Newcastle United cruised to an empathic victory on Saturday afternoon as Eddie Howe’s Mags swept aside Leicester City on a chilly day and began the banishment process following the Brentford debacle seven days ago.
Goals from Isak, Bruno and Murphy (x2) set United up for their biggest win of the season and course-corrected the mood on Tyneside before a huge game against Brentford (again) in the League Cup on Wednesday.
Here are our five key takeaways from the game:
Bruno and Tonali finally end unwanted run
Not since the PSG home game have Bruno and Tonali picked up all three points for United when the pair have played together from the starting whistle, so it’s brilliant to have that monkey firmly off our, and their, backs as United scored four and probably should’ve scored more on Saturday.
Sandro Tonali was imperious against a shoddy Leicester side who basically rolled over and let their bellies be tickled; but you can only beat what’s in front of you, and Bruno and Tonali, as pair in tandem worked well on Saturday, with Tonali once again the deeper of the two.
The Italian was so comfortable on the ball and his vision and passing ability permitted United to get out of tight Leicester pressing with relative ease and spring numerous attacks/counter attacks.
Bruno was excellent too. He has a goal to go along with his two assists in his last three games and appears to be picking up some form. It was a huge result for the pair.
Murphy delivered but he is not the answer
This will seem harsh, but Saturday proved why Jacob Murphy is not the long-term solution at right-wing. He played a great game, bagging two goals, but he also spurned two easier chances before he scored his first and you simply have to be taking those chances at this level.
He can offer us a burst of energy, pace and an out-ball down our right, but his composure and finishing are not elite level and on another day the opposition weather those chances and take advantage by scoring against the run of play to stunt our momentum, much as West Ham did a few weeks ago. He also misplaced a lot passes on Saturday in dangerous areas and a better team would’ve punished us.
Fans are forever being told that player trading is the new reality due to PSR, well, if Murphy continues in this vein of form, it may be wise for Newcastle to become those better sellers, and shift the lad on at peek value, as they have unfortunately missed the boat with when it comes to others.
Our electric left side
Lewis Hall and Anthony Gordon have the potential to be England’s left side for years to come.
Hall was outstanding and continues to benefit from the season of learning and development he was afforded by Howe last season. His quality, confidence and positivity on the ball is brilliant – he was a constant outlet and set up two goals – but he’s also come on leaps and bounds defensively, whether it’s his decision making, positioning or ability to win duels.
As for Gordon, he was electric from the off and looked back to the player we saw last season. It’s obvious he’s at his best down the left and that is summed up by our output and threat when he plays here, with us scoring seven goals in our last two games.
Squad management
In what was a much-needed luxury for Eddie Howe, he was able to rest and rotate a few players with the game wrapped up inside 50 minutes. A powerful start to the second half saw Newcastle score two goals in three minutes and the gaffer used the opportunity to rest an already booked Bruno for half an hour and take Tino Livramento out of the firing line too.
Osula also got 20 minutes and the Dane ran around and looked busy getting valuable minutes which will hopefully aid his development. Unfortunately, Barnes was anonymous on the right-winger again and he really doesn’t suit playing there in what is a definite square peg in round hole scenario.
Barnes complaint aside, it was refreshing to see, with United often robbed of the opportunity to game manage workloads and minutes this season by the virtue of being in tight games or chancing others.
Progress in the cup, or this result means nothing
A win was a must and United delivered against a really poor Leicester side. After defeats against Brighton, West Ham, and Brentford along with draws against Bournemouth and Palace so far this season, this was a necessary victory and one we must build on.
For all the increased positivity, however slight, following the win on Saturday, personally it will mean nothing if we don’t win in the Cup on Wednesday.
Seeing a shiny tin pot lifted over a Newcastle captain’s head is once again within reach as a win on Wednesday would set up a two-legged semi-final, and, as always, at SJP United are a match for anybody, and anything can happen in a one-off cup final at Wembley.
For all the huffing and puffing, guffawing and consternation, a trophy win would really be the kickstart to the post takeover process and would also offer a ‘backdoor’ into Europe, and into a very winnable competition at that.
Wednesday promises to be a huge night under the lights at St James’ Park!
HWTL