Newcastle took the pitch to start the second half with an unchanged side after closing the first half really well. Straight away Shelvey’s through ball reached Almiron who had his subsequent shot saved.
Almiron would get a few more chances but was unable to take them. In the 51st minute he combined well with Joelinton in the box but the shot was blocked.
He then blasted a shot wide after a St-Etienne defender lost the ball. He seems so desperate to score his first goal that we hope this does not get to him mentally early this season.
Newcastle then made their first changes of the game as the new boys came on.
58' – United make a trio of substitutions, as Yoshinori Muto and new signings Allan Saint-Maximin and Jetro Willems are introduced to the field, with Joelinton, Miguel Almirón and Rolando Aarons making way. 1-0. #NUFC
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) August 3, 2019
Here’s a little video provided by the Chronicle of them coming on.
? #NUFC pic.twitter.com/CGC7oC3bFP
— The Chronicle (@ChronicleNUFC) August 3, 2019
Jetro Willems would slot in at left wing-back while Allan Saint-Maximin would link up with Yoshinori Muto upfront.
Allan Saint-Maximin was full of energy and had a nice with a shot that was well saved by the Saint-Etienne keeper.
Decent first attack by @asaintmaximin looking forward to seeing more of this vs Arsenal #NUFC pic.twitter.com/PPTCwnLcVf
— Angel? (@01dunnn) August 3, 2019
Newcastle would make further changes with Ki Sung-yueng and Matty Longstaff coming on for Jonjo Shelvey and Isaac Hayden.
It didn’t take long for Matty Longstaff to make an impact in front of the home crowd. He blasted a rocket off the underside of the crossbar and into the back of the net. Wow!
2-0 what a goal by @mattylobby48 #NUFC pic.twitter.com/uZRbXWmXsA
— Angel? (@01dunnn) August 3, 2019
The great thing about Matty is that he will not take up a squad place if he stays and can provide cover in the midfield.
Ciaran Clark and Paul Dummett would then come on for Fabian Schar and Jamaal Lascelles in the 77th minute. Javier Manquillo would make way for Jacob Murphy a few minutes later.
Allan Saint-Maximin would send Yoshinori Muto through but Muto’s attempt was unable to find the target in the 83rd minute.
In the 85th minute, Mathieu Debuchy would bring the lead down to just one goal with a header from a corner to make it a little interesting to close the game.
We were very happy with this performance as Newcastle grew into the game and look to have some exciting additions to the squad.
108 comments so far
ronaldo aarons
Aug 3, 2019 at 4:54 PM
Comment #1Hail ronaldo!
Hail Wor Ashley
Aug 3, 2019 at 4:56 PM
Comment #2Good performance overall.
My takeaways:
We’re looking to play as much through the middle and in behind as we do down the wings.
Joelinton is the business. A faster, better technically version of Rondon. Very good movement in behind.
Aarons looks like he’s adjusted his mindset for the LWB role. Think he has realised he’s not going to be the attacking player he once promised to be and is now more willing to muck in and use his natural attacking ability more sparingly.
Matty Longstaff looks capable from that little cameo.
ASM is exactly the mad, dangerous player us NUFC fans love!
Hope he is alright. Came off right at the end there, walking fine with the physio by looks of things..
Mad Frog Boom 22
Aug 3, 2019 at 4:58 PM
Comment #3Europa here we come!
Hail Wor Ashley
Aug 3, 2019 at 4:58 PM
Comment #4Hope we can take advantage of a weak Arsenal defence next weekend and get off to the season with a win.
Think we’ll start as we did today with the exception of Dummett in for Fernandez.
Mund
Aug 3, 2019 at 4:59 PM
Comment #5A good performance all round the players look up for the fight and the new additions look very good. Joelinton does look the business and Saint Max looks exactly what we have yearned for since sweet Ben Arfa went. The trio of Almiron Joelinton and Saint Max will terrorize defences this season and to top it all off what a goal from wee Matty Longstaff i really am excited to see him develop this season he has looked lively in pre season and i hear a few times he will become the better player out of the Longstaffs.
toon22
Aug 3, 2019 at 5:00 PM
Comment #6Good result and performance from the toon
Shadow_Shearer
Aug 3, 2019 at 5:00 PM
Comment #7It is great having one longstaff. But having two of them, oh my daysss!!!!
ronaldo aarons
Aug 3, 2019 at 5:02 PM
Comment #8If Bruce is going to be sticking with 2 up top, someone out of almiron and ASM looks set to miss out. Wouldn’t think about either at wing back or cm.
If we plan to keep playing 3 in the middle we will need a new cm unless the club feel Matty is ready. Otherwise only have 4.
Our Toon
Aug 3, 2019 at 5:04 PM
Comment #9Ronaldo
I hope he goes with all 3 of them, surely have ASM, Almiron behind Joelinton. The pace, skill and power of them 3 is exciting and will strike fear into the opposition
Mund
Aug 3, 2019 at 5:04 PM
Comment #10toon22
My word mate that is the first positive post ive saw from you im glad your happy for once with the toon.
Could be a funny season this one and ive been saying for a few weeks now i have a funny feeling we will enjoy this season forget that fat tyrant and lets enjoy what could be an excting newcastle team this year.
Charlie in the Gallowgate
Aug 3, 2019 at 5:06 PM
Comment #11Going to be one hell of a ride this season
Got some exciting players and pace going forward missed a boat load of chances
Toon will not be as static this season and give more of the ball away trying outlandish tricks
Be exciting
S Longstaff was outstanding along with Manquilla
Joe and miggy could be a outstanding parnership if get on the same wavelength
Shelvey fro great to awful today
IrishRob
Aug 3, 2019 at 5:06 PM
Comment #12Looking at how we play, I think 5-3-3 is probably how we will be set up.
ronaldo aarons
Aug 3, 2019 at 5:07 PM
Comment #13Our toon
Hope so because you can’t seriously bench either of them. Could go with what you suggested or have both ASM and almiron behind joelinton, similar to last season with the 3 up top.
Our Toon
Aug 3, 2019 at 5:08 PM
Comment #14Irish rob
5-3-3? Is that allowed?
Unless you are just being irish of course but that makes 11 outfield players, no goalkeeper needed? Lol I’m just messing mate
Shadow_Shearer
Aug 3, 2019 at 5:10 PM
Comment #15Imagine the premiership goalkeepers coming up against the longstaff brother’s shooting. Best thing is they won’t be expecting anything special. They will have there concentration on 35million jolington and (the new HBA) ASM
Our Toon
Aug 3, 2019 at 5:10 PM
Comment #16Ronaldo
More importantly will ashley want to see any of those 3 who he has spent big money on sat on the bench? Haha bruce might be told you have to play them together.
I think for arsenal one of em will miss out but then the not so big teams we will probs play all 3
Hey Miggy You’re So Fine
Aug 3, 2019 at 5:12 PM
Comment #17Reasons to be cheerful:
Obviously the win today.
And I think we are in a much better shape than this time last year – look at the appearances of the following players none of whom figured early on for various reasons. The upturn in results coincided or was maintained as they became first choice and available.
Dummett (20)
Lejeune (12)
Schar (21)
Hayden (20)
Longstaff (8)
Shelvey (9)
Almiron (9)
Now add Joelinton (STOP calling him Linton!), Saint-Maximin and Willems
That’s 10 that we’ll expect a lot from, and then add Dubravka.
Oh, and round or skinny bottoms.
Hail Wor Ashley
Aug 3, 2019 at 5:12 PM
Comment #18Nothing in pre-season has indicated all 3 will be starting. Can’t see a sudden change from the formation they;ve been working on and it’s looked good.
At least initially we’ll be setting up as we did today I think.
hibbit
Aug 3, 2019 at 5:13 PM
Comment #19just one word of caution after watching a very enjoyable game. “on my new tv”
the game was played at a very relaxed pace and tempo, Prem teams wont allow us so much time or space in the coming weeks, its also such a shame that this is the last warm up game and not the first, 2/3 more games under there belt would make a big difference to the team as a unit
B&W blood
Aug 3, 2019 at 5:13 PM
Comment #20I think we will play with the 3 of them against lower teams at home and play with 3 in midfield with 2 of three up top against higher teams and away from home
Scythe For Bruce
Aug 3, 2019 at 5:14 PM
Comment #21Mighty Wyn – don’t worry if you can’t figure out how to do the Fantasy Football right away. You’ve got a week to sort it. I think there’s instructions and guides to help you on the website for people who are new to doing it.
And if you’re still stuck you can always ask us here on Ed’s blog. Good luck!
IrishRob
Aug 3, 2019 at 5:16 PM
Comment #22“Unless you’re being Irish” You’re hilarious MATE!!
jezza442
Aug 3, 2019 at 5:16 PM
Comment #23Think I’ll book a ticket for the FA cup final now while there cheap lol
Or am I going overboard ha ha , but seriously I don’t think we’ll be in trouble this season I’m looking forward to it and hope to get to as many games as possible,work permitting,never mind the boycott bollix ??HWTL
jezza442
Aug 3, 2019 at 5:16 PM
Comment #24Think I’ll book a ticket for the FA cup final now while there cheap lol
Or am I going overboard ha ha , but seriously I don’t think we’ll be in trouble this season I’m looking forward to it and hope to get to as many games as possible,work permitting,never mind the boycott bollix ??HWTL
IrishRob
Aug 3, 2019 at 5:17 PM
Comment #25It was a typo, I actually meant 3-5-3.
toonluvva
Aug 3, 2019 at 5:18 PM
Comment #26Amazing! A whole set of replies based on football matters with everyone playing nicely, even Toon22!
Great win for the Toon. lets hope they keep it up for the PL games.
HWTL!
Munster Mag
Aug 3, 2019 at 5:18 PM
Comment #27Beautiful strike by the kid brother. All coaches try to get kids to reign back the power in their shooting and get over the ball to keep it down. Looking forward to seeing more of him.
Moonraker15
Aug 3, 2019 at 5:18 PM
Comment #28Irishbob
Do you mean 4 3 3 or 5 3 2
DubaiMicky
Aug 3, 2019 at 5:19 PM
Comment #29I just hope Almiron scores for us soon (next Sunday would be good).
Scythe For Bruce
Aug 3, 2019 at 5:19 PM
Comment #30Rob – you’ve only got three at the back there. Add in another couple and make it 5-5-3 🙂
Munster Mag
Aug 3, 2019 at 5:19 PM
Comment #31Aboy the rob
ronaldo aarons
Aug 3, 2019 at 5:19 PM
Comment #32Lee Ryder
@lee_ryder
Bruce on Hayden: “We hope to tie him to a new deal. It’s in the pipeline” #nufc
Sir Braveheart
Aug 3, 2019 at 5:19 PM
Comment #33Not that I think it will happen, but it would be a very Newcastle thing if after the most tumultuous and frustrating summer if this squad just clicked into place with this manager and we had a solid top ten season.
I mean that’s the dictionary definition of doing a Newcastle.
geordie157
Aug 3, 2019 at 5:20 PM
Comment #34Good performance in the second half, should have scored 3 or 4 really.
Only a friendly but few observations
The trio of Shelvey, Hayden and Longstaff give us a good mix in the middle of the pitch and with the wing backs give us more options to go wide or go through the middle.
Everyone’s favourite player Manquillo has picked up where he ended the season, looks more confident and for me is ahead of Yedlin now. He put some good balls in the box and was probably my MOTM.
Joelinton looks good, strong, nice turn of pace, decent first touch.
Saint-Maximin, will certainly get fans off their seats, skill, step overs, tricks, may frustrate at times but looks like a pacey flair player we’ve missed for some time.
Almiron, lively as always, just needs a goal or two.
Same for Muto, he looks like he’ll get more gametime this season but needs to take those chances he’s getting.
Also like how Schar, Lascelles and Dummett play as a 3 but Fernandez will play a part. Get Lejuene back and we’ve got great centre back options.
Aarons, decent enough, looks like he could play wing back and will improve in that position, as Ritchie did. Willems looked a bit out of shape but showed glimpses of quality and also seemed to work well with Saint-Maximin.
Saved Matty Longstaff to last, what a strike. Only seen him a couple of times but he already looks some player. Keep him around the squad and on the bench if possible. Certainly needs to be ahead of Saivet and Colback, possibly Ki too.
Charlie in the Gallowgate
Aug 3, 2019 at 5:21 PM
Comment #35Forgot to mention Aarons had a excellent game to!
beefman13
Aug 3, 2019 at 5:21 PM
Comment #36Joelinton and Rondon, surely that was the was to accelerate.
IrishRob
Aug 3, 2019 at 5:21 PM
Comment #37No Moonraker 3-5-3 should work well for us. Lol
Munster Mag
Aug 3, 2019 at 5:21 PM
Comment #38Good to hear from Charlie again.
Hey Miggy You’re So Fine
Aug 3, 2019 at 5:22 PM
Comment #39And nanny goats.
IrishRob
Aug 3, 2019 at 5:23 PM
Comment #40Scythe that might actually work, to give you you’re doo’s!!