One of the surprising heroes of yesterday was winger Christian Atsu. Christian was injured during the Africa Cup of Nations in July and just returned to full training in the past week.
The timing of his return was quite fortunate as Allan Saint-Maximin injured his hamstring in training last week. He was declared fit for Tottenham and made the team. However, after sprinting to the byline early in the game, Allan tweaked that hamstring again. He had to be removed a few minutes later.
But Atsu was on the bench thankfully and came in on the left-wing for Allan. It was quite a performance from the 27-year-old. He set up the lone goal of the match expertly picking out Joelinton after some breathtaking build-up play.
Christian Atsu spoke to NUFC TV after the game. This is what Christian said about the performance and how difficult the game was:
“That was a really difficult game and we had to dig really deep to win this game. The way we defended, we deserved to win this game.
“That is what the gaffer wants from us. To be able to defend but also to attack. He wants also to play football, and that’s what we got. Throughout the week we have been practicing this, and now we showed it.
Christian was also asked about the support of the fans, and this is what he said:
“The fans love this club, and they want the best for the club. So whenever things are going wrong, they have to be upset, but a lot of people never expected us to beat Tottenham.
“They will say our best should have been a draw, but this is what Newcastle is made of and this is what the fans are made of, to support this club and to fight for this club.
“Newcastle fans are always amazing and fantastic. They support the club through thick and thin, so for us, we thank them for their support. We are going to fight and work hard this season.”
Atsu had a terrific game, and he also ended last season very strongly in the absence of Miguel Almiron. He will be pushing for his place after a performance like this.
What a way to win @NUFC ???? pic.twitter.com/8OI31rBVRT
— Christian Atsu (@ChristianAtsu20) August 25, 2019
Here is the play build-up play leading to the goal. What a pass from Christian and goal from Joelinton.
1??7?? passes – then ?
Catch up with the ? moments from yesterday's win on NUFC TV.
Extended highlights: https://t.co/VMAFUZmWdy
Brief highlights: https://t.co/pu0ebj5KuI#NUFC pic.twitter.com/uikmYE5VMk
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) August 26, 2019
57 comments so far
Oldgit1
Aug 26, 2019 at 12:21 PM
Comment #41@ AncientC Bruce has only been here for 5 weeks the same time as a few of his players, Im willing to give the Head coach sometime to instil his own ideas and system.
It’s early days yet but yesterday showed, that the players are more than willing to play for him, which is a massive thing.
I’m more than happy with the way we played yesterday, I’m also hoping that we play a more open game with the likes of Watford at home, this is the test. Can we adapt to an attacking formation. We will see.
But credit where it’s due, Bruce has earned my support.
Mag52
Aug 26, 2019 at 12:25 PM
Comment #42In football,as in any other game, you play to your strengths.
I don’t think many would disagree that the strength of our team at present is in our defence.
It makes perfect sense therefor to play, both at home and away, a game plan which relies on hitting the opposition on the break.
There are PL teams who will play a far more exciting style of football and who have the attacking flair players to play that way. They may concede more goals than us, but will rely on their attackers to score more than the opposition.
We haven’t been in that position for many a year, as attacking flair players tend to cost considerably more than we have been prepared to pay. Sad but true.
toon22
Aug 26, 2019 at 12:27 PM
Comment #43I’m afraid one game ain’t going to make the bulk of people just forget everything
The traitor has an horrendous prem record
Jabba is a nightmare for our club
Yes it was a good win but that’s not changing the last 13 years
Australian Pie
Aug 26, 2019 at 12:29 PM
Comment #44Ancient, so far we have played 2 of the top 6 and have taken 3 points, keep your doom and gloom for after 10 games. You wont even give them a chance this season, why follow when all you are is negative. Find something you, enjoy mate, it isnt football
posada
Aug 26, 2019 at 12:30 PM
Comment #45geordietom
Milburn. Ah good choice.
Think you’ll enjoy it.
I’m sitting there for this game. I like to try a different view now and again and these matches are a chance to do that.
Hail Wor Ashley
Aug 26, 2019 at 12:30 PM
Comment #46Well, well, well! Bruce gets the team to deliver 3pts away to Spurs!
I’ve been uprooting my life these past couple of weeks. I’m back in Blighty, for good I think. Will be able to start attending matches after 15+ years. Watching in a traditional pub amongst lots of other football fans yesterday was a treat, especially being able to watch at normal time instead of getting up at the crack of dawn. We put in a truly special performance which must have left Bruce brimming with pride and restored confidence in the lads.
JfA where was your season ticket seat and which number? Thinking of getting a season ticket and would like to take your spot to support Bruce’s boys so you can’t ever get it back.
Nufc-83
Aug 26, 2019 at 12:31 PM
Comment #47Mag leave Ancient to fester in his own negative world as he is clearly lacking any brain cells with his comments on this blog and his avatar.
posada
Aug 26, 2019 at 12:33 PM
Comment #48lesh
Aug 26, 2019 at 12:15 PM
Comment #37
Posada
Sounds as though you’re hoping there’ll be a lot of younger supporters at the cup match.
Good on them? Don’t you think a half empty SJP’d send out a stronger anti-Ashley message to the media?
Ashley doesn’t need Bishop when there’s fans like you to do his PR for him while even paying for the privilege of doing so!
*************************************
Why have you addressed that to me.
Should it not be to all our match going supporters.
Like the vast majority that is.
posada
Aug 26, 2019 at 12:35 PM
Comment #49From what I can gather Aarons, Colback, Lazaar, Saivet and Sterry can all play against Leicester.
Team selection will be interesting.
Looking forward to it.
Am I still allowed to say that ?
Munster Mag
Aug 26, 2019 at 12:41 PM
Comment #50MagP, well said.
Bobbybee
Aug 26, 2019 at 12:42 PM
Comment #51I was asked the other day on here why I can enjoy watching us if we never win. Having supported us for 50 years or so and never seen us win anything, it’s all about days like yesterday. If winning was that important, I’d support somebody else. But then, so would all fans from every other club outside the top six,rught down seven leagues and beyond. If you can’t understand that, you’re not cut out to be a football fan. Go ask Blyth fans why they bother?
Anyway, yesterday was brilliant. The players probably remembered Rafa’s ideas the first two games far more clearly, but I didn’t hear hin getting blamed for the losses. Yet somehow this had nothing to do with Bruce and all down to Rafa? Grow up kiddies.
I remember going through this same nonsense about Rafa. Loads of you were slating him constantly for his performances whilst a few of us defended him. Some of you have short memories.
I loved Rafa. Wanted him to stay. Wasn’t happy to say the least when Bruce came in, but you can’t stop time. He’s gone, it’s time to move on.
Bruce set the team up, not Rafa and Rafa isn’t the only manager to utilise those tactics. There’s only so many formations you can use. 80% possession and two shots on target. This isn’t a dig because I championed Rafa on here as much as anybody, and more than most, but did he ever match that? And to win.
Rafa is the better manager by far and its unfair to keep comparing them. You can’t. One is a CL winner, the other hasn’t come close. But like it or not, here’s here for the foreseeable future.
Got my tickets for Leicester last week the day they went on sale. Centre circle east stand. Brilliant view. HTL.
geordietom
Aug 26, 2019 at 12:55 PM
Comment #52TOON22 …
Vete a la mierda…
geordietom
Aug 26, 2019 at 12:57 PM
Comment #53Posada …
say owt you want the Frog does …
geordietom
Aug 26, 2019 at 12:58 PM
Comment #54BOBBY …
you there on wednesday ?…
geordietom
Aug 26, 2019 at 1:00 PM
Comment #55think i’ll put traitor shill pr ect might got more hits on my hearts lmfao…
geordietom
Aug 26, 2019 at 1:01 PM
Comment #56bobby …
just read what you put on mate quite a few going off the blog i recon …
peterk3
Aug 26, 2019 at 2:50 PM
Comment #57Ancient C
You should change your name to Miserable CNUT and lighten up. We won, enjoy the moment.