Newcastle 1-0 Man Utd: There’s only one United!

A night that sums up the might of Eddie Howe’s Mags, as the same 11 who battered Chelsea 4-1 and battled to a 1-1 draw in Paris dominated Man Utd in a brilliant win at St James’ Park.

A huge three points in so many ways, as we put injuries aside and delivered another enormous display to beat our top-four rivals. The 1-0 score line doesn’t do us justice – it could’ve easily been three or four – but it sees us move up to 5th in the table and kick-off a hectic festive schedule with such a massive win.

We dominated the first half in ever attacking stat possible, aside from the score line. We were outstanding and completely outplayed a Man Utd side who couldn’t cope with our pace, intensity, slick passing and pressing.

Miggy had a low shot stopped by Onana, Bruno fired just over from the edge of the box, Isak had a big blocked and trickle just wide, Lascelles headed over and Trippier clipped a brilliant free kick off the underside of the bar after Schar was brought down. We did everything but score attacking the Gallowgate.

Schar’s ball-carrying from deep was a joy to watch, Livramento was a constant threat on the overlap, Trippier wasn’t giving an inch to Garnacho, Joelinton won every 50/50, Bruno pulled the strings, Miley was linking the play superbly, Gordon’s movement caused chaos and the elusive Isak looked in the mood.

After such dominance attacking the Gallowgate in that first 45, it felt like a matter of time until we’d find the finish our dominance deserved. That was the hope at half-time, at least, as I sat inside a freezing St James’ Park encouraged by our display yet worried we’d live to regret our misses against a lucky Man Utd.

Thankfully, we came out after the break with the same energy and intent, immediately putting them on the back foot. Joelinton – who was back to his very best – fired a low effort too close to Onana but the ‘dodgy keeper’ was soon beaten, as Trippier’s low cross was tapped home by Gordon; his sixth of the season and the goal we’d all been waiting for!

There’s just no stopping him! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Esnwjmj8Bh

— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) December 3, 2023

Miley looked set to make it 2-0 before Wan-Bissaka blocked away his goal-bound shot on the line, then there was another heroic intervention at the other end, as Schar did incredibly to block Reguilon’s effort that looked to be beating Nick Pope; who was unable to continue after landing awkwardly and dislocating his shoulder.

That was the only negative on another electric night at St James’ Park, where the players made us proud just days after Champions League heartbreak in Paris. It was a team effort and another masterclass from Howe, who got the better of ten Hag for the third-straight game since we lost at Wembley earlier this year.

Joelinton was monstrous in the middle, Bruno ran the show and Livramento was electric down the left, offering a different dynamic to our side with his pace, drive and quality at both ends. The incredible Schar made it look easy once again and Lascelles was strong in the tackle and dominant in the air, winning one huge header late on to smash away a Man Utd corner. Trippier bossed Garnacho and set up the winner and Miley was outstanding again, showing composure and positional intelligence way beyond his years.

What a win. What a team. What a night. There’s only one United! Next up, Everton away on Thursday before a trip to Spurs next Sunday. HWTL!

STARTING XI: Pope – Trippier, Lascelles, Schar, Livramento – Miley, Guimaraes, Joelinton – Almiron, Isak, Gordon. 

SUBSTITUTES: Dubravka, Karius, A Murphy, Dummett, Krafth, Hall, Ritchie, Diallo, Parkinson.