Newcastle rounded off our Summer Series tournament with a 2-1 victory against Brighton thanks to a second half brace from Elliot Anderson after Danny Welbeck’s opener.
A much-changed Toon side struggled to controlled the ball throughout the game and were often sloppy in possession, but found some quality in the final third late on to complete the comeback.
Although they played a much stronger starting 11, Brighton managed the game well for the most part with some excellent build-up play and look to be a big threat once again heading into the new season.
We were exposed down our left-hand side for the first chance of the game as Facundo Buonanotte received a great ball into the box, but a brilliant tackle from Matt Targett allowed Nick Pope to collect the ball and clear any danger.
Anderson fired away Newcastle’s first shot of the game after 10 minutes with a driving effort that was straight at Bart Verbruggen and held by the Belgian shot-stopper.
It was very much a stop-start game in the opening period as both sides committed a number of soft challenges. The resulting free-kicks, however, didn’t come close to breaking the deadlock.
Brighton should have been in front after 17 minutes as Adam Lallana was played into the box completely unmarked after a defensive error by Newcastle, but the former England international somehow missed the target entirely.
Brighton then had another chance to open the scoring just a minute later after a scramble by Pope to try and clear the ball which eventually felt to Kaoru Mitoma and again they were unable to convert.
Tensions were high after a rough challenge from Mahmoud Dahoud on Anderson which sparked a reaction from Callum Wilson defending his young teammate. The striker clearly felt it deserved further punishment, but nothing was given.
Bruno received the first yellow card of the game on the half hour mark after a late challenge through the back of Jan Paul van Hecke. It was probably Newcastle’s biggest highlight of the first-half in what had been a fairly dull affair so far.
Barnes had a half chance 10 minutes before the break, but after a good tackle in the box, our new signing struggled to really get any conviction on the ball and his effort rolled tamely into the goalkeeper’s path.
The first chance of the second came from Matt Ritchie’s free-kick as he delivered a brilliant ball onto the head of Jamaal Lascelles who was wide open in the box, but the captain got his finish all wrong and sent it flying over the bar.
Shortly after, Danny Welbeck broke the deadlock after some good work from Mitoma on the left-wing before driving it across the box and finding the striker who easily tapped home. Howe will be disappointed with that one after the entire defence failed to deal with cross and left Welbeck open to hit into an empty net.
Pope then made an excellent save to deny Buonanotte from making it 2-0 less than five minutes later. The Seagulls broke quickly after defending a Newcastle corner and Mitoma was able to find the Argentinian in acres of space, but his effort denied by our number one.
Our first change of the game came after 58 minutes as Harrison Ashby made way for Lewis Miley. The youngster slotted into his midfield role while Ritchie moved further out wide.
Newcastle came so close to an equaliser on the hour mark as Wilson saw his effort hit the bar and go over for a goal kick. The forward was brilliantly played in by Jacob Murphy who timed his pass perfectly, but there was too much power on the resulting shot.
Anderson should have made it 1-1 68 minutes in, but a brilliant save from Verbruggen denied the youngster. A mistake from the defence left Wilson one-on-one with the keeper, but the striker unselfishly played it across to Anderson whose curling effort was batted away.
Both Ben Parkinson and Alex Murphy were brought on with 15 minutes to play as Wilson and Paul Dummett took to the bench.
With five minutes to go, Brighton could have doubled their lead with, but some great defensive work from Savage denied them the chance of breaking into the box.
Howe’s next changes of the game were made with 10 minutes left to go as Remi Savage and Jay Turner-Cooke replaced Ritchie and Lascelles.
Less than a minute later, Newcastle finally levelled the game up through Anderson after a defensive mix-up from Brighton. Parkinson sent a fairly tame ball into the box which should have been easily cleaned up, but as both Brighton defenders left it for the other, Anderson acted quickly and latched onto the loose ball before firing it into the roof of the net.
Jamie Miley entered the pitch in the final few minutes to join his younger brother as Barnes departed the field.
With what was surely the last kick of the game, Anderson doubled his tally for the game and secured a first Summer Series victory for Newcastle. Jacob Murphy played a perfect weighted ball from his own half right into the path of the 20-year-old who calmly slotted it past Verbruggen.
Newcastle will feel somewhat fortunate to have come away with a victory after a dominant performance from Brighton, but the performances of Anderson, Miley and Ashby will be pleasing to Howe as we edge closer to the start of the season.
The team will return home soon to take part in the Sela Cup next weekend in our final pre-season games of the summer.
Agree on the Brighton goal that defence failedTo deal with mitoma running into the box but target was unlucky as pope touch took it away from him completing an easy clearance off the cross
Also thought lascelles was unlucky with his chance as it was just behind him
Defence tried to play a lot of close play around our own box but were never really convincing
Anderson was excellent tonight snapping into tackles all night and he’s tireless.
after a tame effort in the first half, he took both his goals well esp the 2nd, holding off a defender with ease
Shout out to Murphy when switching to right back .. looked pretty comfortable there.
When the bairns came on around 20 mins left they were great to watch with little fear on show
And popes yellow in 2nd half was so casual even the ref laughed as he booked him
I have loved, loved, loved this last week watching the toon and it was great to see a win tonight.
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
Andrew – don’t know if you read the comments to your posts, but hats off to you mate – 3 excellent write ups 👏🏼👏🏼.
GoWest – I’ve loved reading your passion & excitement through these games too mate. I hope they make it an annual event.
You’d think with Eales connections to Atalanta, a trip there pre season would be on the cards at the very least 🤷🏼♂️.
It’s been a thorough worthwhile pre season tournament/event imo, both on & off field.
Sharpy17(Quote)
As for the game itself.
I looked at that starting back 4 & thought – that’s Howe making a point about needing reinforcements in defence.
I also got a bit annoyed at the club for the first time as well. I’m really annoyed about keeping Ritchie & Dummett as playing staff. We all know when the season kicks off they will play less than 5 games – maybe even between them.
Both will be on around £30-35k wages – which isn’t huge wages, but is wages that would go towards a new signing, or used to improve existing contracts.
If he wanted them around the club, employ them as coaches or mentors. But keeping players you know won’t play, i find annoying.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Anderson was excellent again last night. Really like this kid.
Dare I say he reminds me a bit of Beardsley (not looks wise 😂).
His tenacity in chasing the ball down & winning it back. He centre of gravity making him hard to shove off the ball – and the kid knows where the back of the net is.
Maybe it’s a big comparison so early – but that 2nd goal reminded me of wor Pedro.
Sharpy17(Quote)
The kid’s doing so well. A lot of calls for him to start v Villa which personally I’d be surprised by. Who is he replacing in our first 11? Joelinton? Barnes? Gordon? Much as I like him I just can’t see it. I do see him first name off the bench.
georgio(Quote)
Another great write up Andrew, thanks mate! Not the greatest game, and Brighton were the better side for the most part, but I think, with the team we put out, we did well. Great goals from Anderson, and Miley again looked good when he came on. I see both getting starts for cup games. Good to get the win and a nice glimpse of what we will get with Harvey Barnes. So nice too, that we’ve been able to watch them all legally on sky instead of scrambling for a stream.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Is this Bruno contract situation gonna turn into something??
I hope not. I suspect it’s as a result of signing Tonali & putting him on over £200k a week with Bruno on around £120k.
It may also explain why signing new players is so slow.
Howe said we don’t need to sell to buy – which is probably right in terms of fees. But the issue around wages is when you pay new signings bigger wages, existing players start to get on to their agents.
Hopefully things get sorted with Bruno fairly quickly. He’s massively important to our midfield & the team as a whole. His interaction with the fans is infectious – so a happy Bruno before the start of the season is key.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Amid the hand wringing around the departure of Saint Maximan the departure of Darlow appears to be drawing next to no attention.
Id like to wish him well at leeds and hope to see him back at SJP with them for a good reception
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
I’m steaming that Chelsea are on the verge of signing Disasi when we’d apparently agreed personal terms with him.
Having already spent a fortune & still negotiating at huge fee for Caicedo, they now spend £40m on Disasi.
Are we the only team that fear/adhere to FFP???
I know Chelsea have sold a few players, but they have also signed players too – and still have players like Lukaku on their wage bill.
Whilst this trip to America has been a great PR exercise & a good run out for our players – it has also highlighted the lack of depth to our squad, especially in defence.
Disasi is exactly the upgrade we need & instead he’s going to a direct rival.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Absolutely agree mate 😡😡
Gilly Toon(Quote)
I’m wondering why Chelsea have no shirt sponsor in this USA little league.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Discussed at the link below
https://theathletic.com/4679063/2023/07/10/chelsea-new-kit-sponsor/?
it’s behind a subscription wall and if you’re not a subscriber their deal with ‘3’ expired last season and yet to be replaced .. possibly due to furore over the sale of the club
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
Thanks a lot GoWest!
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Well, finally got to watch the game after recording it. Once again I felt we were not the better team but Andersons goals were lovely and he has impressed as did Lewis Miley, hopefully good signs for the future.
Agree about Disasi, it’s disappointing if we lose out to Chelsea.
Thank you Andrew for the excellent match write ups.
kimtoon(Quote)
There’s a lot of very complex transfer deals going on. Saints trying for Aarons is one interesting us. They had two good fullbacks and we bought the duffer.
georgio(Quote)
Georgio – I don’t think the lads a duffer he just got a really bad injury and didn’t get the chance to get anything started with us.
I think the loan move will do the lad the world of good.
I’d also argue, if Aarons was the better full back, why is he still at Norwich – the a prospective move to Saints, another championship side 🤷🏼♂️
Sharpy17(Quote)
I just find out lack of transfer activities really disheartening if I’m honest.
Our squad isn’t that strong that we only need to be focused on 1 player – which seems to be the case with Livramento – who at 20 and having already suffered a bad injury, I’m not sure he’s the answer.
I don’t think he’s the urgent signing either while Manq is there.
Coincidentally Schar has an injury, which for me highlights a greater need to be looking at a quality long term partner for Botman.
I can accept slow signings in previous windows because key backroom staff were still getting recruited & plans being developed.
But this felt like the summer to kick on hard with those plans. Howe and the players more than did their bit.
We are sat watching other teams around us bringing top quality players in earlier – and ok we’ve brought in 2, but we’ve also lost one in ASM – so we haven’t really strengthened much at all in comparison to teams around us.
It’s not a case of being greed. It’s expecting higher standards & expecting Howe & the team who arguably over achieved last season to get the support they need to keep things going.
I’m not asking for an £80-90m player or players – just get business done.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I haven’t paid attention before now to sponsorship deals but see manu have got £900m with adidas @ £90m a year and that’s before sponsors on the front/arms/ar5es etc.
Chelsea have similar with Nike.
Stark reminder that nufc are less than 2 years in on catching up with this lot and might explain why they can be so decisive while Newcastle have to be cautious
It’s also not news as the club have constantly briefed on how difficult this window will be esp after nufc shook up the PL cartel last season
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
Sharpy – I thought he was extremely disappointing. Always taking the backwards or sideways option and very reluctant to attack. I don’t rate Aarons that highly either.
I did like the look of Murphy at right back. Not a bad back up for Trippier maybe.
georgio(Quote)
Georgio – I’m not saying I was blown away by the kid, more that he didn’t really get time – and what time he did get was in a very disorganised Steve Bruce side.
It’ll be interesting to see how he gets on at Watford. Howe has had him in and around the first team, so hasn’t written him off yet. I feel like if he shines at Watford he has chances.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Our transfer chat is so bad that we are having to do articles on bits of bairns we have signed from Southend 🙄.
Sharpy17(Quote)
No mate we had not agreed terms with him,it was all his agents talk,just pushing for PL club to sign him,agents are good at that kidding clubs along
Icedog(Quote)
Also I saw he was demanding first choice in his position
PremAndUp(Quote)
I’ve been getting myself annoyed about this FFP so decided to look at some numbers since 2019/20 for Villa, Chelsea & us:
Villa
Players sold = £189.67
Players bought = £578.79
Net = £389.12
Newcastle
Players sold = £94.57
Players bought = £543.75
Net = £449.18
Chelsea
Players sold = £685.09
Players bought = 1,113.69
Net = £448.60
That’s according to the figures used by Transfermakt at least anyway. They show that Chelsea have already sold over £250m worth of players this summer – that surprised me to be honest. But if they buy Disasi & the lad from Brighton, their figures go up by around £130m or so.
I know it’s based on individual club’s commercial revenues as opposed to what other teams do.
Villa obviously made big money off Grealish & Chelsea will have bigger & better commercial operations than us.
Can’t help but find it frustrating though.
Sharpy17(Quote)
If the money is there I’d try and get Bella-Kotchap from Saints – but they seem to be playing hardball with every sale this summer so will probably want £50m.
Another lesser known option is Charlie Cresswell from Leeds. He’s only 20 so we would be buying potential, but he had a decent loan season with Milwall last season.
Japhet Tanganga from Spurs maybe loan to buy. He’s a physical lad & lightening quick.
Schar would be the main man this season with the lad developing under Howe. The lad can also cover RB so could be a decent squad player
Sharpy17(Quote)
I’d also like to see the club bite back a bit too.
We’ve had the PL talking about looking into our sale of ASM to the Saudis for a fee as little as £30m – which actually is reportedly only £23m.
Yet Liverpool get £40m for Fabinho???? Are you having me on here?!?!!!
Chelsea have made around £50m selling to the Saudis this summer.
Liverpool have made close to £60m selling to the Saudis this summer – it’s the only money they have brought in this summer!!.
I’m sick & tired of our club being scrutinised because of our Saudi ownership why other clubs do their business.
Chelsea weren’t scrutinised with their dirty Russian money & City obviously weren’t having breached so many rules – but are still winning everything & trading for the best players in the world.
I’m not suggesting we break the rules, more point out to the media their hypocrisy & the hypocrisy of other clubs & managers calling us out.
Sharpy17(Quote)
In respect of scrutiny, there’s been no comment from the PL in ASM transfer other than to outline their framework for assessing transfers.
It maybe that clubs asked them to look into it but where is the information that says the PL did anything but dismiss the request??
So the scrutiny appears to be faux – anguished social media commentators and that can easily be ignored.
IMO there should be plenty of rational scrutiny of Newcastles majority (and other clubs) owners and so the approach of nufc continues to be thoughtful and enduring to grow the club
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
I would still like to see what, (if anything), is going to be done about all the breaches of ffp by Everton and City! I mean, supposedly City broke over 100 rules over 9 years ffs.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Not much I expect Gilly .. maybe fines based on actions against other teams found guilty .. and nothing very quickly
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
All the moaning from otherPL club owners is just simple jealousy, they are desperate to see us fail or come a cropper.
Let them carry on, while they are busy watching us they are taking their eye off the ball with their own clubs.
kimtoon(Quote)
FFP and all that seems to be a big deal for us, yet when a club contravenes they get tiny sanctions or fines. What is of more concern is this bulging Saudi league, now loading more and more PL players and they’re getting younger. Neves and Maxi are both mid twenties. The PL is losing a lot of good players.
georgio(Quote)
Agreed Kim, feels right for Newcastle to focus on the club and leave others to their teeth-gnashing fear of nufc’s development towards an elite team.
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
Saudi league is more of the same that’s been going on since I started watching footy ( and no doubt before that )
Old Div 1 used to cherry pick players from smaller clubs, PL have been doing it to championship since it started and the PL cartel have and still raid other PL & European clubs.
Projecting forward an ESL and then WSL doesn’t feel too much of a reach
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
Does anyone know if the Sela cup matches are going to be televised? NUFC tv perhaps?
Gilly Toon(Quote)
both games are on NUFC TV
kimtoon(Quote)
I don’t think they are, I’m afraid.
The game on Sunday vs Villarreal may be shown (but it will cost), but Saturday’s game with Fiorentina won’t be streamed by NUFC TV due to the 3pm UK blackout rule…
Olly Hawkins(Quote)
Thanks Olly!
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Looks like Livramento deal agreed with Southampton. Medical booked. We’ve paid a lot for him. Hope he’s worth it. Central defender next I hope
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Having been pretty vocal about frustration with what has appeared as a lack of progress with new recruits, fair play for them looking like they’re about to get their man.
Livramento has possibly been the worse kept transfer target of the summer – but the club have stuck with it and got, what appears to be their main target for that position.
I’d love a CB before the window closes & then I think we are good to go for the new season.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Looking like Livramento is close.
I hadn’t clocked he’sBritish until today and being 20 i think he ticks a number of euro rules (whatever they are today) on homegrown talent in the squad
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
I was going by the radio times link https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sport/football/newcastle-2023-24-tv-fixtures/
They say 3.30pm sat 5th NUFC TV
and 4pm sun 6th NUFC TV
But perhaps they are referring to radio broadcast via NUFC ?
Kimtoon(Quote)
I just hope Livramento stays fit for us.
Kimtoon(Quote)
Liv won’t take a squad space either will he?! With him only being 20 I mean??
Sharpy17(Quote)
Didn’t take long to look up uefa rules for CL squads. If anyones interested then it’s explained nicely below, backing up sharpys point and correcting my misunderstanding ;
https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/champions-league-squad-rules-number-of-players-homegrown-quota-regulations-explained/blt14eefb4daa8bb717
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
so thats £130 mil spent so far,just shows how much these so called pundits know they all said our max money we had was £75 mil,god they talk **** all the time
icedog(Quote)
That’s a very useful link GoWest, mate, thanks. So then who would be our 8 homegrown and own club grown players? Dummet, Anderson, Longstaff, Gillespie for club grown? Although Anderson is still young and doesn’t need to be in the 25. Then Gordon, Willock, Burn, Trippier for the association home grown? Any others? My mind is blank.. I guess Livramento would count although again no need to be in 25 due to his age.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Gilly,
* I think * other association players could be Ritchie, lascelles, Barnes and Livramento ( assuming the medical goes ok) etc.
looking at the squad mentioned in another article ( from which the author omitted Barnes) there are some, eg; Anderson or miley who are named in the list a who could be in list b.
It’s not clear ( to me anyway) if a and b can overlap
Reading the squad and goal.com articles also gives another clue to Howe’s thinking on retaining Ritchie/ dummett (as well as the stated leadership they bring) as both will count to uefa homegrown/association rules
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
Cheers mate, I guess we will find out the squads in due course.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
It’s ridiculous that in the modern world of internet streaming & broadcasting, there is still a 3pm blackout.
I know it’s all about money, but this is a sport for the fans!!. How can I watch a 3pm kick off on holiday but not in the comfort of my own home – it’s madness!!.
Sharpy17(Quote)
They love to use the term ‘sports washing’ when they talk about NUFC.
I find it a bit bad taste that Chelsea host ‘Game 4 Ukraine’ later today – a club built almost entirely on dirty Russian money.
Their fans were plenty vocal enough about not wanting to lose Roman Abramovich.
They now have their cash happy American – another £50m plus this week on Disasi & Sanchez.
Good old Chelsea will put a show on today, in a ground built on sports washing.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Can only agree with everything you say Sharpy
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Canny first half. Great goal from Miggy! Gordon and Isak look great as do Miley and Anderson.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Good competitive match, 2-0. I’ll take that. Anderson is going to have a good season I think!
Gilly Toon(Quote)
good result
kimtoon(Quote)