Has a derby win ever tasted so sweet? After a run of awful results, constant struggles on the road and without a local derby in almost eight years, we needed a win here more than ever; and that’s exactly what we got.
Here’s 10 positives that stand out a day on from our 3-0 win at the Stadium of Light:
1. Howe’s high-intensity returns – For well over a month now, we’ve struggled to play with that intensity that’s become a hallmark of Eddie Howe’s NUFC. At Sunderland, we looked fresh, strong physically and able to deliver that high-pressing style that’s been so effective over the past few years. They couldn’t cope with it, highlighted by our second goal.
2. Miguel Almiron – Miggy has been going through a tough patch, increasing the outcry for a new right-winger to be signed. I think it’s fair to say another is needed, to add competition at the very least, but it was a huge positive to see the Paraguayan back to his best. He lead the press so effectively, his link-up with Trippier was slick, his defensive work was superb, he played a huge role in our vital second goal and came so close to scoring himself.
3. A new Mackem Slater – Alexander Isak is our only fit striker following another injury to Callum Wilson and this was another marker of his class. He was gifted both goals to an extent, but his derby day brace takes him to 13 goals for the season, with him showing that ice-cool quality where it mattered once again to make it four in his last three. His passion when celebrating both goals and the win at full-time was also great to see. If Ballard didn’t slice into his own net, we may even have seen a hat-trick for the Swede!
4. Finally some control on the road – It wasn’t just our pressing that impressed, it was the control we had on the game and maturity of our display. We had zero control of the game in a naive and open display at Anfield and we never looked comfortable in recent away days at Everton, Spurs, Chelsea and Luton, but this was much more like it.
5. Martin Dubravka – He made several big saves at Anfield – where he was our best player by some distance – and he stepped up when needed on Wearside. His save to deny Pritchard at 2-0 and stop to block a deflected shot in the second half kept the scoreline comfortable. A clean sheet and another solid display will do his confidence the world of good, especially if we have no plans to sign a goalkeeper this month.
6. Howe answering his critics – It may be the vocal minority, but I found pre-match talk around Howe’s future completely premature and disrespectful given it’s the first genuinely bad run we’ve been on since he took the job. He didn’t ‘need’ this win to keep his job, but it’s a victory that should end reports suggesting he’s ‘under pressure.’
7. Kieran Trippier – It was so good to see Kieran Trippier enjoy his moment in front of 6,000 Geordies at the end. He’s been through such a tough spell, took abuse from Sunderland fans and so many have doubted him, but he didn’t give Jack Clarke a sniff today, linked up superbly down our right and showed that composure on the ball that’s needed in these occasions.
8. The post-match scenes – Our winning photo on the pitch has to go down as one of THE most iconic pictures taken at NUFC. A squad united, 6,000 Mags and a priceless moment in our bitter rivals’ own backyard as Mackems streamed out of the Stadium of Light. There was so much more, though. Just watch it below:
Those full-time scenes 😍
Enjoy the rest of your weekend, Geordies! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/RCiSCqsfxf
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) January 6, 2024
9. Anthony Gordon – Despite being a strong contender for our player of the season, it’s fair to say Gordon had looked a little flat, fatigued and a few levels below his electric best of late. However, it felt like he’s one of several who has benefited from a few days off mixed in with a return to full training sessions. He ran Hume ragged, won the penalty late on and was at his s***housing best throughout. Asking Hume if he could wait until after the game to swap shirts after constant pulling was iconic.
10. A turning point? – Some called this game the last thing we needed, but it was actually EXACTLY what we needed. This could spark our season back into life in so many ways. It may be a win over a second tier side, but it is a much-needed confidence boost for the players, an overdue victory away from home, a welcome clean sheet, a win that should end any chatter around Eddie’s future, a springboard to build on heading into tough Premier League games and a chance for us to enjoy a run in the FA Cup; which feels all the more important now we’re out of the Carabao Cup and Europe.
I only say ‘near-perfect’ in the title as Joelinton was forced off with a thigh injury. Even so, what a memorable day and massive win for Eddie’s Mags.
I enjoyed this article.
As sweet as a win is over that lot the bs about Howe’s future being at stake on the result was way OTT.
Equally I doubt a win against a poor team is a trigger for a defining change in the toon’s season. That comes with effort, focus and application from the squad which hopefully they’ll get a chance to do with a lighter schedule, good training and returning players.
Some memorable moments this weekend topped by the team photo in front of the newly christened SJP stand
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