Newcastle kicked off our Summer Series with a 3-3 draw against Aston Villa. Strikes from Elliot Anderson and Alexander Isak cancelled out Ollie Watkins and Emi Buendia’s opening goals, before Wilson levelled things up again in the second half after Buendia’s second of the game.
While many expected us to start with our traditional 4-3-3 formation, Eddie Howe looked to be experimenting with his team as we appeared to be lining up in a 3-4-3 with Paul Dummett, Fabian Schar and Kieran Trippier acting as a back three while Jacob Murphy and Matt Targett moved further up the pitch out wide.
Immediately, it was clear that the players were both not used to this formation change and still very rusty as Aston Villa opened us up almost every time they gained the ball. Players found themselves in acres of space out wide in the first 20 minutes, the Villans could have been 3-0 or 4-0 up.
It was a quick start for Emery’s side as Watkins opened the scoring in the seventh minute after being played through one-on-one with Martin Dubravka by Buendia. The Argentinian won a key midfield battle against Sandro Tonali before driving up the pitch and laying off his teammate.
Just four minutes later, Villa had a second as Newcastle’s defence looked shell-shocked and practically opened up for Buendia to once again work his way into the box before firing past Dubravka. While it is only pre-season, you’d have expected a lot better from a Premier League level goalkeeper.
Newcastle did start to grow into the game after a drinks break, however, and were finally able to exploit Villa’s exceedingly high line almost half an hour in. Murphy played a perfectly weighted ball over the defence to Anderson who calmly cut back in on his right foot, leaving Konsa for dead, before slotting it past Martinez.
Howe made a number of changes at half-time as Sven Botman, Jamaal Lascelles, Dan Burn, Joelinton, Javier Manquillo, Anthony Gordon, Lewis Miley, Callum Wilson and Matt Ritchie all came on with Dubravka and Targett the only players to keep their spots.
Once again Villa got off to a blistering star to a half, as Buendia bagged his brace just three minutes into the second period. Dubravka made a great save from an Omari Kellyman shot and was able to tip it onto the post, but the rebound fell perfectly to Buendia.
Newcastle responded yet again with another rebounded effort as Callum Wilson latched on to Anthony Gordon’s saved shot just five minutes later. It all started thanks to a brilliant Lascelles long ball, that looked to have released his inner Schar as he picked out Gordon in the box from his own half.
Newcastle were denied what looked to be a stonewall penalty on the 57th minute after Wilson was brought down in the box with a tackle from behind, but the referee immediately waved it away. The incident looked even worse upon replay, but no VAR will be in play throughout the Summer Series.
It was all guns blazing in the second half as Buendia could have had a hat-trick about a minute later after he latched onto a long ball over the defence, but Dubravka did enough to close down the midfielder and put him off his shot which was well wide.
Yet another potential penalty was waved away on the hour mark with Gordon this time the victim of a challenge as he had his shirt pulled in the box. The MLS referee was again having none of it and waved it away.
It was then Kellyman’s turn to miss a golden chance as the 17-year-old saw his first effort saved by Dubravka before his second shot was cleared off the line by Lascelles who had covered perfectly. Truly end to end stuff in Philadelphia as defending looked to be an afterthought for both sides at times.
Barnes came on to make his debut with 20 minutes to play, replacing Targett, and made almost an immediate impact with some link-up play with Gordon down the left-wing, but the move broke down due to an offside in the box.
Lascelles had made some excellent challenges and covering runs through the second half – in a game of poor defending, our captain can certainly hold his head high. The 29-year-old clearly wanted to prove that he has what it takes to be a part of this team for the upcoming season.
Barnes had a chance to make the perfect debut and win the game three minutes before full-time, but his curling effort after cutting in on the left-wing was held onto by Robin Olsen. This was the final chance of the game before the draw was confirmed and our first game in the Summer Series concluded.
Lascelles, Anderson and Miley were particular highlights of a very chaotic game with all three looking calm on the ball and making some very intelligent plays. For such a young player, Miley didn’t look out of place whatsoever and has showed a lot of promise in recent months.
Up next, Newcastle will face Chelsea on Wednesday night in Atlanta before we round off our tour of the US against Brighton on Friday night in New Jersey.
STARTING XI: (4-3-3): Dubravka – Trippier, Schar, Targett, Dummett – Guimaraes, Tonali, Anderson – Almiron, Isak, Murphy.
SUBS: Karius, Darlow, Botman, Lascelles, Joelinton, Wilson, Gordon, Ritchie, Barnes, Manquillo, Ashby, Burn, Turner-Cooke, Parkinson, Miley.
Andrew – outstanding write up mate 👏🏼.
Completely agree with all of it. Came on this morning to heap praise on Lascelles & Anderson – the latter who is in grave danger of becoming my newest cult hero if he’s not careful!!.
But also to raise a slight concern at just how sloppy defensive we’ve been this pre season. I know we’ve been without Pope & not played our strongest line up yet – but these are players we may need to depend on in the coming season.
I also thought the challenge on Wilson was a stonewaller and it worried me a bit that it wasn’t give – more the fact the ref waved it away. I wasn’t bothered about the pen as much as player protection. We lose a player to injury from silly tackles & it could cost us at the start of the season. If there’s no deterrent, then some players might jump in.
Excellent pre season fixtures though. Some really tough games in America, then some European experience going into the CL in the Sels cup back home.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Thought the fans were class as well by the way – brilliant toon fan base out in America. I’ve even watched some of the YouTubers interaction with the American fans – love it!!.
Made me wonder about Wor Eric again though 🤷🏼♂️ he’s a big miss on here.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I see Shaka collapsed Live on TV covering the AC v Madrid game last night as well.
Seems like he’s ok from what I’ve read this morning but best wishes to the big man all the same.
Sharpy17(Quote)
well imo Villa m/f was far better than the toon m/f,see where we go from here
icedog(Quote)
Just watched the game as recorded it .
Really good game, thought Villa looked bit better than us, they will do well this season imo.
Pleased for Anderson and Lascelles played really well I thought.
Sharpy, I really think it’s the worst case scenario for Eric now mate, there is no way he wouldn’t be all over the US visit by us and on here talking about it if he were ok. I am truly gutted if my fears are correct.
kimtoon(Quote)
I’ve just seen the Howe article where he’s said they were tinkering last night. I can totally live with that, he’s completely right that pre season is the time to do it & against PL teams – no better time to try things out.
If that is the plan then I’d say keep trying it. Don’t sack it off coz it didn’t work in 1 game.
Equally we are playing some European teams in the Sela cup – he might want to look at tactical changes against those teams to in readiness for the CL games.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Kim – hate to say it but I think you’re right ☹️
Sharpy17(Quote)
Just watched the game as I also recorded it. Poor defensive errors cost us. Villa are looking a very side and will be strong next season with Diaby to come in too. A decent game and happy enough with a draw against a good premiership side. A real step up in pre season preparation compared to what we used to get with league 2 sides.
Anderson looks excellent and Gordon looked canny when he came on. I’m concerned about strength in depth with our defence. That’s where we need more quality in my opinion.
Great write up Andrew! Well done.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Hoping Shaka is going to ok. I noticed though, that all the headlines in this case say “ex West Ham player” not ex Newcastle player. If he’d mugged an old lady it would then definitely be “ex Newcastle player” 😡😡
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Shame to hear about hislop and concur with Gilly Toon on how the media are skewing him as a London player 🙄
Very sad to hear Trevor Francis’ passing .. he was part of my footballing youth along with other British heroes in Europe. Too many of my footballing heroes are no longer with us
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
I was at the game last night.
First time seeing the toon live since a one off visit to Molineaux some years back to suffer nufc under the previous manager.
How different yesterday was.
I’m not going to try and match Andrew’s insights as a match report
Hope the following musings are of interest if a bit lengthy
Us Toon Army.
I love the sense of community among the many branches of the toon army USA .. it feels a real welcoming family. A mix of ex-pats and US with Yesterdays events at the fans forum, tailgate and in the ground, quite simply awesome. The attendance of messrs Barton, amoebi and given we’re a real cherry. It was areal fusion of the best bits of US and UK sports fans. Should you visit the US I recommend looking up a branch to see a game or even just experience some nufc craic .. you’ll always be welcomed and branches are everywhere.
The goals
The back 3 looked shaky from the off. Don’t know if it was the formation or personnel but villa had fun on both flanks for the first 20. Much more comfortable 2nd half with a back 4. Dubravka was poor on 2nd and unlucky on 3rd. Newcastle changed and sussed the villa hi-line very nicely with isak cleverly leaving it for Anderson’s first and poaching the 2nd.Gordon was instrumental in 3rd with Wilson typically astute to score and incidentally should’ve been awarded a pen
The new lot
it was a tough ask on tonali in his first taste of premier league to lie deep and McGinn esp went straight at him ( Ice will be pleased to know I saw him smile at least once).
He looked silky going forward and ropey defending. He’s big and athletic and with Guimaraes could become formidable
Welcome to the PL Sandro😉
Barnes cameo was fun and a bit slapstick on occasion. His links with Gordon ( more on him below) look promising
Welcome to the toon Harvey
The bairns
Miley looks simply elegant and his tandem with Joelinton ( who doesn’t know what friendly means 🤣) was a joy to see 2nd half. Always in and around it, he’s composed and can play a good pass.
Anderson stood out for me and his contribution yesterday is a bit overlooked I think. He’s a real unit and snaps into the press. He’s direct .. which will be a theme for Newcastle in the season ahead .. and in creating the 2nd by dispossessing villa, brushing off thee challenges and getting a good shot away was excellent.
Gordon had villa worried and Newcastle played him off Wilson .. as a 10?? He missed A good chance and created the 3rd with a good run/ shot from lascelles pass. He should’ve got the pen too. High hopes for the lad.
The backups
Lascelles looks like he can do a job and like Joelinton doesn’t do friendly.
Likewise Manquilo who looks fresh and fit as backup to Trippier. Might be another to go to balance ffp books
Controversially going to add Almiron as a backup and leave it at that
Dubravka if he stays looks reasonable and I wonder if Karius will get the nod for next game
Highlight
The magic feet of Isak. What a player we have
Summing up; these are two teams that can probably expect to be competitors for 4-8 in upcoming season with pretty even first 11’s. Newcastle appear to have slightly more depth (savvy??) in squad.
We’ll see, but August 12th will be a tasty game
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
WEST are you sure it was a smile and not wind lol
Icedog(Quote)
GoWest – love that write up mate and so pleased it lived up to all you hoped for (by the sounds of it).
Have to say, everything I’ve seen of the US toon army so far has been brilliant.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Haha .. I’ll start a smile checker to make sure 🤣🤣
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
Aye sharpy, it’s a long time since I’ve felt this much anticipation for the mags and to see even preparation of the team feels great. I can only imagine how exciting things are around Newcastle right now
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
your a good blogger mate you help with missing Eric,keep it up
icedog(Quote)
Great observations GoWest.
I’ve only seen bits and pieces of the game but Anderson has been particularly strong. I’ve been waiting years for him to come good and despite some doubts on sub appearances it looks increasing like he’s become a PL player and is even pushing for a place in the team!
Marvellous.
georgio(Quote)
Go West – I think it’s as much down to the club’s engagement with the fans and the region as it is the success on the pitch mate – though I think the 2 are intertwined & the club realise that.
Getting wor flags going, bringing the atmosphere back to SJP makes it a fortress & encourages the players. The owners interaction with fans, the players engaging with fans when they are out & about.
Another big one is the ladies team are showing the WC games at the ground & having the players there to interact with the bairns – class act that.
The success obviously helps too, but our football club is the heart of our community. It has a greater responsibility than just 3 points at the weekend – people like Sir John Hall, KK and Sir Bobby knew this & too many since them forgot it.
I largely credit Amanda Staveley for being the one to recognise that side of things. I read an interview with her speaking about it before the take over. I’m convinced she is the driving force to that side of our success.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Georgio – the lad is still only 20 as well.
I got worried when people were bigging him up when he was at Bristol Rovers. It was miles off the PL & would so much praise so young go to his head.
But I saw a photo of him working out before the team even went back for pre season & the kid is ripped. He’s serious about his career & maybe Howe is managing him similar to how Pep is managing Foden 🤷🏼♂️.
Regardless, I really think Anderson has his head screwed on & will develop into a PL player for sure.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I believe Anderson is very level headed individual and is developing into an excellent PL performer. certainly will not be developing into another Nile Ranger.With the various competitions the club are involved in this season he should get plenty of game time.
StanHardy(Quote)
Glad my ramblings were useful and I appreciate the kind comments.
It’s fantastic to see superstars arrive at nufc but the best is to see the development from academy and raw talent from elsewhere blend into the 1st team so I paid a lot of attention to Anderson, Miley and Gordon and none looked out of place
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
I think Gordon may be a starter for us when the real games begin. Anderson will start in the cup games, domestically, get lots of sub appearances as well and maybe the odd start. Very much like Foden at City.
Miley too looks very, very talented but at 17 we’ll not see much of him this season. I could be wrong but when I look at our best 11 and 7 subs some decent players won’t make it. Murphy, Lascelles and sometimes Miggy. Scary to see how much we’ve grown.
georgio(Quote)
Aye Georgio, that sounds about right.
Miley needs to be nurtured and protected esp from media BS.
As others have pointed out we’re heavy up top on the left side options altho I hope we don’t see isak / joelinton out there much.
Once settled, it’s logical to assume Barnes will start.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see Barnes, isak and Gordon be the settled on starters. However with the run of games Newcastle start the league with it, wouldn’t be a surprise to see almiron start right side up top. I haven’t seen much from Almiron close season to suggest he’ll maintain a starting role in the season to come
And we haven’t seen last years two midfield mainstays, willock and Longstaff, play into the mix yet
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
So it looks like Southampton are playing stand off with Liverpool for Lavia as well as Newcastle for Livramento.
Wonder who will blink first or if this will play out into January
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
Looks like Darlow is on his way to Leeds. Good luck to him. Did well for when called upon.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
I really like the idea of Lewis going out on loan to Watford.
The lad was desperately unlucky to pick up such a bad injury so early in his NUFC career & then it was all change at the club before he was really able to get back to full fitness.
He’s still only 25. Playing regular good level competitive football could well see him back in contention in a black & white shirt.
But if not, then a half decent season at Watford will only increase his value – either way, it’s better than keeping him in our U23s imo.
Sharpy17(Quote)