It’s a theme that’s very noticeable while covering this wild, wild football club. Again, United fans were subjected to a week of extremes.
First, Howe’s side were beaten convincingly at home by a visiting Fulham, and we all waited anxiously for what would follow during mid-week. As it turns out, by the end of Wednesday night, Newcastle were booking their tickets to Wembley for the second time in only three years. They had humbled Arsenal in front of a raucous St James’ Park alive with passion and intensity, and it wasn’t in the least bit because of the ball (that’s right, Mikel). It’s never boring!
As always, I’m Sam and welcome back to the Toon Review!
A Tale of Two Games
Don’t worry. Despite what the title of this section may suggest, I will not focus much on the tale of the first game. With that said, though, Newcastle looked sluggish and sloppy again at home on Saturday, and a very decent Fulham side capitalised on that.
United did take the lead, however, with the ever-underrated Jacob Murphy converting a deflected Anthony Gordon cross shortly before half-time. This would be the last time that the Magpies would find the net on a deeply frustrating afternoon. As goals from Raul Jimenez and Rodrigo Muniz turned the game on its head.
Wednesday saw a release of the pent-up frustration in emphatic manner. Everything about the build-up and atmosphere of the game suggested a fieriness that at times has been missing from St James’ Park recently, and I’m truly blessed that I was able to sit in the Gallowgate-Milburn corner and soak it all in. It began with Johnny “Blue Hat” Davis, Sam Fender’s personal Saxophonist, belting out an epic rendition of “Local Hero”, and it ended with a rousing chorus of Doris Day’s “Whatever Will Be, Will Be”. In the middle of it all, pressure was applied all over the pitch, the running never stopped and Anthony Gordon waved a scarf. It was a perfect night only tainted by the disallowing of Alexander Isak’s goal right at the beginning, but the strike was rightly ruled out for offside.
Most fans, myself included, would not have expected Howe’s shift to a 5-4-1 of sorts to be quite so effective, yet it completely nullified Arsenal’s attacking threat. It was so effective to the point that, by mid-way through the second half, the visitors were creating very little, and the tie was seemingly over.
Jacob Murphy opened the scoring early, converting a 19th-minute rebound after Isak rattled the post on a fast-break. Anthony Gordon’s second-half goal perhaps encapsulated Newcastle’s tactical style the most. Third centre-back Fabian Schär pushed up to pile pressure on Arsenal’s midfield, forcing an error in which goalkeeper David Raya essentially gifted the ball to Gordon, who thanked him by converting into the bottom left corner. Cue the scarf waving. Cue the pandemonium.
A wonderfully historic night. Hopefully this can kickstart Newcastle’s season back into life after a spell of lacklustre play, particularly at home. The win over Arsenal represented everything that Howe’s side does well, and reminded everyone just how far this squad can go.
2-0 on the night. 4-0 over two legs. Wembley beckons, but the question has now become centred on Newcastle’s opponents. Can Tottenham hang on to their slender lead, or will it be Liverpool that we meet in the capital?
What Howe Said
Post-Fulham
“Disappointing day. Disappointing result. Disappointing performance.”
“We were lacking a little bit of energy today. Quality was off slightly, so a tough one to take.”
“We weren’t ourselves. We didn’t attack any part of our game in the way that I know we can.”
Post-Arsenal
“Really tough game, but the players were magnificent from start to finish.”
“We were clinical in our defending and clinical in our attacking. It was a really mature performance.”
“It had all the recipe to be a great game tonight. I thought the way we started was absolutely crucial. We took the game to Arsenal and were very aggressive in our approach.”
On Jacob Murphy’s goal: “It was a really good finish from Jacob because you’ve got to have the composure to put it away. It was always going to be a big moment.”
On Anthony Gordon: “He was a constant threat today. His speed, athleticism and technical ability were really evident.”
On Pre-match change of shape: “We tried to pick a team knowing there would be moments where we would have to soak pressure, but we also wanted to press high and aggressively and be ourselves.”
The Rumour Mill
Eddie Howe says Newcastle will be without midfielder Joelinton for “weeks, not months”, due to a knee injury. (George Caulkin, The Athletic)
Kieran Trippier is a target for Turkish side Galatasaray, who have until the Turkish window closes on February 11th to sign the defender. (ESPN)
The club are leaning towards building a new, state-of-the-art 70,000 stadium next to St James’ Park. (Telegraph)
The Magpies, alongside Tottenham, could revive their interest in Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi in the summer. He is entering the last year of his deal. (Sky Sports)
On This Day
We’re throwing it back to stranger times for this week’s “On This Day”, as it takes us way back to the days in which the Premier League returned behind closed doors, in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. Steve Bruce’s Magpies defeated Southampton 3-2 in front of an empty St James’ Park. All three of United’s goals came in the first half, courtesy of Joe Willock (on loan from Arsenal at the time) and a brace from Miguel Almiron. This game was part of Willock’s memorable record-breaking run in which he scored in seven consecutive games, a tally just recently beaten by Alexander Isak, who managed eight games in a row.
This day in 2023 also marked the tragic passing of former Newcastle winger Christian Atsu, who was killed during the devastating earthquake in Turkey.
Rest in peace, Christian. We’re thinking of you and family today.
A Look Ahead to FA Cup Weekend
Birmingham City (A)
Another cup competition awaits United on late Saturday afternoon, as Howe’s side travel to St Andrew’s to take on a Birmingham City side who sit comfortably atop League One and have won four of their last five games.
We may see a slightly rotated team, yet it will most likely not be rotated to the extent that it was in the third-round win over Bromley.
I don’t know about you, but I wouldn’t mind another cup run.
Toon Trivia
Well done to all of you who got last week’s question correct. During his time at the club, Miguel Almiron tallied 30 goals across all competitions. Again, we wish Miggy all the best as he returns to his former side Atlanta United in MLS.
With Newcastle returning to Wembley for the second time in three years, let’s make this one focused on 2022’s final. Can you name the starting eleven that Howe went with against Manchester United? See how many you can remember without looking it up!
I’ll see you all at some point next week! HWTL.
