Newcastle United fans are still recovering from one of the worst weeks in recent memory after suffering a humiliating battering in Barcelona, followed by yet another derby defeat.
It wasn’t just the scorelines that riled up fans; it was the performances in both games, particularly the second-half performances in both games.
The results left a bitter taste in the mouths of fans who went from the derby day blues to realising they had three weeks to sit in the filth of that performance before the team could even attempt to put things right, thanks to the international break.
That’s a long time to sit with this bad feeling. It’s like a movie. It could be an hour and a half of greatness, but if they don’t stick the landing at the end, that’s what you’re left with, and it’s likely to taint your entire view of the movie as a whole.
This is why it feels a bit odd that Newcastle have a nominee in March’s Player of the Month in Anthony Gordon, and Eddie Howe is also up for Manager of the Month.
As pointed out by the Premier League’s website, Gordon managed to score three goals in three league games so it makes sense that our pacey forward would be in the mix.
“Gordon displayed his versatility by scoring in all three of his Premier League appearances in March in a new-look centre-forward role, doubling his league tally for the season in the process.
“All the more impressive is the opposition against whom he netted; after opening the month with a goal in Newcastle United’s win against Man Utd, he then scored the winner against Chelsea, before going on to open the scoring against Sunderland in the Tyne-Wear derby.”
You can vote for Anthony Gordon by hitting this link.
However, following the Barcelona and Sunderland games, we can’t imagine many fans are clamouring to do the same for Eddie Howe in the Manager of the Month category.
As the Premier League site points out, though, Howe did lead Newcastle to two huge wins in March before the derby disappointment, following a victory (with 10 men) over Man Utd with three vital points at Chelsea.
“Newcastle United’s victory against Man Utd on 4 March means they remain the only side to have defeated the Red Devils since Michael Carrick took over at Old Trafford, doing so while playing the entirety of the second half with 10 men.
“Despite injuries to key players, such as captain Bruno Guimaraes, and an arduous schedule which included knockout competition matches against Man City and Barcelona, Howe’s side also pulled off an impressive win against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, before being beaten by a last-minute goal against rivals Sunderland in the Tyne-Wear derby.”
You can also cast your vote for Eddie Howe here, if the anger has subsided enough.