It’s been an entertaining first half in Newcastle’s opening game of the J-League Series against Urawa Red Diamonds, with Alexander Isak scoring after two minutes and Nick Pope saving a penalty before Jacob Murphy restored our lead to make it 2-1.
The Swede broke free after some sharp link-up play down the left from Joe Willock and Harvey Barnes, eventually firing into the bottom corner emphatically just when it seemed like the attack had been held up. Watch it below.
🇸🇪 Alexander Isak’s goal vs Urawa Red Diamonds ⚫️⚪️#NUFC
— NUFCBlog.co.uk (@NUFCblogcouk) July 31, 2024
After conceding to Nitta Rio on 25 minutes, Nick Pope then saved Tino Livramento’s blushes by saving a penalty the right-back gave away after a reckless challenge. Watch the brilliant penalty save below:
🧤 Nick Pope’s penalty save ⚫️⚪️
📲 @gokujou_heaven | #NUFC
— NUFCBlog.co.uk (@NUFCblogcouk) July 31, 2024
We started superbly and could’ve scored more – Barnes, Longstaff and Isak have all had chances – but had Jacob Murphy to thank as he netted his third goal of pre-season thanks to some great work in the build up from Joe Willock. Watch below:
⚫️⚪️ Jacob Murphy’s goal to make it 2-1 vs Urawa Red Diamonds.
His third in three pre-season games and great play from Joe Willock in the build up 👏#NUFC
— NUFCBlog.co.uk (@NUFCblogcouk) July 31, 2024
NUFC XI: Pope – Livramento, Krafth, Burn, Hall – Longstaff, Joelinton, Willock – Murphy, Isak, Barnes.
SUBS: Vlachodimos, Ruddy, Almiron, J.Miley, Turner-Cooke, Heffernan, Parkinson, Harrison, Sanusi.
