutely brilliant season. So pleased for the team and particularly all the fans, after so long without something to really cheer about.
Never would have dreamed a top 4 spot was on order this season. Was hoping for 6th or 7th.
Buzzing 🙂
Aussie(Quote)
Yup .. Fabulous outcome to the season.
It’s been wonderful to watch the team and individuals within it progress and take the club to the champions league
My expectations were modest this season .. so to see nufc qualify for the champions league is brilliant
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
I’m guessing we may well end up 4th instead of 3rd. A bit disappointing, but I’ll take that. Amazing achievement with a team that was mostly there during the Ashley era. I wonder what the Fat man is thinking now. 😬😂😂
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Astonishing season. After the first 8 games all I could see was midtable toil. Top 4 was unimaginable.
It’s a short close season too so we’ll be back at it in just a few weeks. After being linked with 200 players and signing 2.
HTL
georgio(Quote)
Gilly I know what you mean about not finishing above manu but I just can’t feel anything but pleasure at what this team have done in the last 18 months.
A special word for Howe who even in the emotion of the moment last night conducted himself with real class
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
It would have been a dream ending getting a home win, but in fairness Leicester have their own battle on this season & desperately needed their own result.
We did what we needed to do & still did it in style.
Prem has been saying top 4 before the season kicked off & I watched last night wondering what did he see that I didn’t?!.
Then it struck me – he didn’t.
There is NO WAY we should have achieved top 4 with the squad of players we have!!
I don’t go with league positions at the start of the season, I look to improve on points tally from the previous season – we ended on 49 points last season & I was hopeful of 10-12pts better than that this season. That would have likely resulted in 6-8th.
I think that would have been solid improvement from the previous season.
So what Eddie Howe and his team have achieved with this squad of players is (in my opinion) truly remarkable!!.
The way we controlled that game last night – the total domination was like watching how City or Liverpool used to dominate us – LAST SEASON!!.
I felt frustrated that we didn’t have the players or game plan to find a way to score & beat Leicester last night – before realising, this is still new territory for us really.
But I feel supremely confident in our club & the structure they are putting in place. I have faith in Howe & his team that they will continue to grow individual players & the squad as a unit.
A phenomenal season & hopefully the first of many more to come 🤞🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Sharpy17(Quote)
Just to clarify that last post.
I am not for a second saying Prem was delusional in his predictions, more acknowledging the outstanding achievements of the team.
Delusion is the wrong word actually. I think that suggests an unrealistic expectation.
I saw it more as supreme optimism or confidence.
We obviously had a brilliant start to the season, but had a slow return after the WC.
My belief we COULD achieve top 4 was really tested through February, with too many draws & defeats – though the performances still left me thinking 6-8th.
But that 2-0 win over Man Utd was special – and the performances & wins after that restored my belief this could well be a special season.
At that same time Liverpool & Chelsea continued to struggle & failed to capitalise on our dip in form – we were still there – it was ours to lose!!.
In short it took til March for Prem to convince me 😂
Sharpy17(Quote)
Aussie – good to see you on 👍🏼
Hope all is well mate.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Hey Sharpy, all good mate. Hope you and yours are too.
I do pop on for a read now and again and it’s good to see you, Kim and Ice are still about. Not so sure about that Georgio fella tho 🤣
Take care mate.
Aussie(Quote)
Aussie – I’m worried about commenting now after some of things you said about me in the past!
Delighted to see you’re still ok mate even if you’re a bit like the fans who only sing (comment) when you’re winning.
georgio(Quote)
Well where ever Eric is, I hope he’s enjoying this.
kimtoon(Quote)
Aussie
Good to see u back, don’t be a stranger.
kimtoon(Quote)
I wonder what odds we’d have got at the beginning of the season for us finishing top 4. Pretty good I’d expect. I’m not a gambler, but wish I’d put a few quid on that. Like the Leicester fan that put a bet on them to win at 5000/1.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Thank you for those few kind words Sharpy.
You’re right of course it wasn’t what I saw as much as what I believed. Two influences Eric’s total belief in Eddie Howe, based on the Bournemouth documentary. And my own belief that once you have set the bar by performance that should become the new norm. What they achieved in 2022 set the bar for the 2022=23 season. That implied mid 70’s point which implied top 4 or 5 and I just cockily ran with it. I was just the cheerleader saying we can do.
PremAndUp(Quote)
Gilly
I had pre season bets on nufc winning the league without man city and liverpool 25/1 ,
nufc to finish in top four 8/1 and nufc to finish top six 5/2 .
The bookies are not daft.
Happy to get 2 out of three bets up and I still have one running – everton to go down at 9/2.
Sidekick(Quote)
Prem – whatever your influence or inspiration, you got it spot on mate 👍🏼.
Can you believe some of the fellas I work with who are (claim to be) Newcastle fans are questioning still if Howe is the right manager for next season.
They say it’s coz he has no CL experience – but what reward would that be?! – and how does he get experience if once he’s got the club there, they throw him under the bus & get rid???.
Some people are truly disloyal & would risk dismantling all that has been built to put a new manager in just coz they’ve overseen games in the CL with a different team.
I’d like Howe in place for at least the next 3 seasons regardless of what happens – he’s earned that loyalty at the very least.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I’m not sure what experience CL brings, it’s just another set of competitive matches. He has lots of experience of being the underdog, and that’s just what we will need.
PremAndUp(Quote)
Prem – they were on about the scheduling of games and rotation of players – it was nonsense & I was having none of it.
It hurts my head sometimes how stupid some people can be.
The same were talking about us spending £500m now we are in the CL 🤷🏼♂️🤦🏼♂️
Sharpy17(Quote)
That would be nice, but totally unnecessary.
The team we have would compete against most but that’s the starting 11. the bench is poor, and there is nobody to rotate in. Talk is of half a dozen players probably about £40m players so maybe a couple of hundred million would be nice.
PremAndUp(Quote)
just been researching squad Values on TM. All values in Euros.
Apparently, our squad is valued at 494m which is 7th
City 1.06bn and Chelsea 1.02bn are 1st and second and then 3rd Arsenal at 890m and Liverpool 4th with 880m so on that scale a spend of 400m would be needed to compete with the top 4 and over the next few years I can see that. Spurs are 6th with 680m
Interestingly looking abroad there are only 8 clubs in Europe with more expensive squads than ours, 2 each in Germany and Spain, 1 in France and 3 in Italy. So we are 15th in Europe and on an upward trajectory. and 3 of those we should overtake in the next year. I can’t see why QF would not be possible in CL.
PremAndUp(Quote)
Glad to see you are well mate 😉
Aussie(Quote)
Thanks Kim, I hope you and your family are all well.
Aussie(Quote)
AUSSIE its about time you unhitched poor Richietoon he must have eared his release by now LOL
icedog(Quote)
Aussie – you need to come over to Newcastle soonish just to smell the air. The NUFC flavour is filling the Toon. From owners to management, to players, to fans there’s a unity I’ve never experienced before and you can feel it in the entire city and region even. You’d love it!
georgio(Quote)
Ha old Richie was a good lad. Funny ******. Glad to see you are still gracing the blog mate. We had some good laughs on here back then.
Aussie(Quote)
Definitely on my list Georgio. Might be a bit hard to get tickets the next few years I reckon. Time to start making some firm plans.
Aussie(Quote)
Aussie – if it’s hard now imagine when we win the Champions League.
Seriously, it’s good to have you back on mate. All ok over there?
georgio(Quote)
Supporters demand a lot from our players and those players, esp at PL level, are very nicely rewarded.
All that is obvious and a given.
It has to be said this squad of players have for the first time in a long time made Newcastle exciting and fun to watch.
For Their intensity, togetherness, skill, bloody mindedness, balls out affrontery and sheer will to pivot my nufc to be an emerging elite team of note, respect and fear they have my gratitude as a fan.
I’m not naive enough to think this group of players are likely to all be around come the summer and part of the anticipation of being a football fan is watching to see new additions to the squad
I am feeling a little sad that I won’t be able to watch this team after Sunday again and that this magnificent roller coaster of a season is finishing, because I’ve loved the last 18 months and it’ll change
No longer can I enjoy thinking it’s enough for nufc to compete with arsenal etc and pi55 them off coz now I want to beat the f*cker5
I’m also sad at how readily and insensitively portions of the fan base are to dismiss and move on from current squad and team players.
So conflicting emotions for me come Sunday.. a sense of loss that this feeling of togetherness I’ve enjoyed won’t last and joyful anticipation it’s going to get better
No one can take away that I saw my nufc re-emerge over 2022-23
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
It shows how stale we were as a club under Ashley – we have the Princes of Paraguay in Miggy & should have had scouts looking through the future stars who idolised our man & were looking to follow him to England.
If we had then maybe we would have signed players like Enciso for £11m – who looks every bit a PL player at the tender age of 19.
I hope that’s what Ashworth has brought with him.
I don’t mind us spending £60m plus on Isak – but I love to see relatively unknown players coming through & developing into top players.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Anyone know if our last game on Sunday is televised here in UK?
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Gilly – doubt it mate, they’ll be focused on the relegation battle I’d imagine. Our game is just an admin task really.
I’m know the players have more than earned their break this summer & I hope each of them make the most of some quality time with their families & friends.
But I for one can’t wait for the transfer window to open & the new season to start.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Cheers Sharpy. Yeah I guessed as much. This is going to be a very interesting and exciting transfer window, that’s for sure!
Well done to Brighton too for securing Europa league. Brighton came up from the championship together with us, and now both teams in Europe. Incredible
Gilly Toon(Quote)
GoWest – appreciate what you said about that slight sense of loss. The feeling we’ll never see this team again . . . but it’s always been so. Remember Kelly and Peacock being dumped after they’d secured us promotion. Never mind – onwards and upwards eh Sharpy?
georgio(Quote)
Georgio – I was there for those teams mate.
What’s weird is my favourite ex players aren’t the Ginolas or Tinos, it’s the Liam O’Briens & Scotty Sellars – those transition players. Who else would remember Alex Mathie?! 😂
As much as I love Shearer, there’s still part of me foaming to let Cole go – watching him & Beardsley week in week out is probably the closest it gets to what we watched this season.
Rob Lee was my Bruno 🤷🏼♂️😂.
You’re right in what you say to Aussie though mate. The City is intoxicated with this club again – just like Sir John Halls time.
They will get the women’s football going & hopefully we will see some life breathed back into the region.
It’s exciting times mate, no doubt about that.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Liam O’Brien & Scott Sellars two of my favourites Sharpy and I too still sigh when I look back at the Cole Beardsley partnership. Still prefer that to anything Shearer did. They were so exciting!
georgio(Quote)
Georgio – it’s now I know I’m getting old when my nephews & god sons bang on about Bruno & Isak & I tell them they’re no Clark & Cole – just like my elders told me they were no Super Mac 😂.
It’s great that this generation will have their own heroes & hopefully theirs will be able to go one step further than ours & bring silverware to the club 🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼
Sharpy17(Quote)
I do hope Eric is still out there somewhere enjoying all of this too 🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼
Sharpy17(Quote)
Me too, said that the other day. I fear the worst now as it’s just not like him to not come on especially given our CL status, he’d love that.
kimtoon(Quote)
It’s a strange feeling really, I want to see new faces but I worry that our squad will go wrong if we make too many changes. We have a wonderful togetherness with the current group that part of me wants to keep.
kimtoon(Quote)
Kim – I think if they bring 3-5 new players in each window then that should keep the current dynamic, whilst still adding a bit of quality & competition to positions it’s needed most.
It’s going to hard to judge next season after the success of this one. We will have CL games added to our schedule & you can bet Liverpool will come back stronger – probably Chelsea & Spurs too, but that’s harder to see on their current displays.
Liverpool have the manager so only need to add a few players – both Chelsea & Spurs need a manager & then players – but get the manager wrong and the players won’t matter – far harder than ask for them 2 imo.
Sharpy17(Quote)
3 players in would do me and shouldn’t disrupt the team ethic.
I’d buy Caicedo (or type)
Slozawhatever from Leipzig as a no 10
Young defender versatile enough for anywhere in the back 4.
There’s a mountain of players I don’t want e.g. Maddison, Mount, Tielemans etc.
Kim – Eric might have just said I’ve wasted so much of my time on this blog and decided to learn Japanese instead.
georgio(Quote)
I suppose it’s time to start thinking about potential signings. The rumours are up to six and that’s probably the max. I just hope we get them early so we can have a full preseason.
I’d love to see both Thuram brothers and their dad as a club ambassador. That sorts out our number 6 and versatile forward.
LB Destiny Udogie from Udinese would be better long term than Tierney
RCB Todiba from Nice looks to be the best out there, although there are a couple of options
No8 I would much prefer Mohammed Kudos to Maddison
and Szoboszlai or Diaby give us the wide options
That would also give us the chance to build a bench of finishers rather than simply squad players.
PremAndUp(Quote)
Prem – agree mate, would love the Thuram brothers at SJP.
I know it’s highly unlikely, but I like the Kounde links too. I don’t see him leaving Barca but I think him & Botman would be an awesome pairing.
Barca need to balance the books so slim chances.
He’s one that without CL football I’d have said no chance – but now we have it who knows.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Thuram has said he is going to Spain to play,sorry
Icedog(Quote)
I know we hear this guff about wanting EPL experience, which must be why we bought Bruno, Botman and Isak.
What we need now is CL experience, not Maddison, Tierney and McTominey. Whilst they might strengthen the squad, Kudos, Udogie and Ugarte would offer far more potential.
PremAndUp(Quote)
Ice – which one?
Sharpy17(Quote)
Prem – I get what you are saying, but it’s the same as having a manager with CL experience for me. I think ANY of the players you mention there improves us & the first 3 may not have a lot of CL experience but they are all internationals so understand what it takes to play on the biggest stage.
I want players in who see NUFC as a destination club, not a stepping stone. Be committed to the shirt in the same way Bruno, Botman & Isak have – that’s the most important thing for me.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I’m only trying to stimulate debate. I personally think younger players who have played for or against the CL teams we are likely to face in their respective leagues is valuable to us. However, it’s not up to us. Be interesting to see who arrives.
PremAndUp(Quote)
Prem – I understand mate. Truth be told I don’t know who I favour – it changes almost on a daily basis. The only thing I can say is I’m not disappointed with the names we are being linked with – other than Neymar, but I think that’s just a nonsense one anyway.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Prem – the one I’m keen on at the mo is Marco Asensio on a free – 27yrs old, former Real Madrid who could play our right wing or right side of midfield.
He’s that Stella type of player that would lift us again – similar to how Trippier did.
I expect he’d command a big signing on fee which isn’t so much of a problem now – not sure on wages like, but he’s definitely one we should be in for imo.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Ascensio’s a skilful player alright but does he have the ‘heart’ for the current Toon style?
georgio(Quote)
Georgio – it’s always difficult to tell with a ‘bit-part’ player who was on the periphery of the Madrid side.
I think he’d have far more of a role at Newcastle & as much would receive must trust from his manager and greater appreciation from the fans.
But it would obviously depend on how much HE himself wants it – only he can decide that 🤷🏼♂️.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Centre forward
Icedog(Quote)
Cheers Ice. I do like him, but of the 2 brothers I think he’s the one we need least – in terms of positions they each play as opposed to the person.
If I’m honest I think it’s likely it’ll be Scott McTominey – especially if Man Utd get the green light to sign Mount.
If we can get him for £25m or less then I think he’d be a very good signing. A bit of a Dan Burn signing if that makes sense – better players out there but a solid signing for the fee.
I’m not saying I WANT to sign him, just saying I wouldn’t be as annoyed or disappointed as some others may be.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Ice – if he does I think it’s showing a bit of a lack of ambition personally.
I do think we have a genuine interest & that would give him the opportunity to play in the best league in the world and for a team going for it.
I don’t see him as key to our success by any stretch though so let him get on with it 🤷🏼♂️
Sharpy17(Quote)
Anyone watching this play off match? Canny like. This Gyokeres looks good for Coventry
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Gilly – he’s been my championship recommendation for a large part of the season mate. Think he’d be perfect for our back up forward (if Coventry fail today).
Sharpy17(Quote)
So penalty shootout for the playoff final. 😬😬.
Aye Sharpy I recall you saying that. Good call
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Luton promoted.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Gilly – if I were Brighton or Brentford I’d go get that lad from Coverntry ASAP.
He’d be a perfect filler for Toneys Nan & give them some depth when he’s back. Brighton would give young Ferguson a chance to develop – similar types of players & I think Welbeck is as good as done now.
Like I say, he’d be good back up to Wilson too imo, but he’d get more game time at other clubs.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I’ve seen some top notch hyperbole about the toon in the last season and a score predictor for the Chelsea game who describes Newcastle as “an apex predator viewing Chelsea as prime rib” takes some beating 🤣🤣
I hope Newcastle take it to Chelsea tomorrow but I’ll mostly be partying and introducing US fans to north east fayre.. stotty, saveloy, pease puddin and some dog to wash it doon.
HWTL
GoWest!Mag(Quote)