In the Sela Weekender, Newcastle United easily defeated Girona 4-0, but the Magpies will still need to make some quality acquisitions in order to build a serious fight for a Champions League spot.
“LEAGUE OF CHAMPIONS? I see you’re laughing.” It was a taunt even the severely injured Newcastle United had to endure from rival supporters throughout the nation during a trying winter last year. On Friday night, after witnessing their team put shell-shocked Girona to the sword at St. James’ Park, the Geordies got to turn the tables.
Even though it was only a friendly, Newcastle’s fast start and the energy with which the black-and-whites performed in the first half gave the impression that there may be more to come. Amazingly, after fifteen minutes, Newcastle led 3-0 thanks to goals from Anthony Gordon, Jacob Murphy, and Sean Lon
This year, the window has moved a little more slogstaff. Longstaff’s second goal put the Magpies up by another goal at the interval. Alexander Isak even missed a penalty, so there could have been more.
With Fabian Schar, Bruno Guimaraes, Joe Willock, and Harvey Barnes off the field ahead of Saturday’s visit from Stade Brestois and Sven Botman, Lewis Miley, Sandro Tonali (suspension), and Callum Wilson among those out right now, the rout seemed like a welcome reminder of the quality Eddie Howe has at his disposal. However, this team will still require strong additions if it is to actually launch a persistent bid for the top four.
Following Newcastle’s repeated bids for the England international Marc Guehi being rejected, negotiations about the player are still underway with Crystal Palace. The window closes in less than three weeks, but the measured Howe did not exactly cut a worrisome figure.
To maintain composure, the Newcastle manager advised reporters. “I don’t see the value in feeling anything else. We’ll make an effort to choose wisely in light of the circumstances we find ourselves in.wly. It does appear to be getting better now. Indeed, it appears that transfer activity has increased. We aim to be involved and to bring in a minimum of one new member to the organization. Let’s observe and wait.
We already have such a strong roster that any new players must be able to take the team to even greater heights; hence, quality over quantity is what we need to focus on, and it’s a very hard quality to come by. The players who will improve us are few in number.”
In actuality, Newcastle may field a large number of the players that began the season a year ago when they take on Southampton in the season opener. As bizarre as it may sound, Howe will also feel a little relieved about it.
In addition to Bruno Guimaraes, Anthony Gordon, and Alexander Isak, Newcastle has managed to hold onto other players. Nick Pope, Joelinton, Joe Willock, and other players who missed a significant portion of the previous season may all be called upon. Others who have had injuries in the past, like Sean Longstaff, are benefiting from being able to play without agony.
After Tino Livramento pulled back inside the area, Longstaff slotted the ball past Paulo Gazzaniga to give Newcastle the early lead on Friday night. With a blistering volley, Jacob Murphy doubled the hosts’ lead quickly. Then, after eluding Alejandro Frances and finding the bottom corner, Anthony Gordon, who was back, added a third. Just fifteen minutes had passed to provide perspective.
Midway through the first half, Longstaff pounced to score his second goal after Joelinton’s header hit the crossbar shortly before halftime. Alexander Isak subsequently missed the opportunity to make it 4-0.
The brutal performance was summed up in six words by interim captain Dan Burn, who pleaded with his teammates “not to make it too easy” during a drink break. Eddie Howe was yelling “COME ON!” and slapping his hands to exhort his team to recover the ball even faster, even with a 4-0 lead. When the real business begins next week, these are the criteria that must be upheld if Newcastle is to return to the top four.
Howe went on, “The key word for us is consistency.” It’s the capacity to deliver consistently excellent performance on a weekly basis.
“We had obvious challenges last year and who’s to say what challenges we face this year? The Premier League is so difficult.
“I know it’s a cliché, but there are no easy games, highlighted by our start to the season, which will be very difficult. We are going to have to be as good as we were today to get anything from the game, possibly even better. The Premier League is the ultimate test.”
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