It was far from easy but Newcastle have picked up a second straight 2-1 victory downing Nottingham Forest at the daunting City Ground last night. The performance was excellent with two goals from Alexander Isak enough to take the three points, but just barely.
Elliot Anderson had his dream shattered by a controversial VAR ruling. The Geordie came on in the second half for Allan Saint-Maximin, who is reportedly injured. The 20-year-old provided an instant spark in his best performance for his hometown club.
That performance should have been topped with a match-winning maiden goal. However, the referee was called on to review Sean Longstaff’s role in the buildup. It was ruled that Felipe wasn’t in control when his attempted clearance was deflected by Longstaff.
Justice prevailed as Newcastle won a penalty which Isak coolly dispatched into the net. The Swede was outstanding scoring in added time at the end of both halves with his first strike a moment of class.
Barring the VAR debacle, this was an excellent match of football with Newcastle putting in an entertaining display. The result had a lot riding on it with Forest just 2 points above the bottom three.
There were plenty of borderline challenges, gamesmanship, and class on offer. Former Magpie Jonjo Shelvey put in an excellent performance for his new club and didn’t skirt any of his duals.
The three points are what Newcastle need heading into the international break which arrives in a timely manner. Next up is a critical showdown against Manchester United. The hope is Miguel Almiron, Anthony Gordon, and Miguel Almiron are available.
If not, Anderson could get just his second league start. It would be well-deserved. But for Isak’s exploits, the local lad put in a Man of the Match display with VAR’s cruelty momentarily delaying his dream of scoring for Newcastle United.
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236 comments so far
cleveleysbob
Mar 18, 2023 at 2:15 PM
Comment #121It was a shame the referee spoiled the game from start to finish.
He should have given 3 yellows minimum in 1st 10 mins to Ayew, Shelvey and Yates. That might have calmed things down and forced them to try and play football. Later, Shelvey and Yates both deserved 2nd yellows (reds) for persistent fouling.
Finally, he bottles a good decision by backing VAR in overturning a perfectly good goal. Then goes on a yellow card spree against both sides, largely for pestering him, not for any of the fouls. What a clown! – He deserves a red card and change of profession.
It always amazes me how bad the level of refereeing is in the PL, which given it’s money and dominance in the World ought to have the best not the worst.
Raj of Hailsley
Mar 18, 2023 at 2:17 PM
Comment #122cbob,
That Yates was a thug and a cheat.
Essex Geordie Bill
Mar 18, 2023 at 2:18 PM
Comment #123It is great to see more people coming around to seeing Murphy as a real player for us, not so much in the minority now! 🙂
Ap
Mar 18, 2023 at 2:21 PM
Comment #124Against sheff wed i lost all faith in murphy never wanted to see him ever again but he’s been working on his consistency and is now doing what we need which is put ball in the box
cleveleysbob
Mar 18, 2023 at 2:32 PM
Comment #125I’ve always thought there was a player in Murphy if he could “get out of his mind set”.
I remember in his early days with us he made a couple of mistakes and the crowd got on his back, he just crumbled after that and seemed to get worse.
He simply needs to believe in his ability, go out on the pitch and ignore the noise, if he can do that, he’s definitively worth keeping around as there’s no doubt he can do a job for us.
Confidence is so important for consistent quality.
The Taco Taker
Mar 18, 2023 at 2:34 PM
Comment #126I think the main troll is Dean0, he only shows up on a matchday, moans throughout then sods off as soon as the full time whistle has blown when we win. However, if we lose or draw he tends to stay a while to continue moaning.
Pottsclock
Mar 18, 2023 at 2:35 PM
Comment #127Shortly after he joined us, there was a phrase often used on here of “We bought the wrong Murphy”.
Well, Josh is now playing in League One for Oxford. Jacob has just been to a Carabao Cup Final and is pushing to play in the Champions League.
cleveleysbob
Mar 18, 2023 at 2:35 PM
Comment #128Be good if we win all our remaining home games. That would certainly stir the pot a bit at the top.
cleveleysbob
Mar 18, 2023 at 2:39 PM
Comment #129I’ve noticed there’s a Langstaff tearing things up in one of the lower leagues, scoring for fun.
Don’t know if he’s a loanee from a bigger club or signed up with who he’s playing for, but he must be worth a look? I think he’s pretty young.
Raj of Hailsley
Mar 18, 2023 at 2:41 PM
Comment #130TTT,
Controversial maybe, but after all the venom towards the team, the constant whining throughout, I honestly don’t think that someone like Dean0 deserves to savour the win when it comes.
captainmarvel
Mar 18, 2023 at 2:41 PM
Comment #131Does anyone think Anderson is a Milner type of player? I haven’t seen anything of the game but looking at him and the comments..
cleveleysbob
Mar 18, 2023 at 2:42 PM
Comment #132Kuol’s on the bench again for Hearts @ Aberdeen.
Raj of Hailsley
Mar 18, 2023 at 2:42 PM
Comment #133I’ve always liked Murphy, just haven’t thought him good enough for a starting birth, he’s looked bloody excellent these last two.
Raj of Hailsley
Mar 18, 2023 at 2:44 PM
Comment #134Pottsclock,
If that saying was a kipper, I’d love to have slapped the chops of anyone who ever said it with it. It used to do my head in, where is ‘the other’ Murphy now, are those that done it to death ever going to hold their hands up and admit they were wrong.
Raj of Hailsley
Mar 18, 2023 at 2:45 PM
Comment #135cbob,
They’ll give him fifteen minutes if they’re losing.
cleveleysbob
Mar 18, 2023 at 2:47 PM
Comment #136Captain, he has all the attributes and he looked the part in his 45+ minutes yesterday and it was a real shame he didn’t get his fully deserved legal goal. By the way, if you haven’t seen it watch the highlights at least it was a Super performance and the skill shown by Isak to get off the ground, control the ball and then lob the defence to create EA’s chance is sublime.
We’ll just need to see how Elliot develops, but with a run in the team he could be great and save us a packet too. 🙂
The Taco Taker
Mar 18, 2023 at 2:48 PM
Comment #137Raj, that is kinda my point I don’t think he does savour the win, I think he is gutted when we win!
🙂
On Murphy he is a decent option but like all our wide forwards his end product is lacking. He never scores and he might put a lot of crosses in but typically not many if them are great. We really do need a clinical wide forward.
cleveleysbob
Mar 18, 2023 at 2:51 PM
Comment #138Jail, haha, yep that seems like how they use him. Bloody annoying.
I’ll be glad when he’s with us for pre season and Eddie & Co can have a proper look at him, then decide whether to ship him out again or keep him around with the U – 21’s and occasional 1st team run outs.
Raj of Hailsley
Mar 18, 2023 at 2:52 PM
Comment #139TTT,
I’ve always said we need to buy a striker that compliments Isak, but it really doesn’t look like he’s going to play two, goal scoring widemen look to be the way forward.
captainmarvel
Mar 18, 2023 at 2:53 PM
Comment #140Thanks Bob, he looks a different type of player than his uncle.. Geoff Allen was a terrific player, but a slighter build, whippet quick, with amazing skills..
Davas
Mar 18, 2023 at 2:57 PM
Comment #141One thing that Murphy and Anderson both seem to do, is to get into the box when the ball is coming in from the other wing.
Raj of Hailsley
Mar 18, 2023 at 2:58 PM
Comment #142cbob,
I don’t think he’ll be coming back here, maybe for preseason but they’ll be sending him on loan again, Howe has stated how important it is he plays regularly.
The Taco Taker
Mar 18, 2023 at 3:00 PM
Comment #143Yeah Raj we cant be sure Howe will never play two up top but I think a front 3 and 3 in the middle is his preferred option, it certainly has been so far.
I certainly don’t expect to see Isak and Wilson starting together this season though, we may see them both on the pitch when chasing a game but starting both is too risky – I said that from the minute Wood left.
Raj of Hailsley
Mar 18, 2023 at 3:02 PM
Comment #144It’s a bit of a conundrum the back up striker situation. No-one decent is coming in to solely be Isak’s back up. I’m not saying Watkins or Bowen but we need a player like them who can play on the wing and as a central striker when Isak is out.
Fenham to Chalfont
Mar 18, 2023 at 3:07 PM
Comment #145I hope we bring the lad from Watford in Pedro.
He is still young, hungry and had a great attitude. He knows where the goal is and can be a decent understudy to Isak and can play right across a front 3. Bruno and big Joe will take him under their wings.
I know a fair few Watford fans and they rate this young man very very highly. I think he is an Eddie Howe type player and would grow with us as he moves up a few levels.
cleveleysbob
Mar 18, 2023 at 3:07 PM
Comment #146Captain, agreed, from what I remember of Geoff Allen, he was a lot smaller but quick and skilfull.
EA has the build of a Milner/Rooney but seems to glide over the ground which to me always looks like the mark of a good player. Basically making the hard stuff look easy (2nd nature) and he currently has that about him. If I seem hesitant in my praise, it’s because we’ve been here a lot in the past with young players who for a variety of reasons just fizzle out. EA has the potential to be a Superstar for us, but I wouldn’t want to saddle him with those expectations and we’ll just see how he gets along. 🙂
The Taco Taker
Mar 18, 2023 at 3:07 PM
Comment #147Exactly we need someone versatile enough to play across the front 3 and maybe a young CF (not top name who will accept not being a regular starter) This is also why I would not sell Wilson unless he really wanted to leave as he can be cover for Isak or replace Isak if out of form.
Fenham to Chalfont
Mar 18, 2023 at 3:10 PM
Comment #148Southampton have started like a house on fire against Spuds. 3 shots at goal already but still 0:0. Would be amazing if Southampton turn them over today. It wouldn’t surprise me if they did.
cleveleysbob
Mar 18, 2023 at 3:10 PM
Comment #149Jail, that’s the current problem, Eddie wants him playing and he’s not, just the odd 15 mins when chasing a game. Needs more game time.
The Taco Taker
Mar 18, 2023 at 3:14 PM
Comment #150Fenham, I would not be surprised if we did go infor Pedro again.
Ace50
Mar 18, 2023 at 3:18 PM
Comment #151Wolves vs Leeds game is decent. Leeds 1-0 up – good goal from Jack Harrison (wide forward?). Wolves not given a penalty which definitely should have been IMHO. They will feel that’s 2 games in a row they have been denied. This was one was much more clear to me.
Fenham to Chalfont
Mar 18, 2023 at 3:19 PM
Comment #152TTT
Re Pedro it’s surely a no brainer to go for him in the summer. It was just about tied up for him to come here in January but Watford moved the goal posts right at the end. NUFC pulled back which you’d expect. The thing is many a young players heads would have immediately dropped or threw their toys out the pram. Pedro didn’t knuckled down even more so and rolled his sleeves up. That is the type of attitude Eddie loves. The young man is very versatile and can play right across the front 3 and will accept that he will be understudy.
For me Pedro will be singed up in the summer and I hope he becomes a revelation as I rate him that much.
Fenham to Chalfont
Mar 18, 2023 at 3:21 PM
Comment #153Signed *
Ace50
Mar 18, 2023 at 3:28 PM
Comment #154The Athletic said earlier in the week that we are still interested in Pedro and it’s touch and go whether Watford make even the play-offs. Pedro will want to play in the PL. Wonder what clauses are in his new, long contract re still being in the Championship??
Raj of Hailsley
Mar 18, 2023 at 3:28 PM
Comment #155A bit strange Pedro signing a new deal with the interest from other clubs. Showing loyalty maybe or just happy where he is for now.
The Taco Taker
Mar 18, 2023 at 3:29 PM
Comment #156I think as well Fenham we switched focus from Pedro to Isak once Wilson got injured. Glad we did though or we would not have Isak.
I do agree he is exactly the type of signing we need. Not ridiculously expensive either which also leaves more cash to be spent in other key areas eg midfield.
cleveleysbob
Mar 18, 2023 at 3:31 PM
Comment #157Kuol might get 45mins, Aberdeen are 3 – 0 up against Hearts after 28 mins. 😀
Raj of Hailsley
Mar 18, 2023 at 3:32 PM
Comment #158cbob,
Another lost cause for the lad.
Ace50
Mar 18, 2023 at 3:32 PM
Comment #159It’s a lovely feeling watching games without worrying about relegation! Looking at teams that may go down and thinking if any players would be good for us. There’s sometimes gems, for value, to be had, e.g. Pope.
The Taco Taker
Mar 18, 2023 at 3:33 PM
Comment #160Maybe Raj but more likely he signed just cos he gets a pay increase and Watford get a higher fee when sold – what is not clear is if he has a release clause.
Does not look like Watford are going up this season so I think he would push for a move if offered PL (and probably European) footy.