Newcastle United’s pre-season preparations took a significant step backward with a 4-1 defeat against Championship side Bristol City at Ashton Gate, where defensive mistakes and Fabian Schar’s early injury compounded a difficult evening for Eddie Howe in what would eventually be his last match at the helm of the club.
On Thursday morning, just a few hours after the latest setback in Newcastle’s already-bad offseason, Howe announced his departure from NUFC after five seasons leading the Magpies, putting
an end to an extremely rollercoaster-like tenure in Tyneside.
Back to Wednesday’s game, the Magpies began with Ewen Jaouen in goal and Anthony Elanga making his first pre-season start, while Sean Steur retained his place in midfield.
Newcastle created several early openings, with Sean Neave forcing Sam Tickle into a good save and the home goalkeeper also tipping a header over the crossbar.
Adding wood Newcastle’s preseason fire, Schar was forced off after only 20 minutes, appearing visibly frustrated as he left the field following treatment. Newcastle then fell behind in the 26th minute when Sam Greenwood’s free-kick struck the underside of the crossbar and beat Jaouen.
Bristol City doubled their advantage three minutes later as Lorent Tolaj broke into the penalty area and finished past Jaouen. Newcastle felt Sven Botman had been fouled during the build-up, but the goal stood and left Howe’s side facing a two-goal deficit at halftime.
Neave struck the crossbar almost immediately after the restart, but Bristol City extended their lead in the 50th minute. Max Bird advanced into the box after Newcastle lost possession and placed a low finish beyond substitute goalkeeper and soon-to-be-gone Nick Pope.
Newcastle continued to look vulnerable defensively, although Elanga remained a threat with his running and Steur again impressed with his composure and passing from a deeper midfield role.
Botman missed a headed chance before Harvey Barnes finally reduced the deficit in the 78th minute, but any hope of a late response disappeared three minutes later when Botman turned Sam Bell’s cross into his own net by the 81st minute, completing a miserable individual evening and restoring Bristol City’s three-goal advantage.
The defeat leaves Newcastle without a win in their two public friendlies after the earlier draw at Gateshead, while the seriousness of Schar’s injury will now be assessed.
Newcastle next travels to Spain to face Valencia as preparations continue for the Premier League season, now with no manager until the appointment of a PIF man and with a humongous question mark floating over everything surrounding the Magpies just three weeks before they play Liverpool.
