A stunning start to the 2023/24 season and statement victory at St James’ Park, as Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United go top of the Premier League following a 5-1 demolition of Aston Villa.
Howe surprised a few when the team sheets were released at 4.30pm. Despite previously bedding in overseas additions, he handed a first Premier League start to Sandro Tonali, with Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak preferred to Harvey Barnes and Callum Wilson in attack. A few hours on, his pre-match calls proved to be an absolute masterstroke!
Admission into the stadium was slow via the new digital ticket system – longer queues were to be expected – but the game itself was anything but! It was a breathless half and superb start, as Howe’s high-energy Mags pressed relentlessly and took an early lead through Tonali. It was great play from Gordon – who looked so lively from the off – as his left-footed cross was met by the Italian’s perfectly timed run into the box. Our £55m man arrived unmarked and angled a volley past Martinez, making it 1-0 Newcastle just five minutes into his Premier League debut! The atmosphere was electric, as fans filled with new season excitement were treat to the dream start.
At the other end, Gordon showed his pace and awareness to hold up a dangerous Moussa Diaby counter, but the former Toon target drew Villa level moments later, firing a back post effort past Pope Aguero Watkins’ flick on. We responded well and reasserted our dominance with more pressing and quick passing, winning a free kick that would lead to us retaking the lead. Trippier squared to Tonali, the Italian’s cross picked out Botman and the big Dutchman angled back across goal to set up Isak, who opened his account for the season with a typically calm finish. 2-1 Newcastle!
It was probably too end-to-end for Eddie Howe’s liking, as Diaby’s pace was causing havoc on the break, yet Gordon was a constant menace at the other end with his decisive dribbling, slick link up, darting runs and ability to keep drawing free kicks from the over eager Cash.
10 minutes of time was added – mainly due to a nasty looking injury for Tyrone Mings – and we went into the break 2-1 up. Before the interval, Douglas Luiz did miss a free header, with Diaby also hitting the side netting, but we were good value for our lead and left wondering how Emi Martinez stayed on the pitch after bringing Miguel Almiron down.
Officials say it wasn’t a red as Villa had covering defenders, but it didn’t matter in the end. In fact, it seemed to fuel us heading into the second 45, where were too strong, sharp, fit and clinical for a Villa side who just couldn’t handle our energy and intensity.
They brought on Youri Tielemans in a bid to get a foothold in a game they were struggling to control, but it wasn’t long until we got that all important third. Gordon was superb – his darting runs, link up play in tight areas, pace and ability to draw in fouls stood out all afternoon. After he got Matty Cash booked for a cynical foul, his ball into Alexander Isak wasn’t dealt with by Ezri Konsa. Not only did Isak pounce on his error, he chipped both Martinez and Torres, who could only watch on helplessly as the ice-cool Swede doubled his tally to make it 3-1 Newcastle. What a player he is; so elusive, so calm and so much quality, whether he’s dropping deep to link up, driving with the ball out wide or bursting through on goal.
Miguel Almiron was another who came alive in the second half, drifting inside to great effect to confuse a Villa defence who were already struggling to pick up Isak and Gordon. Bruno was actually below his brilliant best in patches, sometimes getting caught on the ball or picking the wrong pass, but Tonali’s energy, drive, effortless link up and ability to spread the play added a new dynamic to our midfield. He fitted into our high intensity style so well and looked like he’d been playing in the Premier League for years. His second half display a joy to watch, adding a lovely blend of technical ability and tenacity to our engine room.
Isak could’ve made it four, as he burst clear but struck his effort too close to Martinez, yet it wasn’t long until we found another. After Cash blazed over from a Watkins effort parried by Pope, we brought on Wilson and Barnes for Isak and Gordon; two stars of the show who rightfully received a standing ovation. Tonali showed his creativity to slip Barnes in down the left, the former Leicester star showed his unselfishness to set up Wilson and our No 9 did the rest, firing past Martinez to make it 4-1!
Moments later, Martinez pulled off a stunning save to deny Barnes a second assist and Wilson a brace, with Joelinton having a header cleared off the line 60 seconds later after rising highest from Tonali’s deep corner.
Jacob Murphy, Sean Longstaff and Elliot Anderson all came on for the closing stages, replacing Almiron, Bruno and Tonali. Somehow, Emery persisted with a high line that we were constantly exploiting and that led to a fifth and debut goal for Barnes, who latched onto Murphy’s through ball and finished emphatically to round off a perfect end to a five-star display from Newcastle United.
It really was a dream start to the new season and statement victory. Tonali’s outstanding on his Premier League debut, Gordon kicking on following a positive pre-season, Isak and Wilson off the mark and Barnes showing why he was signed with a devastating cameo.
Next up, a trip to Man City on Saturday and no reason to be fearful after today’s five-star display!
HWTL!!
Took a US mate to the Mobtoon bar today and what a treat he was served up by Newcastle
They figured out villas press, exploited the comically high line brilliantly and when the changes were made it didn’t seem like the performance dropped off.
Thought Gordon shone today but agree tonali was outstanding and the heartbeat of a great win .. he even smiled or has been at the baked beans again.. so that’s two on the smileometer. I could watch him orchestrate that 4th goal all day.
Barnes and Wilson will get the substitute plaudits but Murphy was quietly excellent when he came on
Slight note of caution that guimaraes seems a little off colour still.. wonder if that ankle is still not right
On we go
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
Still buzzing after that performance.
kimtoon(Quote)
A few have mentioned Bruno being off colour. Didn’t notice myself but it was so action packed either side of him, I’m not surprised.
georgio(Quote)
Hopefully it’s me overthinking what was a great win
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
Go West – I know what you’re saying mate, and I don’t think you are wrong.
What I would say is that in some games last season he was almost a one man driving force – similar to Maxi before him. When it’s your key player, any drop off is more noticeable I think.
We have a number of players who can take on that role game by game now though, which takes some of the pressure off him.
Hopefully there’s nothing more deep rooted in terms of his contract negotiations – but he doesn’t strike me as that type of person to be fair.
What I would say is if his performance yesterday is his average performance this season then I’d be pretty happy with that.
He also seems to be a good team mate, so you wonder if he’s holding back a bit or modified his game to help Tonali bed in 🤷🏼♂️.
I hope I’ve addressed that for you 😂
Sharpy17(Quote)
I’ve just watched the first episode of we are Newcastle United this morning.
A number of things came through
1. our new owner is an impressive fella. A man we generally just see in the stands, but speaking on that he seems to be genuinely invested in the club rather than the business. He seems a very calm, levelheaded operator – build a team, grow the club but not at any cost & most importantly, take the fans with you.
2. Amanda Staveley is one impressive lady. She gets stuff done on her terms. She understands & enforces this is a football club first. When she was speaking about the possibility of not getting Gordon, for her to say – if we don’t get the players Eddie needs we have to be realistic about expectations – that’s a big show of support for the manager & that motivates the motivator imo.
Then for them to FaceTime Gordon from Saudi to welcome him & use the phrase ‘we will look after you’ – again, just what you’d want to hear joining a new club.
3. Sean Longstaff is a beautiful human being. He was definitely a big miss when out injured last season & whilst we’ve strengthened in midfield, I think he still has a huge part to play this season. He comes across as a very grounded, humble lad.
To hear him talking about that semi final brace against Saints & his dad telling him how proud he was – THAT is our club!!.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I know it’s off little evidence but from the Villarreal game & yesterday – Barnes & Wilson look to be some partnership.
They really seem to have an understanding already.
I thought the pair of them came on wanting to give Howe a selection headache – we aren’t happy on the bench.
But Isak was brilliant yesterday & I thought Gordon was excellent too – another thriving partnership.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpy .. well there’s a few other things you can help with 🤣🤣
Just kidding and good call in guimaraes’ importance since he joined. He will need to adapt as you say as tonali looks elite so it won’t just be about guimaraes now
Howe has talked about Gordon across the front three so I wonder if we’ll see him and Barnes together as things develop
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
Go West – I got to the end of my post and realised I probably just listed all of the things people would have already considered & committed to none of them 😂.
He looks happy enough was orchestrating the crowd again yesterday so I’m not overly worried about him – I’m sure the club are focused on getting the final recruitments over the line & Bruno’s contract will be straight forward once they turn their attention fully to it.
Regarding Gordon/Barnes – I think Howe gets the selections right more often than not. He played Wilson & Isak in games last season when the media questioned whether he would.
The options he has nowt are excellent – I include Almiron & Murphy in that as well. I know Murph isn’t everyone’s cup of tea – but that’s snobbery imo, the lad does well when he’s played.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Aye sharpy, Murphy was great yesterday and like you I feel doesn’t get the acclaim his improvement and ability warrants
Your options point is spot on.
I spent all last season telling myself but not quite believing myself (until Brighton game ) that this Newcastle are not those Newcastles.
Similar mindset adjustment required for me that this Newcastle first 11 will not pick itself as in previous years.
50 years of watching this lot flatter to deceive or be irrelevant takes some overcoming tho so hopefully y’all can be patient with me as I come around 😉
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
Fantastic game and well beyond any of my expectations! Could’ve been 7 or 8… everyone played their part. Great for Barnes and Tonali to get their debut goals at home too.
Only downside is the card for their goalie. Clear red in my opinion. There may have been 3 defenders but they were not goalkeepers. Could not handle the ball and thus it was a clear goal scoring opportunity as Miggy was past the goalie and clear. But it didn’t impact our game luckily.
I was also a little surprised that the 2 VAR calls went our way. They looked very tight. Last season I don’t think we’d have got those.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
SHARPY it was a youth player he was called in for,same eh,still time but
Icedog(Quote)
Of all the teams we must play this season, I really, really want to beat LiVARpool … I’d love it, just love it if we can beat them. 😂😂
A draw here between Chelsea and Liverpool would be spot on.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Go West – I’m the same mate. My closest experience to what’s going on was the Keegan era. But even then it’s not the same because we had to shut the academy to focus on the first team. We are completely focused on youth development now & putting the foundations in that weren’t there under SJH – and that’s no criticism by the way.
Ice – I’m happy to keep stocking that pond mate 👌🏼
Sharpy17(Quote)
I think if there’s a CB to come in it will likely be Andersen from Palace – but would depend on them getting their replacement first – unless one of ours gets injured & then that may up our urgency to bring someone in.
I think it may be all attentions turned to moving players out now & try to reduce our wage bill – Fraser, Hendrick, Hayden, Dubravka, Manquillo are all players I think they will try and move on before the window closes.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I wonder if signing Caicedo means Chelsea will have to sell more players – in which case I wonder if Chalobah might be up for sale.
He’s only 24 and is a pacy RCB. Doesn’t maybe have the range of passing Andersen does – but Andersen doesn’t have the pace & I think that’s maybe what’s needed in our defence.
Chalobah is very good at stepping out and intercepting passes – which is a Schar role just now.
Could be a good option as of course he’s English which seems to be a bit of a preference at the moment too.
May be around £30m where Andersen figure has been suggested at around £40m.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I rewatched the villa game today after the first episode of WANU.
Lovely morning.
Did anyone clock that lad in the crowd trading bow and arrow celebrations with Barnes .. Brilliant stuff
I then paid attention to Liverpool / Chelsea. It was cool watching that game and wondering how they’d cope with Newcastle and not how Newcastle are going to avoid a humping off them.
Anyhow onto defensive depth, I think new incoming is option 1 but I wonder if Howe and co are considering the depth below if injuries occur.
They surely can’t all get injured together 🤞
RB trippier/ livramento/ Murphy
RCB Schar/ Lascelles/ Burn
LCB Botman / Burn
LB Burn/ Targett / Trippier
And that’s before 5s and 3s options in respect of formation
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
Go West – he also still has Krafth coming back don’t forget. He’s obviously a RB first but did play RCB in a back 5. Theres also Dummett who plays LB and again LCB in a back 5 – and Ritchie who was our LB once over.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not offering any of the above as preferred options – but in terms of players Howe has available to him, they have to at least be in the conversation 🤷🏼♂️.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Doh! .. how’d I forget those players 🤦♂️
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
I’m still gobsmacked – where did we get so many top class players? How did that happen?
Isak, Tonali, Botman, Joelinton, Trippier, Pope. There’s nobody I’d swap for any of them.
I guess I’m still numb from watching a Hendrick or Haydon class of player.
georgio(Quote)
There’s so many I forgot Bruno! And Anderson getting better and better. Livramento?
georgio(Quote)
Georgio – not many better finishers than Wilson either mate – and keep your pen handy coz I reckon Gordon & Barnes will be added to your list shortly too 🤪😂
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpy – some list already. I honestly didn’t see it stacking up so quickly. Could we be the best in the league?
georgio(Quote)
Our First team is decent. Best in the league, probably not. Our bench is getting better. Our squad still needs a bit of work.
PremAndUp(Quote)
City were obviously the most successful team last season but actually used the fewest number of players – 22.
I’m not saying I expect us to be close to that level of success just yet – and those 22 were world class players.
I guess the point I’m trying to make is we don’t have to do a Chelsea & buy everyone if we want to be successful – quality over quantity, especially as we have some fine young players that won’t take a place in that 25 man squad.
Sharpy17(Quote)
1. Pope
2. Trippier
3. Schar
4. Botman
5. Burn
6. Bruno
7. Joelinton
8. Tonali
9. Willock
10. Longstaff
11. Anderson
12. Almiron
13. Murphy
14. Gordon
15. Barnes
16. Isak
17. Wilson
18. Dubravka/Karius
19. Livramento
Lacselles & Target were on the bench yesterday. They can do a job but neither would fall into that ‘quality’ category for me. Nor would Manquillo or Krafth – though I do think Manquillo is another who could do a job.
I don’t dislike Dummet or Ritchie, but they are player/mentors for the team – or mentor/players based on how much game time I think each will get.
Now, I know some will question me putting Murphy into my 19. Let me justify it by saying this – I am currently watching Man Utd play Wolves and Man Utd have Anthony playing RWF. They have Sancho on the bench – each player cost £95m and £85m respectively … I would take Murphy ahead of both 🤷🏼♂️.
So we have 19 players. I think we are 3 short – a RCB, a LB and a CF – 3 positions well talked about over the summer. I don’t expect that to be addressed this window & that’s ok – wait and get the right players.
Finally what I would say is that our recruitment so far has been first class – Chris Wood being the only one you could question. But even then, you could see why we did it & we stayed in the league so 🤷🏼♂️.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Since ETH went in at MU only Chelsea & Arsenal have spent more on player recruitment.
Man Utd look truly awful against a poor Wolves side that haven’t bought any new players & replaced their manager 4 days ago – I’m guessing it’ll be the Glazers fault 😂😂
Sharpy17(Quote)
Wow – Rashford off, McTom on to protect a 1-0 lead against Wolves
#theatreofdreams 😂😂😂
Sharpy17(Quote)
Wolves robbed a penalty – absolute disgrace that VAR didn’t overturn or tell him to look at it again – Man Utd at home, never gonna happen!!
Sharpy17(Quote)
Wow. PGMOL already apologised to wolves for the non penalty at manu.
And so here’s the thing; as impressive as that win was on Saturday and as spawny as manu were tonight we’re equal on points and they won’t be that bad all season
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
Go West – what’s worse is they booked Gary O Neil as well mate!!
I don’t know how he’s managed it, but Howard Webb has taken some broken & made it even worse – and people have been warning him right along the way.
Instead of booking managers, why not give THEM a challenge a half or game – they don’t have to use it, but last night Gary O Neil could have sent the ref to look at it again.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Last night, that was the clearest, most obvious penalty I’ve ever seen. Shocking that it wasn’t given. Unbelievable that the FA have apologised though. An apology does change the result or give Wolves the point.
It’s either corruption or total incompetence, neither should be allowed in the premier league, but I see now it’s just going to keep happening against anyone playing Man United, Man City, Liverpool, etc. 😡😡
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Manure will always get the free pass, infuriating but I just expect it now. Maybe it will alter once SAF slips off this mortal plain as his influence still seems to hold.
kimtoon(Quote)
https://www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/football/newcastle-united/fourth-unannounced-newcastle-united-transfer-confirmed-with-st-james-park-photo-4254932
SHARPY thats the kid he done
icedog(Quote)
I totally agree, but I go back to the madness of booking O Neil.
He reacted to a blatant injustice – and his reaction wasn’t over the top. He wasn’t shouting and swearing, but he was obviously animated. He was booked as a result of a new rule brought in because of the likes of Klopp & Arteta who go on stupid throughout a game.
What’s worrying is there are so many officials now & more cameras this season than last – all they’re to make this work.
They have brought rules in to punish players for time wasting & managers for being overly emotional. They have restricted the off field instruction to 1 coach in the technical area at any given time … but have not made the officials any more accountable for their decisions or mistakes.
The women’s WC have the ref explain their decision after a VAR review. Not to say they get it right every time but at least they are explaining themselves.
I’d also give the managers a challenge each half. If VAR decide not to get the ref to review, the manager should be able to – that would also help manage emotion because they would feel they had a little bit of control.
It feels like the new rules have been brought in only to punish & has improved very little imo.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Completely agree mate
PremAndUp(Quote)
Ice – I saw Olly do an article on the lad too. Not sure how I feel about so much publicity about a 14 year old to be honest.
Photos of him holding the shirt & social media posts – it’s all a bit first team signing stuff for me.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Prem sorry that’s my response to Sharpy not yours, I pressed submit then realised i had your details.
Sites broken again
kimtoon(Quote)
I think it was unlikely anyway, but any chance of us getting Tierney this window feels like it might be over if Timber is out for Arsenal.
Kim – my details keep disappearing every time I come on or make a post.
Sharpy17(Quote)
If Tierney was going to happen it would have by now.
georgio(Quote)
i see M/U put on a big slap up meal for Webb and a few FA guys after the game with Wolves how can they get away with it,no press kick off over it in fact they were quite happy to show a photo of them all round the table eating and drinking,the whole thing stinks,but what can be done about it???
icedog(Quote)
Nothing changes ICE, some of these top clubs and refs stink the place out.
kimtoon(Quote)
Get in England and nice to see toon ( name adjusted to suit narrative 🤣🤣) at forefront
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
Well done ladies, excellent win. world cup final here we come.
Bring on the Spanish.👏
kimtoon(Quote)
Great win for the Lionesses. Bring on Spain! 🏆🥇
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Brilliant the Lionesses making the final – to be fair it could have went either way coz the Aussies had chances near the end too. But we took our chances well & I do think the 2 best performing teams have made the final – which should be a very good game.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Great that City are getting put through their paces by Seville in a very hot Athens – hopefully takes its toll for Saturday evening.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Shame there is no extra time, straight to penalties
PremAndUp(Quote)
If we can pull off either Tierney or Hall before the window closes then I think we’d have had a very good summer window.
I like Tierney a lot, but Hall would be building for the future really. He’s looked very capable when he’s played for Chelsea – but I’m not sure he goes straight into our first team, where Tierney probably would.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Things seem to be moving fast around a potential hall transfer.
Of the names mentioned at LB recently , and I acknowledge my knowledge is sketchy, he did seem the most Howe-like player
If he and livramento live up to hype around them coupled with botman in his early 20’s that’s some future defence Howe is assembling
This feels like Newcastle being opportunistic again and Chelsea and transfers are a bit of a soap opera so this could be an interesting couple days
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
Loan to Buy RCB and every inbox ticked. Outbox a bit full.
PremAndUp(Quote)
The Hall deal seems like a perfect ending to a very good window for the Toon! His family are big Toon fans. Anyone know how?
georgio(Quote)
Seems like a deal is agreed. Loan with obligation to buy for £28 million plus add ons. Great deal for a young exciting talent. Chuffed if this goes through.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Good signing
kimtoon(Quote)
Uh-oh. Reece James and Trevoh Chalobah both Chelsea defenders have picked up injuries this week and may be out for a month or so
First curve ball for signing hall ??
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
Well today is the first press conference where Howe has been asked about a player & he hasn’t batted it away with he’s not our player so I won’t comment on it.
He’s answered positively as if he seems to expect the deal to be done.
Loan to buy is outstanding business by our lot – especially as it seemed the lad was on his way to Palace at one stage.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Have we signed the next Ashley Cole?
Icedog(Quote)
Ice – do you think he could be that good mate?.
I think the lad has so much potential & im amazed Chelsea have let him go. I know they are guaranteed £28m for him next summer, but it’s definitely weakened them imo.
I’d love to know the finer details of the contract too – and kind of sell on or buy back clauses. I hope not, our new lot seem more savvy than that but to get the deal done round FFP you never know.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I find it hilarious that just a few weeks ago Liverpool were bidding to break the British transfer record only to end up with a 30 year old for £16m on a 4 year contract 🫢😂.
Even funnier when you consider they were so convinced Jude Bellingham was a done deal 😂😂
Sharpy17(Quote)
SHARPY from the bits I’ve seen of him yes I do if he can follow up his progress and Howe is just the guy to do it for him
Icedog(Quote)