Newcastle did an excellent job defensively against Arsenal in a scoreless first half. The lads were very disciplined and frustrated the Gunners. However, we created next to nothing and spent much of the final 15 minutes defending.
Prior to the match, it was reported that both Jonjo Shelvey and Callum Wilson were sent home for precautionary reasons. They’ll hopefully be available for Tuesday’s massive match at Sheffield United.
Steve Bruce continued with five at the back though it was unconventional as Isaac Hayden was at center-back with Emil Krafth and Paul Dummett as wing-backs. Sean Longstaff and Jeff Henrick manned the midfield with Joelinton and Miguel Almiron behind Andy Carroll
Arsenal started on the front foot firing away two shots on target in the opening minutes. Both shots were easily collected by Martin Drubravka for his first saves of the season. Newcastle enjoyed a decent spell with plenty of possession after Arsenal’s early efforts. However, the lads couldn’t create any chances.
Newcastle’s first shot came through Andy Carroll after receiving a belated pass from Joelinton, who had made an interception but was ponderous on the ball. Carroll’s shot was easily blocked by an Arsenal defender.
Martin Dubravka made a wonderful save to deny Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the 25th minute. Arsenal took a quick free-kick to free the forward but Dubravka parried it away and Willian’s follow-up effort sailed over the bar.
Newcastle were pegged back for much of the rest of the half with Arsenal left-back Kieran Tierney wreaking havoc down his flank. Arsenal won a few corners but weren’t able to threaten Dubravka as Newcastle made some critical clearances, including a couple from Andy Carroll.
Arsenal ended the half on the ascendancy and while they had the better chances only tested Dubravka on Aubameyang’s shot. Newcastle have done little in the final third with no shots on target and winner no corners.
Overall it was a decent first-half but Newcastle need some quality in the final third. Maybe Bruce will hand Elliot Anderson his debut which would be outstanding for the youngster.
103 comments so far
Simmo1957
Jan 9, 2021 at 7:01 PM
Comment #41Shola he’s been totally inept
Munster Mag
Jan 9, 2021 at 7:02 PM
Comment #42Tierney so good
SholaShow
Jan 9, 2021 at 7:02 PM
Comment #43Joelinton is pissing me awf with his lethargic jogging.
SholaShow
Jan 9, 2021 at 7:02 PM
Comment #44Simmo
Whatever!
Australian Pie
Jan 9, 2021 at 7:03 PM
Comment #45Joe off for Gayle next please and quick
coming home
Jan 9, 2021 at 7:04 PM
Comment #46Aye get Gayle on
Munster Mag
Jan 9, 2021 at 7:05 PM
Comment #47Agree aus pie
SholaShow
Jan 9, 2021 at 7:05 PM
Comment #48Ritchie dumb as a bag of rocks releases the pressure on them with a cheap freekick.
Uncertain Toon/World
Jan 9, 2021 at 7:06 PM
Comment #49Munster,
Have you tested that Chef Chip Shop curry sauce advertised by big Paul McGath yet pal?
I know I planted the seed tother day!
IrishRob
Jan 9, 2021 at 7:07 PM
Comment #50I see a hair ball, Yedelin must be coming on, must changed his hair style again.
Munster Mag
Jan 9, 2021 at 7:07 PM
Comment #51Jeez it’s one hoof after another. Coaches football philosophy laid out.
SholaShow
Jan 9, 2021 at 7:07 PM
Comment #52That dive attempt tells me Carroll is gassed. Certainly quietened down in the last 10 mins too.
Simmo1957
Jan 9, 2021 at 7:07 PM
Comment #53That’s positive now. Regardless of the result
jane
Jan 9, 2021 at 7:08 PM
Comment #54great to see Anderson on
Munster Mag
Jan 9, 2021 at 7:08 PM
Comment #55No uncertain sorry mate
SholaShow
Jan 9, 2021 at 7:08 PM
Comment #56Youngster coming on for Joelinton!
Howay lad! 😀
IrishRob
Jan 9, 2021 at 7:08 PM
Comment #57DO IT Elliot!!
Uncertain Toon/World
Jan 9, 2021 at 7:09 PM
Comment #58Anderson on, possible extra time, could get a good 40 mins the lad.
Could be the difference!
jezza442
Jan 9, 2021 at 7:09 PM
Comment #59Almiron MOM and he’s going off, ffs
SholaShow
Jan 9, 2021 at 7:10 PM
Comment #60Yedlin skinned just like Krath was.
We know Yedlin is quick, but half asleep there.
kimbo
Jan 9, 2021 at 7:10 PM
Comment #61Take 2 strikers off and put on a defender and a midfield player, going for the loss.
SholaShow
Jan 9, 2021 at 7:11 PM
Comment #62Big Andy is determined to score.
Only one who knows you need to shoot to score on our team.
jezza442
Jan 9, 2021 at 7:11 PM
Comment #63Oh the young lad is on good to see, hope he does well
SholaShow
Jan 9, 2021 at 7:11 PM
Comment #64Ritchie wastes a corner ffs.
Tsunki
Jan 9, 2021 at 7:12 PM
Comment #65Yedlin looks off the pace as well as the usual stuff
Tsunki
Jan 9, 2021 at 7:13 PM
Comment #66Murphy is doing ok.
SholaShow
Jan 9, 2021 at 7:14 PM
Comment #67Bloody hell
Andy is running around like a wild man! 😆
That sprint is the quickest he’s moved in about 7 years I should think.
Tsunki
Jan 9, 2021 at 7:14 PM
Comment #68A decent corner is all we need
Australian Pie
Jan 9, 2021 at 7:14 PM
Comment #69Apart from that tap in Andy Carroll has been brilliant – has not stopped working
Uncertain Toon/World
Jan 9, 2021 at 7:14 PM
Comment #70He can’t be aerodynamically efficent with that barnett!
Uncertain Toon/World
Jan 9, 2021 at 7:16 PM
Comment #71Yedlin that is!
Tsunki
Jan 9, 2021 at 7:16 PM
Comment #72Yedlin starting to grate on me now. Simple pass is all.
Jail for Ashley
Jan 9, 2021 at 7:17 PM
Comment #73Credit to the Bruce for what Moanster, not losing.
jane
Jan 9, 2021 at 7:19 PM
Comment #74what a chance
Australian Pie
Jan 9, 2021 at 7:19 PM
Comment #75Wilson must be properly injured if he doesn’t want to risk Gayle
Tsunki
Jan 9, 2021 at 7:19 PM
Comment #76It’s all happening last two minutes!
The Prince's Mate
Jan 9, 2021 at 7:19 PM
Comment #77We aren’t exactly Citeh level but I’ve enjoyed the match, makes a change from the usual shite shyte shoite
Toon67
Jan 9, 2021 at 7:19 PM
Comment #78Red, Var?
SholaShow
Jan 9, 2021 at 7:20 PM
Comment #79OH JESUS!
That was the chance.
Carroll should have scored man. 🙁
Toon67
Jan 9, 2021 at 7:21 PM
Comment #80Bugger.
Should have won it.