Five takeaways from Newcastle 1-0 Brest – Osula debut, £38m man and a show of unity
Newcastle United won 1-0 at St. James’ Park as they concluded their preparations for the new Premier League season against Stade Brest. The victory bringing home a second successive Sela Cup.
Against a strong opponent, who finished 3rd in Ligue 1 last season, United looked sharp in the opening exchanges and took the lead in the 15th minute through Harvey Barnes after a long diagonal pass from Lloyd Kelly. Brest then came into the game as the first half became an even contest. That theme continued into the second half which was a tactical battle with chances at both ends, but no further goals.
Here are our five key takeaways from the game:
- A strong debut for Osula
Will Osula made his debut and looked an effective runner with a good touch and a decent finish. The standout moment was in the 23rd minute when the Dane thought he’d timed his run down the left channel perfectly before opening his body up and slotting home with his right foot – unfortunately the offside flag spoiled his celebrations.
https://twitter.com/Nusc2023/status/1822400294753644910
He had further chances in the 3rd, 33rd and 68th minute through a run in behind, a right footed backheel flick, and a run which was blocked at the near post which should’ve resulted in a corner.
The £10million signing certainly showed he has enough about him to be the third-choice striker behind Isak and Wilson, with there also being plenty to work with on the training ground.
- If only Harvey Barnes could play on the right!
Harvey Barnes endured an injury hit first season on Tyneside with a broken foot keeping him out for four months not long after his £38m move. Still, the former Leicester City player chipped in with five goals and three assists, and Barnes found the net again today, cutting in from the left, before slotting the ball low into the net.
And, thus, the inspiration for this point. Anthony Gordon must start in this United team, he bagged 11 goals and ten assists in the league last season (five against direct ‘top six’ rivals), with 90% and 80% respectively, coming from the left-hand side (the exception: the drubbing of Spurs in April).
So, the question is: how much do you lose from Gordon’s game if you play him on the right-hand side?
Personally, Barnes still has a lot to prove in Black and White, and with question marks still lingering over aspects of last summer’s transfer business (especially considering a slowish window so far this time around), coupled with the form and talent of Gordon, who clearly has a higher ceiling than Barnes, I can’t help but wonder whether the £38million spent on Barnes would’ve been better spent elsewhere.
- Hybrid 4-2-3-1 / 4-4-2 in the second half
Very much like the first game of the Sela Weekender, the second half was a tactical battle. Eddie Howe seemed to be trying another hybrid formation with Barnes either playing up top alongside Osula or at number 10.
Necessitated by Alfie Harrison being replaced by Trevan Sanusi at halftime, the shift worked okay, but with nothing to show for it, it’s difficult to assess the change too much as despite Brest being in the game second half, it was still just a spritzed up friendly.
Tactical flexibility is important, however, and it’s encouraging to see Howe experiment with the players he currently has available, especially with two games in two days.
- Should Trippier or Livramento start at RB against Southampton?
With preseason done, thoughts will inevitably turn to the opening game of the new Premier League season.
Kieron Trippier is one of the best signings in the modern history of Newcastle United. His ability, work rate and desire to come to a club fighting relegation in 2021/22 was the springboard for the change in form that saw United confound its critics to finish in 11th place.
Trippier was solid, if not spectacular today, playing in his natural position, and was captain. However, the Man City academy graduate is 34 and entering the final 12 months of his contract, with transfer rumours swirling around him.
Tino Livramento had an excellent first season at Newcastle, echoing his first season at Southampton. He is a powerful runner with an excellent first touch and a deft footballing brain (things Trippier shares) and at 21-years-old must be looking to become a regular first team starter soon. Eddie Howe will certainly have a tough decision to make this week.
- Newcastle UNITED
At the end of the game both the women’s and the men’s teams collected the trophies from CEO Darren Eales to wrap up preseason. In a show of club unity, there was a mixed celebratory team photo.
The women’s team will look to continue their meteoric rise after back-to-back promotions has seen them arrive in the FA Barclay’s Women’s Championship, with exciting derbies against Durham City and Sunderland to come this year. And another promotion is the target with some brilliant additions having been made to the side.
For the men, it’s all about either top four or breaking the trophy duck – depending on who you ask. With no European football, and a jam-packed schedule for others, United will be aiming high this season.
Personally, I want to see the silverware duck finally broken this season, despite the riches on offer for Champions League qualification. If you offered me 12th place and an FA Cup or League Cup now, I’d snatch both your hands off.
It promises to be a massive season for both teams.
