Newcastle United lost 2-0 to Atlético Madrid on Saturday afternoon at St James’ Park in the Sela Cup. United put in what was a quintessential game of two halves – competitive and could’ve scored a couple in the first, and rolled over, had their bellies tickled and should’ve conceded two or three more than the two goals they did concede in the second.
Goals from Julián Álvarez and Antoine Griezmann were enough to put Newcastle to the sword in front of a sold-out crowd.
Here are 3 things I liked (and 3 I didn’t) from the match:
**Didn’t like: Livramento’s rustiness a week out from the season starting**
Returning from a shorter summer break, Tino Livramento has looked rusty in his handful of pre-season appearances. On Saturday, his usually sharp overlapping runs were hesitant, and defensively he was caught out on a few occasions.
Tino’s performance hinted that he is still trying to find his form after playing non-stop football for almost a year (with another season stretching out before him), and it really showed in his defensive duels and positional awareness. Atlético targeted his side, exploiting his oddly statuesque recovery runs (i.e. he didn’t attempt them half the time).
Going forward, his overlapping runs lacked the conviction seen last season and United simply can’t afford to have such a potent attacking outlet out of sorts. It’s pre-season, yes, but he’ll need more minutes to shake off the cobwebs and rediscover his rhythm. It’s just a shame those will be Premier League minutes with pre-season finished.
**Liked: Elanga’s pace and ability to beat a man**
Anthony Elanga’s performance suggested he will provide the team with fresh attacking impetus this season. Comfortable going both ways (and, hallelujah, using both feet), his direct running injected life into Newcastle’s forward play throughout as he displayed a consistent ability to burn his man with his electric pace.
Though he didn’t bag a goal involvement on Saturday, Elanga’s ability to glide past defenders, free himself of tight markers and exploit space in behind disrupted Atlético’s super-structured defensive block. On another day, with a competent striker in the box, United would’ve scored during the opening 45.
Many fans (myself included) think this team is at its best pressing high and winning the ball back in the opposition’s final third, but Elanga’s addition will provide much-needed unpredictability to that formula, an essential trait when attempting to unlock a low block. His sheer pace was effective without an end product against the Spanish giants, and I think the Swede could be on for a real breakout season.
**Didn’t like: Joelinton’s finishing woes**
Joelinton’s work rate? Impressive. His finishing? Less so, reminding us all of why he was so ineffectual wearing the no. 9. The Brazilian found himself in a promising position three or four times during the first half but couldn’t capitalise.
Each header did get gradually closer to the net, but his composure really deserted him at crucial moments. Big Joe clearly brings a lot of other qualities to the side, but a man with his physical and technical attributes should be doing better in aerial attacking positions as you simply can’t afford to miss the number of chances he did against opposition of that quality, as you will get punished.
With the Champions League draw just three weeks away and with United playing at least two sides of equal quality to Atlético, we can’t afford for Joelinton (or more precisely his head) to have a ‘no goals’ policy this season!
**Liked: Botman’s 45 mins**
Even in defeat, Sven Botman was a rock at the back, especially considering it was 0-0 when he went off. Botman’s defensive acumen, passing and skill on the ball stood out, and even though Jamal Lascelles was the more dominant centre-back physically, he let himself down as he backed off too much for Madrid’s second goal; something I just don’t think Botman would’ve done if he was in the same position.
Botman’s anticipation and intercepting of through balls emphasised his importance to the side (although some of that pressure might be lifted by the arrival of Malick Thiaw) as Madrid threatened our goal in the first half. United wrestled control of the game back in the second half of the first half and Botman’s ability to choose the right ball into midfield was key in pulling their solid defensive apart in that phase of the game; and, generally, his ability to ping a long diagonal gives the team variation to its build-up play, although we didn’t really see many diags on Saturday.
It was as reassuring as a brew on a rainy Tyneside afternoon then that he was spotted warming down at half-time after and Eddie Howe confirmed post-game that that was the plan for the Dutchman.
**Didn’t like: The 2nd half slump**
The first half promised much after the lads had gained the upper hand after a strong start from Atlético, but the second half was a very different story. The intensity dipped, with the change from Botman to Alex Murphy in central defence and Alfie Harrison in midfield, Atlético capitalised with clinical efficiency. (For clarity: I’m not digging out Murphy and Harrison, I just think the opposition were too good for them.)
Newcastle struggled to maintain possession, were disjointed and susceptible to runs from deep and in behind. United wilted under sustained pressure as Atlético adjusted their pressing triggers (a press which was like watching a mirror image of our own) and turned the screw, showing just what a quality outfit the Spanish side are.
Atlético probably should’ve had two more goals as the offside calls on their disallowed efforts were marginal at best. Simeone’s side were/are tactically astute opponents and reminded so much of Dortmund in the Champions League two seasons ago, in that they came, weathered our huff and puff, before calmly sweeping us aside.
In the end, the scoreline flattered United a little, as despite there being some individual performances to cheer, there are clearly evident areas for improvement. Of course, it’s better to drop the ball now than when points are on the line, but I’m struggling to remember a worse preseason Newcastle have had results-wise.
**Liked: Gordon, Instagram posts and injury fears to spur United into transfer action**
Anthony Gordon put in an all-action display, showing his attacking versatility and willingness to learn the striker role as he said himself this week. Operating centrally, his high press and winning back possession in advanced areas had a positive impact on the game, especially in the first half, in which United should’ve scored at least one.
However, the lad just isn’t a striker, highlighted by his lack of any real clear-cut chances in the game, and is simply much more effective down the flanks. Hopefully, a Wissa-shaped signing can come in this week and allow the England international to play in his preferred left wing position against Villa.
In typical Newcastle fashion, Gordon went off with what looked like a nasty injury late on, but he has since posted on Instagram saying he will be fine, easing fears, but it might also scare the club into pushing to get the Wissa deal done early this week to at least allow a couple of days’ training together and the squad to actually have a Premier League-level striker in it.
It’s been a pre-season to forget, frankly, but I will say that pre-season form doesn’t always translate to Premier League form (fingers firmly crossed), and even if United get off to a bad start against Villa, nothing is won or lost in August. Besides, if events transpire in certain ways over the next couple of weeks, the atmosphere at home to Liverpool has the potential to be one for the ages and will hopefully be one which will sweep the team to a positive result.
Keep the faith. HWTL