Newcastle United won their first game since the season began with a 1-0 victory over Brentford at St James’ Park. Callum Wilson’s 64th-minute penalty proved decisive as the Newcastle number nine stepped up to lead his team to a hard-fought victory.
Here are six takeaways from the game:
Table of Contents
Callum Wilson’s performance highlights his value to Newcastle
Callum Wilson, who recently signed a new deal, received his first start of the season and showed that he deserved it. He scored 13 goals in his previous 16 league outings, despite only making six starts. He stepped up when Newcastle needed him and proved his value as the number nine.
Midway through the second half, Newcastle was granted a penalty kick. Wilson easily executed the penalty, keeping his perfect record for the club. After the game, he told Sky Sports, “Pressure is for tires, isn’t it?”
Wilson pulled level with Les Ferdinand on the club’s all-time Premier League goal-scorers list. Although Alexander Isak is the club’s record signing, Wilson’s value was highlighted.
Newcastle comes from behind to beat Brentford 1-0
At half-time, the crowd greeted Craig Pawson with a few boos. The officials didn’t win favor, especially when they inexplicably intervened during Callum Wilson’s initial goal attempt in the 56th minute.
Brentford failed to deal with Kieran Trippier’s cross, and goalkeeper Mark Flekken flapped at it before Wilson eventually knocked it in. However, the goal was ruled out after Wilson was penalized for merely standing his ground as the Netherlands international jumped to punch.
Newcastle did not feel aggrieved for long. Anything that moment fired the players and fans up, and just a few minutes later, Anthony Gordon won his side a penalty after being felled by Flekken. This time, Wilson’s subsequent effort counted.
The feel inside the stadium changed in an instant as supporters chanted, “E I E I E I O, Up the Premier League we go!” for the first time in several weeks.
Following a difficult start and facing four of last season’s top seven, Newcastle have six points from their opening five games. That is exactly how many points the Magpies had at this stage last season.
Newcastle Look Far From Best in Scrappy Win Over Brentford
Newcastle had an unusually long period to prepare for the game. However, Eddie Howe worked with only a dozen players for the most part. Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schar, Sandro Tonali, Joelinton, Bruno Guimaraes, Miguel Almiron, Callum Wilson, and Alexander Isak all jetted off on international duty.
The gap in the club football calendar offered players and staff a chance to reflect, reset, and “go back to what’s made us so successful, how good we have been at pressing and the intensity that we play,” in the words of Dan Burn.
Newcastle looked far from that side. Howe made five changes, with the majority of players being those non-internationals who worked with Howe and his staff during the break. However, it was Brentford who raced out of the blocks.
Nick Pope had to be alert to block Aaron Hickey’s early effort after the Bees got in behind Newcastle’s defense far too easily. Brentford got in down Newcastle’s left-hand side in the opening stages and cut the ball back across, and Yoane Wissa almost connected with one of these deliveries midway through the first half.
Newcastle dug deep to win against Brentford
The sluggish Magpies won a corner in the 27th minute, finally asking a question of Brentford’s defense. Sven Botman’s flick-on fell to Bruno Guimaraes, but Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken denied him.
Newcastle took confidence from that opening and improved as the game went on, eventually finding a way to win.
It was not a vintage display; Newcastle showed grit and spirit when the game could have easily gotten away from them. Bruno Guimaraes collapsed to his knees and blessed himself at full-time, showing how important the win was.
Newcastle fans dream of Milan after Wilson’s opener
Callum Wilson scored the opener, and Newcastle fans began dreaming about Tuesday night.
They sang chants like ‘Have you ever seen a Mackem in Milan?’ and ‘Tell me ma, me ma – I won’t be home for tea. We’re going to Italy,’ and ‘Is this the way to Barcelona?’ They even updated Anthony Gordon’s chant: “He runs down the wing, makes the Geordies sing, and we’re all going to Milan!”
Thousands of Geordies checked their phones while leaving St James’ and noticed that AC Milan had suffered a devastating 5-1 defeat to Inter in a crucial derby match before Tuesday’s big game.
This result, along with Newcastle’s long-awaited win, has given them a glimmer of hope.
Botman’s absence highlights his importance to Newcastle
Sven Botman took advantage of the international break. He’s spent the last two weeks resting after suffering an ankle injury against Liverpool. Newcastle surrendered four more goals in less than 90 minutes without Botman against Liverpool and Brighton.
Life without Botman was an unusual occurrence. He has been a constant presence in the last year, demonstrating how vital he is. Botman returned to Newcastle on Saturday, but the team got off to a rough start.
Newcastle’s defense held tight against Brentford in the end. The team’s effort was symbolized by Dan Burn’s late last-ditch tackle on Kevin Schade. Newcastle kept their first clean sheet of the season, and their third since February.
My name is Krishanu Das the founder of the Sports Dribble.
I am Accountant by profession but a Sports Blogger by passion.
I am passionate about sharing my all knowledge and experiences of sports, with my readers and every sports enthusiast.
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