Newcastle have set the stage for the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-finals with a 1-0 win at Southampton. It was far from pretty but The Magpies come through unscathed with a chance for a Wembley final if they take care of business next Tuesday at St. James’ Park.
Eddie Howe made no changes after the scoreless first half. Another shot was sent high in the opening minute with Almiron, after tearing by Mohammed Salisu, squaring a pass for Longstaff in the box. The Geordie’s shot was sent over the bar.
Yet another chance was squandered in the 53rd minute. Almiron played a one-two with Longstaff to get to the byline. The Paraguayan cut inside and crossed the ball across the 6-yard box finding Joelinton in front of an open goal. He somehow sent what should have been a tap-in over the bar.
After the miss, the Saints were much improved enjoying a lengthy spell of dominance for the next ten minutes. Nathan Jones made a tactical tweak with Southampton forcing Pope into a couple of timely saves on shots by substitute Che Adams.
Howe went to his bench in the 67th minute after Adams’s second shot. Wilson and Willock came off with Alexander Isak and Allan Saint-Maximin entering the fray. The move pushed Joelinton into the midfield with Saint-Maximin taking the mantle on the left and Isak spearheading the attack.
Newcastle found their breakthrough in the 73rd minute. It was some inspirational play from Isak as he got past a Southampton defender down the right and put a perfect ball into the box. This time Joelinton didn’t miss as he powered his tap-in into the net to make it 1-0.
The euphoria was almost snuffed out as the Saints appeared to equalize through Adam Armstrong just moments later. Armstrong did very well to win the ball and then get on the end of a cross into the box. However, the ball came off his arm before it dribbled into the net. Jacob Murphy came on for Almiron after the disallowed goal.
Southampton went down to ten men when Duje Caleta-Car picked up his second booking after taking down Saint-Maximin during a jaunt up the pitch. The match had grown tempestuous over the previous few minutes with multiple bookings.
Newcastle saw out the proceedings for the 1-0 win. While the result goes in the Magpies’ favor, a chance to make the second leg a more comfortable affair was squandered. The 1-0 win will suffice as yet another clean sheet is kept.
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242 comments so far
sparky55
Jan 25, 2023 at 8:06 AM
Comment #201Wor B.
Three!…you heard it here last!
One foot in the box…giddy!
Wor B
Jan 25, 2023 at 8:07 AM
Comment #202If Lord Scattercash sorts the 2 big signings, I’ll stump up for the Lucozade.
sparky55
Jan 25, 2023 at 8:13 AM
Comment #203Everyones getting giddy…Wor B’s even making promises with regards splashing the cash!
Anyone would think we’ve got a chance of making or first final in 20 odd years.
Burni
Jan 25, 2023 at 8:17 AM
Comment #204Its so good to see the blog awash with positivity unlike ever before.
But.
This doesnt mean name calling is ok when people make suggestions or get frustrated is ok. You know who you are.
If you all can honestly sit there and say that you are happy with the performance last night, i genuinely dont believe you. If you can all say that isak should not be starting over wilson… i dont believe you. Last nights match was EXTREMELY frustrating to watch for large periods.
Yes, we won, yes we didnt concede, these are two MASSIVE positives but that doesnt detract from sloppy play, indecisiveness and ridiculously poor striking at times. I kept feeling like both teams wanted to lose as it was that poor at times.
We have had a large number of matches that have been tough to watch this season and where we could have done better. Yeah we are in a period of transition but these points could be improved.
I think eddie really has to make some changes to get us back to bring entertaining. After all, thats what we all want right? Winning is one thing but winning with style is what id like to see.
Im over the moon with the result, honestly. But more like relief than anything else
cyprus
Jan 25, 2023 at 8:33 AM
Comment #205Burni
You want tough to watch?
Fond recordings of 99% of our games under the previous two managers ;).
Games with zero chances, 28% possession. And those were the good ones!
cyprus
Jan 25, 2023 at 8:33 AM
Comment #206But you do make a legit point. Like I said before, there are points to criticize, for sure.
cyprus
Jan 25, 2023 at 8:34 AM
Comment #207Fond – find
simon376
Jan 25, 2023 at 8:37 AM
Comment #208Raj
Use split tickets for the train. I got tickets last week for 3 adults and 2 children for either 94 or 97, mins going down Saturday coming back Monday
Nicky the ball tosser
Jan 25, 2023 at 8:38 AM
Comment #209Don’t want Isak in for Wilson, but I wouldn’t mind seeing a 4231, with Isak in behind Wilson, and Maxi on the left, and Bruno and Joel in tandem in centre mid. Can’t see it though, because we are doing remarkably well, and thanks in no small part to the running, passing and ball winning of Longstaff and Willock, and Isak and St Max are two mightily impressive impact subs. I think Eddie Howe will give Wilson a couple of more games to rediscover his mojo. He’s undoubtedly a big player for us, although admittedly struggling for form at the minute and certainly it can’t go on unaddressed much longer, given the way Isak is looking.
Not another deJong
Jan 25, 2023 at 8:39 AM
Comment #210It goes back to the debate about ‘never change a winning team’. The proof is that you always need 3 or 4 midfielders/ forwards playing at their peak also. Rotation is necessary and quality throughout the squad of course
Wor B
Jan 25, 2023 at 8:40 AM
Comment #211Burni
Spot on lad, a right bunch of twats, those people who name call the people who name call the players.
sparky55
Jan 25, 2023 at 8:43 AM
Comment #212I must admit I was getting awfully sweaty during that 15 minute period of Southampton dominance…and the feeling of relif when Big Joe scored was palpable.
I posted at the end of the first half that it was pretty much a palace re-run…and the same with the second half really, but we nicked one of the most precious goals I’ve ever witnessed…so we have a foot in the door and southampton are still outside.
They have to come after us in the 2nd leg so maxi and Isak to start hioefully
ToonDarnSarf
Jan 25, 2023 at 8:46 AM
Comment #213Burni – the frustration that many of us have us that we’re close to our first final in a hell of a long time and this feels like our best chance to win a trophy in ages too. Despite 2 finals (where we were smashed), I feel the last excellent chance was when we lost 2-1 against Chelsea in the semi-final, who went on to beat an average Villa in the final.
So, when most fans are cock-a-hoop that we got the win last night, are clear favourites to complete the job at SJP, and will be going to Wembley on the 26th February, there are still fans moaning about how things aren’t perfect.
Those people remind me of the people on holiday who keep saying things like, “I wish it was just a couple of degrees warmer” or “the pool could be a bit bigger” rather than just enjoying their holiday.
CLINT FLICK
Jan 25, 2023 at 8:48 AM
Comment #214Hey
A bit of ‘constructive’ criticism is all good, like.
And…a bit of optimism when it goes wrong, to balance.
But fans who whine either way, win, lose, tie… I think that’s what people are calling out?
I could be wromg!
Anyhoo… enjoying a moment is actually allowed, i read it somewhere!
It’s in the rules and even, within the spirit of the rules.
Howay the Lads!!!
ToonDarnSarf
Jan 25, 2023 at 8:49 AM
Comment #215Wor B – stupid post #211, you idiot.
ToonDarnSarf
Jan 25, 2023 at 8:51 AM
Comment #216I’d bloody love to see Isak and ASM start. From my perspective, that’s exactly what I want to see happening. But I trust that Howe knows what he’s doing and knows a lot more than me.
So, I’m not frustrated because I trust Howe.
Wor B
Jan 25, 2023 at 8:53 AM
Comment #217TDS #215
Why thank you sir! 🙂
ToonDarnSarf
Jan 25, 2023 at 8:54 AM
Comment #218Clint – you are correct. The fans that would find criticism even if we had won 4-0 for reasons like “Joelinton should have had a hattrick though”, “but Murphy isn’t good enough”, or “if Lascelles had come on, we’d have lost”.
I don’t understand these people. Why do they choose to be miserable? What does this football club need to do to bring them joy?
Wor B
Jan 25, 2023 at 9:00 AM
Comment #219Thought I’d end the chain there TDS, it would get very confusing if it went further than condemning the twats who call the fans who call the fans who call the fans who call the players! 🙂
Raj of Hailsley
Jan 25, 2023 at 9:00 AM
Comment #220simon,
Nice one, I’ll look in to it, are you hopeful of getting a ticket
Raj of Hailsley
Jan 25, 2023 at 9:03 AM
Comment #221Burni,
”If you all can honestly sit there and say that you are happy with the performance last night, i genuinely dont believe you”
You’ll have to take my word for it, we won, created a lot of chances and now face them at home with a 1-0 advantage. Yes it was sloppy at times but I just can’t see how anyone could complain at that. I’m very satisfied with the match in general.
ToonDarnSarf
Jan 25, 2023 at 9:04 AM
Comment #222Wor B – one or both of us will probably get called out later for insulting other posters too… 😉
Gotta love the “free speech” brigade though. “How dare you criticise me for criticising others! Freedom of speech, I can say what I like!” Ummmm…yeah…and we’re just exercising the same right.
Wor B
Jan 25, 2023 at 9:06 AM
Comment #223My money is on TDS taking the flak!
Raj of Hailsley
Jan 25, 2023 at 9:07 AM
Comment #224This is a team that raised their game massively for Man City and were buoyed by new signings. We done the business.
ToonDarnSarf
Jan 25, 2023 at 9:16 AM
Comment #225Are people planning to go to London even if they don’t get a ticket? We’re actually away that weekend but I could still come into London on match day.
simon376
Jan 25, 2023 at 9:17 AM
Comment #226Raj
Hoping but just dont know, got tickets for last 2 finals and 2 3 semis, but way they are right now, who knows. Out of all of us going to London, I’m only one going to the final. Might be able to use Keith to get me a ticket, but my cousin Steve is hoping to do same and I have more chance of getting one through club than him as he lives near Southampton so no season ticket and for first time in years, he and his son missed out on membership. So just hoping
Adamn_92
Jan 25, 2023 at 9:20 AM
Comment #227I think the pitch played a big part in the sloppy passing at times last night. As it wasn’t just us, Southampton were just as bad in the first half especially. Lots of over-hit passes as the pitch was very slick so the ball just wouldn’t stop, so judging weight of pass was off due to the pitch. Players seem to be losing their footing quite a bit too. Thought even before kick off that the pitch looked a bit worse for wear and churned up.
Not making excuses as there was some sloppy play, but the fact it came from both teams suggests the pitch wasn’t ideal which never helps. We still had some glorious phases of play though which were only let down by some poor finishing again. When we don’t create, i’ll start to worry. But we’re creating more than well enough at the moment so the goals will come.
ToonDarnSarf
Jan 25, 2023 at 9:22 AM
Comment #228I know I’m WAY down the priority list to get tickets for the final (assuming we get there) but if fans in London are going to meet up in a pub to watch the final, I’d be up for that. Can’t make it up to Newcastle that weekend for sure.
simon376
Jan 25, 2023 at 9:26 AM
Comment #229Speaking of tickets, my cosin from Southampton, his sonn and girlfriend came up for Fulham. Been to a few away games down south, mostly in wrong end. Anyway, never lost a game she has watched either there or on tv. I met her for first time at Fulham. Steve had told me just couple of days before that he found final ticket online for £475, but didnt want to pay that much. I told her that as a family, going to club together to get her to final, she said, just me and not Robin. Of course was my response, you are the lucky charm, not him so need you at Wembley. If I had the cash, I would!!
RUNAWAY777
Jan 25, 2023 at 9:28 AM
Comment #230The team has been fantastic to be where we are now,but there will come a time when these players will burn themselves out,we really need 3 maybe 4 players for cover,then maybe top 4 but in reality top 6.
Fenham to Chalfont
Jan 25, 2023 at 9:29 AM
Comment #231Morning all,
Great result to be up 1-0 in the first half. Whereas the second half of this affair will be played within a raucous, cauldron of noise at the cathedral on the hill.
It could and should have been more than 1-0 tbf as to our dominance. Big joe should have had a hat trick. His chalked off goal for handball was not a handball. We seen it from many angles and there was not a shred of evidence that showed it did with all the different angles shown of the incident. VAR have this facility and did not intervene. For the love of god why? Big Joes miss was the miss of the decade maybe up there with Ronny Rosenthal’s from back in the day. Anyway with Isak’s magic down the right and cross Joe got his goal. A deserved one.
Armstrong’s disallowed goal was Karma, how ever his handball was as clear as day.. fair play to the lad when he came on, he done well.
The game was scrappy at times but with so much hinging on it, sometimes it’s to be expected. So on we march toward and another clean sheet and an unbelievable dominant display from Pope. 16 clean sheets wow. If the opponent get passed our stingiest of defences then they have Pope to contend with. Has to be the best 10m spent by any team for many a year.
Over the moon on foot in Wembley door me thinks. Get your travel and hotel arrangements booked people as they’ll be going fast
ToonDarnSarf
Jan 25, 2023 at 9:41 AM
Comment #232Someone got modded? I swear there was a post after Fenham’s essay.
Fenham to Chalfont
Jan 25, 2023 at 9:42 AM
Comment #233RUNAWAY777
We are in the top 3 for a reason not to mention halfway there to a cup final. We will hopefully get 2/3 players this window. Baring in mind January is notoriously tough to negotiate.
We will hopefully get 2 players in the summer. Who knows. We will look to really kick on.
Put it this way this squad of players finished the second half of last season as the 3rd best performing team. The first half this season 3rd again. Eddie and his team know who they want to keep us in and around that.
Stay positive and keep the faith.
There was some really negative posts I was shaking my head at last night. You were one of them. Some were acting really entitled and sometimes you really do need to just stop and think where have we come in a very very short time. 14+ years of hurt just swiped away in just over 15months.
Try a bit of positivity and that goes for Jiminly, dean0, DJKillers to make a few who persistently post negative comments. We are allowed an opinion but when every one is negative you have to beg the question…Why? What’s there to be negative about right now?
We are on a crest of a wave and hopefully about to win our first major trophy since 1969. Enjoy the ride
Not another deJong
Jan 25, 2023 at 10:04 AM
Comment #234I never was one for unrestrained enthusiasm
Adamn_92
Jan 25, 2023 at 10:06 AM
Comment #235Anyway else notice Isak celebrate with our fans after his assist? I wondered where he went at first, then saw him re-emerging from the fans haha Properly got into the crowd to celebrate. Love to see it!
Adamn_92
Jan 25, 2023 at 10:06 AM
Comment #236*Anyone else
ToonDarnSarf
Jan 25, 2023 at 10:08 AM
Comment #237NADJ – I’m not one for unrestrained enthusiasm either and it does get my goat how some people are overly positive and critical at anyone who isn’t as positive as them. But…we’re in 3rd place and in an excellent position to get to our first final in…how long? 20 years? This feels like our best chance to win a trophy since KK had that big lead in the PL.
The aftermath of beating a dogged Southampton (who beat Man City in the last round) 1-0 on their own patch in the 1st leg doesn’t seem to be the right time to be critical, especially as the people in charge of our club are working very hard to improve things.
ToonDarnSarf
Jan 25, 2023 at 10:10 AM
Comment #238Adam – I didn’t see that to be honest but I did love the way he played. He was all over the place trying to create chances of finish them. Really looking forward to him starting more games and banging in the goals.
Transfer Sage
Jan 25, 2023 at 10:15 AM
Comment #239Last night’s game was exceptional. Southampton are no mugs and can play well in spells but we limited them to only a couple of chances. Some calmer heads and we could have scored 4 easily.
Isak looks the obvious player to start whilst Wilson works through what’s making him struggle, illness, fitness, a combination of things. Maxi looks back to his best, beating players at ease and picking good passes out. He could also be worth a start when up against the more stubborn teams.
What I think is coming through is the need for more bodies in midfield. Once Willock came off, if we’d suffered an injury in midfield we’d have had nobody to come in who is even at their level. Hopefully we get another body in during this window.
Overall though, very pleased with the season and even if we did drop off with injuries, I can’t fault the progress of the club.
Adamn_92
Jan 25, 2023 at 10:18 AM
Comment #240TDS
https://twitter.com/NUFC/status/1618183024914452482
Towards the end of the clip near the stewards, can just see him start to make his way back out of the crowd haha
Yeah he’s looked fantastic every time he’s taken to the pitch for us. This break will do wonders for him as well, as it sounds like it was a lack of training sessions stopping him from getting to 100% and in contention of starting. So he must be well in with a shout for the second league or next league game after.