28 November 2023 , 22:54
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At last, the real Newcastle United turned up for a Champions League away game.
The simmering frustration that Europe’s elite had not been given a working over by Eddie Howe’s side - in Milan or Dortmund - was unleashed in Paris. At last a goal on the continent, too. Alexander Isak’s strike was the first on their Champions League travels of the season… and the first for 20 years since Alan Shearer netted in a 2-2 draw in the San Siro.
At last, Anthony Gordon ghosted around creating and disrupting, looking world class. Bruno Guimaraes, on top of his game, wriggling away from tight corners. Miggy Almiron injected directness and fierce pressing and Joelinton bullying in midfield. Tino Livramento was superb too, charging through to create the goal opening, and disrupting Ousmane Dembele.
This was the Newcastle United the Premier League see and fear, before late heartbreak robbed them of what would be their best ever European result. It was make-or-break for Howe’s men. Lose and they were out of the Champions League. They fed off that jeopardy.
Jamaal Lascelles’ team talk centre on the Toon not having shown their top form, and a desire to put it right. Howe admitted as much pre-match saying game plans hadn’t been “executed.” After a shaky start, Newcastle quelled a Kylian Mbappe squall, and controlled the first half looking like Champions League veterans.
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Alexander Isak was left heartbroken (AFP via Getty Images)Lewey Miley, just 17 and making his first Euro start, ran 6.7km, topped only by Guimaraes. Nicky Pope’s reflexes saved from Mbappe and Dembele, who also hit Fab Schar instead of the net as the defence did their bit.
Whatever the final positioning of Group F, Newcastle will always have that 4-1 win at home to PSG, and this accomplished show. They have the quality, if not yet the depth or experience, although this starting XI was only a couple of first choice players short. It is a minor miracle Newcastle are still hanging in there.
Newcastle are still fighting in the Champions League (Getty Images)Surely training at the Parc Des Princes the night before helped. The first glance most players had of the San Siro was walking out 90 minutes before kick off. Same at Dortmund. It is notable that Howe reversed that policy and his lads looked more settled.
Injuries remain a constricting factor. Howe had 10 injured or banned here. Gordon and Almiron in Germany which weakened the team. United has three kids on the bench and two keepers, with only left sided defenders Paul Dummett and Lewis Hall with experience.
Who knows how much better off they’d have been had injuries not bitten so hard and Sandro Tonali not been a gambler. But as Pope said before the game, Newcastle have to have elite “behaviours” and that meant expecting to win these games and reach finals.
Well, Howe’s men delivered big time. Still they live to fight in the Group of Death. Game on. Don’t pack away the passports just yet, Geordies. There was heartbreak late on here, but Newcastle showed they are a force to be reckoned with.