Newcastle United ended their pre-season tour of Japan with a 2-0 defeat to Yokohama F. Marinos at the National Stadium in Tokyo.
We had plenty of chances in the opening exchanges, where Isak, Longstaff, Almiron and Barnes all failed to find the finish, but the J-League side – who are half way through their current season – scored either side of the break as Eddie Howe made wholesale changes at half time in humid 35° conditions.
The defeat will concern some and serves as a subtle reminder that first-team additions are very much needed, but just like we didn’t get carried away by that 3-1 win in Germany, a 2-0 win over Hull of 4-1 win over Urawa in midweek, we won’t panic at today’s score line, with pre-season about fitness and minutes for all members of the squad above all else.
On a genuinely positive note, teenage winger Trevan Sanusi was one of the big positives from the game, with the 17-year-old a real threat in the second half as he displayed his exciting mix of pace, trickery and ability to beat a man. The left-winger looked a massive talent and will be one to watch heading into the 2024/25 season, highlighting the benefits of our newfound Academy investment.
Eddie Howe fielded another strong side, where new signings Lloyd Kelly and Odysseas Vlachodimos joined Fabian Schar, Bruno Guimaraes (captain) and Miguel Almiron in starting their first games of pre-season two weeks before the big kick-off against Southampton at St James’ Park. The popular new adidas third kit was also worn for the first time.
Joe Willock missed out – he is not injured, the club are simply managing his workload – while Anthony Gordon and Kieran Trippier remain on extended breaks after Euro 2024. Sandro Tonali was ineligible once again with Wilson (back), L. Miley (foot), Botman (ACL), Lascelles (ACL), Targett (Achilles), Dubravka, Gillespie, A. Murphy (hip), White (back) and Kuol (knee) also absent.
NUFC XI: Vlachodimos – Livramento, Schar, Kelly, Hall – Longstaff, Bruno (c), Joelinton – Almiron, Isak, Barnes.
SUBS: Pope, Ruddy, Lewis, Krafth, J. Murphy, Ashby, Burn, J. Miley, Turner-Cooke, Heffernan, Sanusi, Harrison, Parkinson.
Our first big chance came just before the 10-minute mark, as Alexander Isak cut the ball back superbly for Sean Longstaff. The Geordie midfielder could’ve hit it first time, but took a lovely touch to sit down his man before his eventual effort was blocked.
Isak was causing havoc with his movement in behind and Joelinton – who started on the left of a midfield three – was also making some dangerous runs forward, as he did to good effect in our 2-0 win over Hull last weekend.
At the other end, Eijiro Takeda clipped the top of the cross bar after a rare attack came down their left, but it was Newcastle who posed a consistent threat, with Isak the next to go close after almost rounding Yokohama goalkeeper before falling awkwardly on his shoulder. He managed to continue, but did need treatment from the our medical staff.
Miguel Almiron was the next to threaten on his first start of pre-season, although the Paraguayan didn’t get enough on his left-footed effort after drifting in from the right before Livramento’s vital header and Kelly’s crucial blocked denied the hosts at the other end.
Harvey Barnes made a good run in behind and was picked out superbly by Bruno Guimaraes. The winger’s first touch was good, but he couldn’t get the ball onto his favoured right foot and a miscued a left-footed effort wide following pressure from the recovering Yokohama defender. Another chance squandered, which was unlike our pre-season so far after a number of impressive finishes against Urawa in midweek.
In the end, it was Yokohama who found the breakthrough just after the half-hour mark. Joelinton was caught napping as Sakakibara was given acres of space to break down their right before his cut-back found an unmarked Elber in the box. The cross left our recovering back four stuck in the mud and the Brazilian beat Vlachodimos with a smart first-time finish.
🇯🇵 Yokohama 1-0 Newcastle (HT) ⚫️⚪️
We’ve had our chances through Isak, Longstaff, Almiron and Barnes, but they punished us before the break with this smart cut-back and finish.
Joelinton caught napping down our left for the goal. #NUFC
— NUFCBlog.co.uk (@NUFCblogcouk) August 3, 2024
He looked assured on the ball and made one vital block as mentioned previously, but Lloyd Kelly did get caught out with one ball in behind, seeing him take out his man and pick up a yellow card that could’ve been more had this not been a pre-season friendly.
Conditions were sweltering once again and Howe made seven changes at the break, with Nick Pope, Dan Burn, Emil Krafth, Harrison Ashby, Jacob Murphy, Trevan Sanusi and Ben Parkinson replace Vlachodimos, Schar, Kelly, Livramento, Guimaraes, Barnes and Isak.
Seconds after the restart, Krafth almost gifted them hosts a 2-0 lead as the Swede lost control of a simple pass and allowed the Yokohama forward to burst in behind. In the end, Pope did well to come out quickly and narrow the angle, with Burn also on hand to head clear the resultant cross. Another chance soon followed for Yokohama after more reckless defending from Krafth, who left Burn exposed after rushing to win a header he was never getting to.
Wholesale changes at the break never help – we had a mishmash of young and old and plenty playing out of position – but we came out of the traps very slowly and soon went 2-0 down. Jacob Murphy tried to let the ball run out for a goal kick, was robbed of possession, Krafth was too busy calling for the whistle and Koike’s simple cut-back was finished by Amano to double Yokohama’s lead.
🇯🇵 Yokohama 2-0 Newcastle (FT) ⚫️⚪️
Poor goal to concede for their second. Signings needed, but pre-season is about fitness, minutes in the talk and finding rythm again, not results. #NUFC
— NUFCBlog.co.uk (@NUFCblogcouk) August 3, 2024
The messy second half display continued up to the hour mark, although we did see Longstaff flash over (again) and some lovely pieces of trickery from talented winger Trevan Sanusi, who drew fouls, burst past his man with ease and almost set up Almiron before the goal-bound South American was flagged offside. The England U17 international is a huge talent and was our biggest threat in the final 45, showing his impressive burst of pace, quick feet and ability to beat a man with patches of brilliance.
Two more changes followed from Howe, who brought on Alfie Harrison and Jamal Lewis for Joelinton and Hall with 25 minutes remaining, giving the highly-rated former Man City midfielder and forgotten left-back another chance to impress.
In true pre-season style, the game petered out as we fell to a 2-0 defeat in front of a reported 50,000 crowd in Tokyo. Not the result we wanted, but a good run out from a fitness perspective, no injuries and a reminder that we need a few quality additions, with the likes of Longstaff and Almiron displaying their limited quality in the final third.
Speaking after the game, Howe admitted he was “disappointed” with the defeat and saw several “things to work on”, adding that the hot and humid conditions have made it “difficult” for the players.
Next up for the Toon, a long flight back to Tyneside, a week of training and two games next weekend, with Girona and Stade Brest to come in the Sela Weekender of Friday 9th and Saturday 10th August.
- 22nd July – SpVgg Unterhaching 1-3 Newcastle (⚽ Barnes ⚽ Murphy ⚽ Isak)
- 27th July – Hull City 0-2 Newcastle (⚽ Isak, ⚽ Murphy)
- 31st July – Urawa Red Diamonds 1-4 Newcastle (⚽ Isak, ⚽⚽ Murphy, ⚽ Hall)
- 3rd August – Yokohama F. Marinos 2-0 Newcastle
- 9th August – Newcastle vs Girona (7.30pm )
- 10th August – Newcastle Women vs AC Milan Women (1pm)
- 10th August – Newcastle vs Stade Brest (4pm)
Another good write up Olly! Cannot argue with what you’ve written there. Disappointing from a finishing perspective, I think we could’ve and should’ve done better when we were on top but that’s what friendlies are about. Some players not yet up to full match sharpness. Young Sanusi looks promising. I’d like to see more of Jamal Lewis. He may yet be able to play his part.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
If we sell Longstaff and Almiron, I’ll not be upset.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
We are too dependent on Isak for goals. Longstaff gets into great positions & has chances but is not clinical enough in his finishing for me. Almiron, other than a few months purple patch before the Dubai WC has never been good enough in front of goal.
I’m not singling those 2 out coz I think Joelinton & Bruno should be chipping in with a few more too.
Gordon give a good return last season, but I think it makes the RWF all the more important – they have to be a source of goals too. Bowen has an outstanding return, but I know it’s highly unlikely we can get him. We need someone who is equalling or has the potential to equal Gordon on the other side.
Sharpy17(Quote)
It will be interesting to see who eventually comes in as RWF. Lots of names linked, but probably it will be something out the blue.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
So the chat is Mitchell has gone to Turkey to look at Yilmaz from Galatasaray.
Sharpy17(Quote)
This talk from liverpool about Gordon is really pissing me off. Stories now saying he will go on strike to force a move. What bo.llocks. 😡😡😡
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Yilmaz looked very good in the Euros.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Gilly – he did. My preference would have been someone playing in the PL now – Bueno or Elanga.
But it’s that price bracket again I think. Spend less on Thiaw and the money is there for a more expensive RWF. Guehi will be more expensive so there’s less for the RWF.
I suspect it’s who’s actually available to sign as well though. We can throw as many names round as we like – if the clubs just arent selling or the player doesn’t want to move then there’s nowt we can do about that really.
Sharpy17(Quote)
A think we get guehi and neto in. Obvs sell players almiron targett fraser and possibly trips
Coutts86(Quote)
Tripps needs to stay unless there is significant money for him.
Longstaff needs to be out of this team asap absolute mediocre dross
Good report though :}
Meerkat(Quote)
Meerkat – I disagree mate. Trips is 33 now and if we can get £10m or more for him, then we have to move him on & start a new era at RB.
The sad reality of PSR is that every player runs round with a price tag on them now & £10m is £10m.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Is there a genuine concern to be had about these Gordon to Liverpool rumours?!?!!
Howe hasn’t really been asked about it from what I’ve seen, and Gordon hasn’t come out and distanced himself from it either.
Is this a case of the player waiting to see what we do in the transfer market – ie, how ambitious are we going to be before deciding what he does himself maybe?!.
We depended on him pretty heavily last season & he played through a lot of knocks – did that ultimately have an impact of his Euros?! Did he have too much football in his legs & that’s the reason Southgate didn’t play him?! – I don’t know I’m theorising.
When he spoke with GNev he came across as very ambitious & in a bit of a hurry to get there – did us not qualifying for Europe turn Gordon’s head.
If it’s true and we have tried to use him as a way of complying with PSR, I can imagine that would have offended him too in fairness.
I hope I’m just overthinking all of this & have been sucked in by the media nonsense and once he’s back with the squad all will be well.
Sharpy17(Quote)
The only way I’d agree a deal with Liverpool for Gordon would be if Jota and maybe either Van den Berg or Fábio Carvalho was coming the other way.
Gordon is valued £60m on Transfermarkt.
Jota is valued £50m, with Van den Berg valued £12m and Carvalho valued £14m.
Jota would be a must for me though. Forget Gomez.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Wouldnt be swapping gordon for any of them mind. Especially not the last 2. Ad say to liverpool 100m take it or leave it. A want gordon to be here for years. Liverpool arnt payin 100m.
Coutts86(Quote)
Coutts – for clarity, I’m taking only if Gordon is pushing the move & is adamant he wants out – I’m with you. I want to build our team around him, Bruno & Isak.
But the reports seem to be Gordon is pushing a move. I’m saying IF we have a conversation with Liverpool, it would have to include Jota – or if our priority is CB then Konate rather than Gomez – but either would be with absolute reluctance!!.
The other 2 I mentioned would be in addition to either Jota or Konate as both are young and would be decent back up squad players – but again, I wouldn’t be actively looking to sign them – it would only be if our hand was being forced by Gordon.
Again, I hope I’m wrong & totally over thinking all this but the window is moving along & I don’t want us getting caught sleeping
Sharpy17(Quote)
He’s worth more than £60m transfer market can bog off.
kimtoon(Quote)
Well this is disgusting and rank corruption if true
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtWGVhl-mFY&ab_channel=EverMore-NUFC
kimtoon(Quote)
bloody shocking mate,but they will get away with it,rest of PL should kickoff but will they?
even the press will stay nowt about it,its M/U?
icedog(Quote)
Kim/Ice – nothing surprises me with the PL anymore.
But one thing is for certain, Man City’s legal team will be digging deep into this with the breach case coming up – and I imagine they may chat with Everton & Forest and Leicester actually if the PL try to punish them with their return to the PL.
We were obviously scrambling this summer & I think Villa only sold Luiz to meet PSR as well.
If this is true – and I’m conscious of just how much fake social media news is doing the rounds at the mo – so it needs more scrutiny I think coz the PL would know these figures would eventually be released – so such obvious favouritism would come to light – but it absolutely needs looking into & clearing up.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Let’s Just go buy Arda Güler from Real Madrid and worry about PSR later
PremAndUp(Quote)
I posted on another article but I’ll say here as well.
I think it’s ridiculous that the league starts up again next weekend and we still aren’t close to signing either an upgrade at RCB or RWF – especially when we’ve known they’ve been needed all last season.
Really poor!!
Sharpy17(Quote)
Watching the news this morning and the solidarity shown in Newcastle West End last night fills you with pride. Don’t get me wrong – there shouldn’t be a need for that show of unite, but the destruction of the minority has brought out the majority to show it won’t be tolerated.
I have to credit the Mackems for their tidy up efforts the other day too.
These idiots can’t win!!.
Sharpy17(Quote)
here here mate, same in Bristol.
kimtoon(Quote)
What the hell are our lot doing in this window man?!?!!!
WH are on the verge of another quality signing and we are signing kids & reserves!!.
Is something going on where they are making it easy for Howe to push for the England job, or are these new lot just not able to get these deals done?!.
We started negotiations for Thiaw – looked to have been ready to get him in then switched to Guehi which now seems to be dragging on – and have we even decided who’s number 1 target for RWF?!?!!
We haven’t even moved anyone one since the fire sale of Anderson & Minteh.
We kick off in 8 days time & it all feels a little incompetent to me now. These players should have been in to allow Howe a bit of a pre season with them.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Scratching my head at the moment Sharpy. Very frustrating seeing all our competitors signing new players and we are not. We do seem very incompetent when it comes to new bodies.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
So Isak has refused to sign new contract ??
Icedog(Quote)
Ice – is that because the club have shown ZERO ability to get anything done in this window maybe??.
There’s Chelsea just agreed a deal for Neto – another target of ours on the move.
It’s embarrassing now!! Why would Isak or Gordon stick round – pathetic!!.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Good 4-0 win against Girona but really, it should’ve been 7 or 8. Isak missed a penalty… goals from Longstaff (2), Murphy and Gordon.
Young Sanusi looks very good indeed.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
https://www.nufcblog.co.uk/2024/08/09/newcastle-4-0-girona-brilliant-toon-run-riot-at-st-james-park/
New thread guys.
Gilly Toon(Quote)