It was almost a perfect night for Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup quarter-final.
The Magpies advanced to the semi-finals of the competition, as Eddie Howe aims to end Newcastle United’s trophy drought.
Newcastle beat Brentford 3-1, with a dominant performance resulting in a rather comfortable night inside St James’ Park.
Sandro Tonali was outstanding – the best player in black and white. But there were plenty of other strong performers, with Anthony Gordon and Fabian Schar enjoying positive nights.
But while there was a lot to celebrate about Newcastle’s performance, it may have been a night to forget for Will Osula.
Will Osula denied first Newcastle United goal
Kristoffer Ajer of Brentford FC (20) slides in to tackle William Osula of Newcastle United (18) during the Carabao Cup Quarter Final match between ...
Photo by Michelle Mercer/Newcastle United via Getty Images
With Newcastle in a commanding position in the second half, Eddie Howe was able to give Will Osula another opportunity after his runout against Leicester City at the weekend.
Replacing Alexander Isak, Osula debuted a new look against Brentford. The 21-year-old has gone blonde just like Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton, but copying the Brazilian boys did not inspire him towards a Samba-style performance.
Osula was at fault for Brentford’s only goal of the game, cheaply giving away possession near the halfway line. That will have frustrated Howe, as his side failed to keep a clean sheet. Had Osula protected the ball, Newcastle probably would not have conceded.
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But the Danish striker’s most disappointing moment came in the 93rd minute.
His eyes must have lit up when Kieran Trippier lofted a ball over the top. Osula used his pace and power to burst past Kristoffer Ajer, with the £10million man suddenly having a perfect opportunity to score his first Newcastle United goal.
As he composed himself and prepared to pull the trigger, a recovering tackle from Ajer denied the former Sheffield United striker.
Newcastle need Osula to improve in key area
It was an agonising moment for Osula, who must have thought he was going to open his Toon account.
But Ajer used all of his experience to deny the striker, whose inexperience showed.
Newcastle know Osula is raw. In that respect, signing him was a gamble. But he has all the attributes to succeed – he is excellent physically. He has got the pace and power you would want from a forward.
However, he lacks instinct in front of goal. That is what Newcastle United need to coach into him, as he continues his development.
But Howe thinks Osula is improving, and he will hopefully continue to get more and more opportunities in the coming weeks.
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