Sean Longstaff and Isaac Hayden not only held their own in central midfield but both had excellent games on Tuesday night against moneybags Manchester City.
After the game, the City manager Pep Guardiola said that his team couldn’t deal with the Newcastle holding midfielders – especially in the second half.
That’s some compliment coming from one of the best managers in the world.
But Sean also has one of the best managers in world football guiding him in his development – Rafa Benitez.
Sean seems to have the skills, the drive, the work ethic, and the modesty to become a top player in football and at his home town club too.
Sean Longstaff – fouled by Fernandinho for the penalty
And his excellent performance in the fabulous 2-1 win on Tuesday night his performance did not go unnoticed by Newcastle icon Alan Shearer.
On Match of the Day the BBC pundit had this to say about Newcastle’s performance and in particular our 21-year-old central midfielder:
“It was a wonderful performance and a great result, particularly after conceding after 24 seconds.”
“They had to stay in the game after conceding so early.”
“They got everybody behind the game and because they did that, when the ball went forward there was rarely anybody there.”
“So City got the ball and they were straight back at Newcastle. It happened a lot in the first half. Rondon was screaming for support.”
“In the second half it totally changed after they grew into the game.”
“They had seven or eight players in and around the box and they got the equalizer they deserve through Rondon, and it was good technique.”
“Longstaff, who won the penalty, was magnificent against Fernandinho, De Bruyne, Silva. He did not look out of place at all.”
We’ll find out in Rafa’s press conference shortly whether Shelvey, Diame, Ki, and Dummett are fit for tomorrow’s difficult game at Wembley against Tottenham – three of those are central midfielders.
But we expect Sean to start the game with Hayden in midfield.
Newcastle failed to get Benfica midfielder Andreas Samaris on loan yesterday so Hayden will be with us through the end of the season.
Comments welcome.
7 comments so far
Jib
Feb 1, 2019 at 12:59 PM
Comment #1According to Mark Douglas , Isaac Hayden is reconciled
to the fact he’s here until Summer
RobLeenio
Feb 1, 2019 at 1:10 PM
Comment #2Rafa’s latest “c’mon Toons” message saying how happy he is to have Almiron and Barreca, thanking “all those involved in… improving the squad”.
http://www.rafabenitez.com/web/in/whats-on/two-signings-to-find-a-balance/248/
All those involved, no shout out to Charnley and no thanks to Ashley for splashing the cash. Not even a nod to Steve Nickson. Interesting.
hibbit
Feb 1, 2019 at 1:10 PM
Comment #3has Ashley done enough to stop the hemorrhaging of season ticket cancellations ????
hibbit
Feb 1, 2019 at 1:11 PM
Comment #4and Rafa leaving in the summer ?????
scott
Feb 1, 2019 at 1:13 PM
Comment #5Rotunda from last post
Exactly re Catchy but also bladey they only come on to spout their bile after a defeat & will NEVER debate their points after a win!
They are definitely just unwashed wums!
Iv never ever read a positive post about the club from either of them!
Not even to have a good word about our young local lads stepping up & being superb,something EVERY true Geordie fan dreams of!
Wums or cowards,take ye pick!
MAUTITOON
Feb 1, 2019 at 1:16 PM
Comment #6He,ALMIRON,will be a big hit for us,a player as BOBBYBEE says will add a completely new dimension to our play.He definitely is a player that will get the toon army fans off their seat.
JP...from The Rock
Feb 1, 2019 at 1:17 PM
Comment #7Bobbybee- I am really excited by the Almirón signing. I really hope we’ve founf the new HBA minus the attitude. By God do we deserve it.
I know it was one game but his impressive stats are in a much inferior league also where defenders give him acres of space and time to do what he wishes.
If only Ashley would have listened to Rafa and sanctioned this deal earlier in the window we would have had Almirón up to speed with the power and pace of the EPL by now.
Oh well I for one can’t wait to see him play for us.
On a more cautious and negative point, do you think he has a relegation or stupid buy out clause inserted in his contract? Really really hope not!