28 January 2024 , 01:00
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It will be seven decades next summer since Newcastle last won a domestic trophy.
That 1955 triumph, 3-1 over Manchester City, was a life-time ago.
Last night Newcastle’s season needed a lifeline. Two Geordies, Sean Longstaff and Dan Burn provided it. It’s early days in the FA Cup but the Magpies need its sparkle to keep their season alive. They remain in the hat, and hope endures.
For Eddie Howe, a pressure relieving victory - only a third win in 11 games, eight of them defeats. Relief that they are still playing for more than just a top seven finish in the league. Alan Shearer enjoyed it too... on the away terrace with his family, and once spotted, serenaded with all his old songs.
This campaign has been a bumpy one for Howe and his players, and this was by no means the energetic side who like, at their best, to steamroller opponents. It was organised, solid, functional, and a team who lacked precision after a winter break.
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But that doesn’t matter on the road to Wembley, which Newcastle fans were once against singing about after an hour. It wasn’t quite desperation stakes, but this was a big victory.
One by one the chances have fallen this season. Carabao Cup against Chelsea after conceding deep in injury time and losing a penalty shoot-out. A Champions League and European exit largely caused by a controversial injury time equalising penalty to the French. Even the Premier League campaign has faltered badly since November, largely removing the Toon from the Champions League qualification race this season.
But while form has dipped, expectation has remained high after £400m spent on players, and a declaration from the Saudi owners that they want to be “No 1.”
Dan Burn and Bruno Guimaraes of Newcastle United show appreciation to the fans (Getty Images)When the Toon reached the Carabao Cup final last season, the assumption was it would be the first of many, on a smooth rise into the elite. Some fans and pundits consoled themselves that it wouldn't be long before a cup arrived, but the reality of top level English football is that competition is more fierce than ever, and conjuring a run into the latter stages is tough.
Especially after a poor summer transfer window saw £54m spent on Sandro Tonali only for him to be banned. New winger Harvey Barnes has been among an entire XI injured, limiting options, energy and impact subs. Profit and Sustainability rules have clipped the Geordie spending power to the extent they have to sell to buy this month.
This was the 32nd game of Newcastle’s season, with 17 to go in the league, a physical and mental demand they didn’t endure last season.
The last fortnight has been disrupted by the For Sale signs effectively being put up over their players after they revealed two year losses of £150m.
Here nine players were unavailable but they got a job done.
Miguel Almiron was left at home after falling ill on Thursday, and Jamaal Lascelles because of a calf injury, although the winger is wanted by Saudi clubs and Lascelles by Besiktas. Callum Wilson, the other star linked with a £20m transfer away, still wasn’t fit after injury. Thankfully for United, Alexander Isak looks dynamite these days.
Despite a long running injury crisis Howe is only three players short of his best starting XI, and they were solid without hitting the heights.
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Early on United were saved by Martin Durbavka at full stretch, scooping away Rodrigo Muniz’s shot. Jacob Murphy, back after three months out, should have scored when free in the box. Anthony Gordon and Kieran Trippier went close and Isak chopped past Tim Ream but couldn’t get a shot away.
Botman blocked Muniz shot and turn to keep the home side at bay then Howe’s men went for the kill.
Geordie Longstaff hammered home a volley after Dan Burn’s head down let Lewis Miley flick the ball on via Bruno Guimaraes’ elbow. No handball given.
Newcastle are due a kind draw in the next round. Nearly Seven decades and waiting.