Newcastle United collected a deserved point on Saturday against the Premier League Champions in a performance that, on another day, could’ve perhaps resulted in all three. Here are our five key takeaways from our 1-1 draw with Man City.
- Running down the wing…up front
Basking in the glow of a pregame Wor Flags display, and a reported new contract, Anthony Gordon finally arrived at the 2023/24 Premier League party putting in an all action pressing and goalscoring display…out of position up front.
Slotting home a picture book penalty to grab United a thoroughly deserved point, Gordon contributed to a performance that the lads needed as some doubts had started to creep in amongst the fanbase. Gone was the poor body language as the England international put in a display that included excellent tracking back, positioning, fight and heart.
Playing like he did yesterday, Gordon positively affects games. His running is relentless, and he won his seventh penalty since the start of last season, on top of his 14 goals and 11 assists, he is brilliant to watch when he is on his game. If Eddie Howe dug him out during the week, as he seemed to intermate in his post-match interview, then it worked wonders.
Newcastle should look to blood Will Osula as soon as possible because Gordon should be playing in his preferred outside left position but as a third-choice striker, he was excellent cover yesterday.
- Big performance
With a 12:30 kick off, a sucker punch opening goal, a poor ref (ignored a second penalty) and a lack of time in the pub pre-match – all the ingredients were there for a performance that could go either way but trended towards negative with the sheer quality Man City possess and their opening goal against the run of play.
However, the lads really turned up on Saturday afternoon and could’ve taken all three points on another day. Eddie Howe got his tactics spot on yesterday, shifting into the 5-4-1 out of possession to stifle Man City’s attacking players, and figuring out how to be an effective attacking force ourselves in the absence of Isak.
Starting Tonali and Trippier were huge, correct calls too. (Tonali mention upcoming later) Trippier continues to show why he should be starting for United as his composure and ball control are world class. Livramento is an excellent footballer but Newcastle just look better when Trippier plays.
- Pressing with intensity
Many fans, myself included, have lamented the seeming disappearance of the intense press of the 2022/23 this season. Eddie Howe joined that chorus too when he was asked about it after the Fulham game. It was reassuring to hear the gaffer state that he wants to continue playing in that style, and it was back yesterday.
Joelinton was excellent in front of Hall. He was part of the midfield three that was balanced, composed and had quality on the ball too. The upturn in energy levels was clear to see too, and the gameplan was excellently implemented by the lads, as the pressing nullified one of the best teams in Europe and shackled Haaland, so that he was basically feeding on scraps.
- Hall, Tonali and Burn
Special mentions must go to Lewis Hall, Sandro Tonali and Dan Burn. Hall put in one of his best performances in Black and White, his first touch is excellent, and his game awareness shut down attacks and allowed United to play out of tough positions when they were under pressure.
Tonali is genuinely world class. He brought fight, pace and niggle to the midfield, and his big game focus to the overall match – and his ongoing battle with Prema donna Grealish set the tone for the combative display.
Dan Burn pocketed Haaland, barely giving the Norwegian a sniff of a hint of goal, and his determination and off-the-ball positioning limited the clear-cut chances Man City had.
Those three lads were on top of their games yesterday, and whilst questions remain around Hall’s defensive abilities and Burn’s pace and heading effectiveness from set pieces (he really should be scoring more) they ensured the rot stopped after just one poor performance and defeat on Saturday.
- Performance must be backed up next weekend
Does this performance signal a corner turned for United performance wise? Perhaps, but putting the Cup game aside, this performance must be backed up next weekend against a frankly terrible Everton side.
The Toffees may have picked up a win against Palace this weekend, but they are certain to be scrapping relegation all season and United must put in a similar performance at Goodison Park to prove this isn’t a flash in the pan or just an example of getting yourselves up for a big game.
Last season saw a particularly poor performance away at the blue half of Liverpool but if Newcastle put in the same sort of performance next weekend, Everton will not be able to live with us.
Up next though is Wimbledon, where a rotated team will hopefully be able to secure passage to the next round of the League Cup, setting up a home tie against Chelsea.
(Photo credit: Alex Waters – @AlexWatersMedia)
