The past few days couldn’t have gone much better for Newcastle United, as the opening weekend of the new Premier League season got off to an ideal start.
In this piece, we’ll run through some of the highlights from Saturday night and beyond, as Eddie Howe’s Mags head into the second week of the season top of the table.
1. £93m duo make immediate impact
Few expected Sandro Tonali to be thrown straight in, but Howe’s decision to start the Italian was immediately justified. A perfectly timed run and finish gave him a debut goal just six minutes in. After that, it was a midfield masterclass from the 23-year-old, who displayed an outstanding mix of tenacity, technical ability, intelligence off the ball and composure in possession.
Harvey Barnes didn’t start, but it his impact from the bench was instant, as he weighed in with a goal and an assist during his 22 minute cameo. In truth, he should’ve had two assists, only for Emi Martinez to smother what should’ve been a second for Callum Wilson.
2. Gordon like a new signing
The scouse winger has enjoyed a hugely encouraging pre-season, following Euro glory with England U21s with some really positive performances.
He deserved his start on Saturday and he took his chance with both hands, looking a shadow of the unfit, indecisive and underconfident player we saw earlier this year. The 22-year-old was so sharp, did everything quickly, displayed electric movement and delivered an inch perfect cross for Tonali’s opener. At the other end, his work rate, desire and discipline was also impressive, as he protected Dan Burn well and did brilliantly to hold up one Moussa Diaby counter.
3. Both strikers off the mark already
I don’t envy Eddie Howe picking between Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson each week. Isak repaid his faith with another brilliant brace, but Callum Wilson also opened his account with a poachers finish beyond Martinez to make it 4-1.
There’s not many Premier League sides with TWO quality out and out centre forwards, but we have exactly that in Isak and Wilson.
4. Quality options on the bench
How refreshing was it to see a host of quality options available on the bench on Saturday? It felt like quite a luxury to see Barnes and Wilson come on with 20 minutes to play, with the pair scoring over 30 Premier League goals between them last season!
Jacob Murphy also made a positive impact and that’s before commenting on Elliot Anderson; our star of pre-season who can count himself unlucky not to start. Tino Livramento didn’t feature, but it’s another positive to have such a quality option in reserve should anything happen to Kieran Trippier.
5. ‘Big six’ rivals pretty unimpressive
It’s very early days, but not only did we blow away a strong Aston Villa side, I wasn’t particularly impressed by any of our ‘big six’ rivals over the weekend.
Man City were clinical but didn’t have it all their own way against Burnley and lost Kevin De Bruyne to injury ahead of our trip to the Etihad.
Arsenal limped over the line and created very little in their 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest, Spurs looked vulnerable defensively in a 2-2 draw at Brentford, Chelsea and Liverpool both showed their frailties in a pretty erratic game at Stamford Bridge.
Man Utd were outplayed by Wolves on Monday Night Football. They won 1-0, but looked so disjointed all over the pitch and would’ve concede a 96th minute penalty but were bailed out by a shambolic VAR call.
According to Erik King and other bookies, Man Utd and Liverpool remain more likely to seal a top-four finish than Eddie Howe’s Mags, but there’s nothing to fear for Newcastle United; who were the only Premier League side to make a major statement over the opening weekend of the 2023/24 season.
6. We’ve agreed to sign another huge talent
Turning to off-field matters, it feels huge that Newcastle have struck a £28m deal for Lewis Hall; one of the most exciting young talents in the Premier League.
Not only is he a boyhood Toon fan, he could well be our left-back for the next decade, possessing all of the skill, drive and athleticism to become a top player under Eddie Howe.
A brilliant coup for the club to cap off a truly perfect few days for Newcastle United!
