Successful away days in the Premier League aren’t a Newcastle United specialty, especially against a Septic 6.
Still, you could sense there was…
Hope for all three points in North London this time
One, United’s run of only one loss in the last eight matches vs. Spurs going in.
Second, an air of optimism and opportunity.
A whisker away from beating the Scouser Rats…
And a heart-pounding win at a raucous St. James’ in the League Cup tie versus the Brommies.
Plus, Spurs in general disarray. Not the best way for them to ring in a PL home campaign the season
after only getting 15 points at home last season.
Third… dare I say, fun?!?
Players seem to be having more of it this year. The goal celebrations, the smiles, the dances, the standing up for each other, the effort…
Everyone, even BNW, looks somehow faster.
As if unburdened.
From what the TV cameras show, Jaissle already has good rapport with the squad, especially Elanga and Wissa.
However, it was an away match
United often is the tonic for a team struggling at home, in fact.
Plus, such teams can be dangerous if they get a sliver of confidence.
And a 5-1 win in their own midweek Cup tie over high-flying Championship side Charlton had to give it to them.
Certainly a more comfortable time than the Toon had with WBA.
Finally, Marmoush. Unlike his former Man City teammate Erling Haaland, for whom United is kryptonite… Marmoush turns into Haaland when he sees the black and white.
A brace in each of the two Cup ties v. United last season: the EFL Cup Semi-Final 2nd leg at the Etihad and a month later at St. James’ Park in a 5th Round FA Cup tie. Both 3-1 wins to City.
So a scorer on a Newcastle bender.
After the first 45 minutes at Tottenham Stadium…
You’d be forgiven as a Newcastle supporter for praying for a draw and escaping with a point.
Spurs were the much better team for the last 25 minutes of that first half. If not for Horniček, United would have been down at least one goal.
A lot of speculation at halftime if Jaissle would hook anyone; Willock the most likely.
One of the major criticisms of Eddie Howe was his hesitancy to make changes at halftime.
Not so much the case in MJ’s early days on the Toon touchline.
Alas, no changes at half, but the lads… looking smart in their new Navy blue change strips with white shorts and Navy socks…
They made it look as if there had been changes
When Nico let fly a long diagonal pass from well within his own half, you could sense there was something different from last season.
Yes, Nico’s skill to drop right in for Dedić to lay off with his head for Elanga was on point. But it was direct. And direct plays like that take advantage of speed.
And what do Elanga, Touré, Wissa, Bamba, and Dedić all have?
Pace.
Nothing against any departed player, but the fact is…
Bruno and Sandro preferred dribbling, taking fouls, or making shorter passes. And that was more aligned with Eddie’s style, too.
Nothing wrong with it. It won a Cup and got the Toon in Europe. But it doesn’t take advantage of speed.
And no, it doesn’t mean the previous midfielders didn’t play the long ball ever. It means last year’s team left goals on the table.
Anyway, it was a brilliant looper from Nico to Dedić. But Elanga’s touch, turn, and left-footed curler was exquisite. The spinning ball kissed off the keeper’s right post the black and white way…
And bounded like a happy puppy into the left side of the net in the northeast end that was packed with Geordies…
To send supporters and players alike into ecstasy.
And then the fun started. The celebrations, the dancing, the smiles. They’ve looked different through these first three matches.
You get the sense there’s a looseness… better camaraderie… joy at each other’s successes.
Another match, another sub, another quick score
The danger with Jaissle’s substitution timing successes so far is…
We might start getting used to it.
As with his subs in the previous two matches, there was a goal not long after he substituted on 71 minutes, Woltemade for Willock.
In fact, he’d been on not even a minute when his first touch was a ball headed down off a corner that Wissa instinctively flicked over his shoulder and into the net behind him.
Again, the joy… the exuberance… the smiles. And in both celebrations, much love for the two assistors.
Popping Cherries
Like many United supporters, I rate Eddie Howe very highly. He’ll always be a club legend for many reasons. The last of which was his decision to resign.
It’s looking more and more obvious it’s what the club needed.
What an injection of energy MJ, his staff, and the newcomers have been. It’s hard to fathom that just a mere two weeks ago, there was a lot of angst on Tyneside after the two-losses-in-two-days doubleheader thing.
And now there’s the tasty prospect of Bournemouth next Saturday at St. James’.
Can’t help but wonder if Eddie were still around, there’d be subdued expectations for it.
Yes, this season, Bournemouth are off to a slow start. But for the past five years, a slippery slope for United to get over.No secret the Cherries were Eddie’s nemesis.
But not now. Not with this team. And not with another week for MJ to train and teach.
Let’s get in ‘em. Howay the lads!
Player Ratings
Based on watching the TV broadcast and listening to NUFC radio commentary.
Horniček – 8
1st clean sheet. Several brilliant saves, assured with the ball at his feet, looked very comfortable in just his 2nd PL start. Could’ve been MotM.
Dedić – 8
All this guy does is defend well, run his boots off, and grab assists – none sweeter than his headed layoff for Elanga’s opener. Could’ve been MotM.
Thiaw – 7.5
Defended and led well. Headed out a few dangerous balls and always cool with the ball. He and Botman stood tall in central defense.
Botman – 7.5
Kept Spurs’ attack at bay, especially during their 1st-half pressure. As always, a few good runs upfield and keeping steady at the back.
Hall – 8.5 (MotM)
Outstanding. At least 4 blocks, several clearances, great runs, canny defending. He and Dedić are a pair of aces on either side of the center halves.
Nico G. – 8
Helped solidify the back 4 with his control and vision. Brilliant diagonal balls, including the one to Dedić for the opener. Excellent debut.
Miley – 7
Steady as always, linked well with Nico and the 3 in front of him. Never flashy, just does his job.
Willock – 6
Was active but flubbed a couple of decent chances. Didn’t really influence the game after the 1st 20 minutes.
Barnes – 6.5
Didn’t leave his mark like in the midweek cup tie, but work rate was good, several times back on defense and defusing a Spurs attack.
Wissa – 7.5
Another game full of energy and spirit. Good to see him score. A scorer’s goal, too, instinctive flick over his shoulder off BNW’s header.
Elanga – 7.5
Will benefit from Nico’s arrival. 2 goals in 2 PL games, this time a sublime turn and left-footer off the keeper’s right post and into the net.
Steur – 7
Subbed on for Nico. Several clearances to relieve pressure late, steady on the ball, didn’t give Spurs too much room.
Woltemade – 6.5
Subbed on for Willock. Looking more comfortable in Jaissle’s system, first touch a header that Wissa put away. Gave good defensive help, a few deft touches.
Ramsey – 6.5
Subbed on for Wissa. Helped keep the clean sheet and stood up for teammate Touré at the final whistle.
Murphy – 6
Subbed on for Elanga. Not much impact, but helped see out the game.
Touré – NR
Subbed on for Barnes very late. Smart play at the end to smother the game, with a smile at Porro’s chirping that seemed to make Porro even madder.
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