13 August 2023 , 21:30
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Kieran Trippier labelled it a “powerful” show.
Because of the goals, the relentless running, the hunting in packs for the ball, the cohesion and especially the impact of Eddie Howe’s bench. The England right back, and team-mate Alexander Isak, both backed away from publicly saying this was a statement to the rest of the Premier League. Too early, one game in. Statements come when you are in contention in the last 10 games of a season.
But after a preseason chewing over whether Newcastle could pick up their fourth place rhythm of last season, or whether Sandro Tonali would pick up the pace of the Premier League, or whether they really needed another left winger in Harvey Barnes, all the big debates were answered positively.
It urns out Tonali is indeed a robust dictator of play, probing forward or relieving pressure with an exquisite range of passing and balletic movement at pace. What a debut, which brought a goal after just six minutes.
Anthony Gordon was perpetual motion, darting around inside and out, winning the ball back, repeatedly drawing fouls as he broke forward, and was excellent. What an assist for Tonali’s opener
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So why buy Barnes for £40m? The former Leicester man will have to wait for a start, but came off the bench for 22 punchy minutes, his pace conjuring an assist for Callum Wilson and a goal himself with a crisp finish from an angle. He adds the end product.
Sandro Tonali celebrates opening the scoring on his debut
Alexander Isak of Newcastle United was in red hot form on opening day (Getty Images)Howe now has power and depth on his bench. Barnes, Callum Wilson, Jacob Murphy, Sean Longstaff and Elliot Anderson all came on, and all could slot seamlessly into a starting XI.
So what about those worries about extra games in the Champions League? Yes they will sap some energy, but they could end up convincing this squad they can soar even higher than last season.
Even Europe’s best will not relish facing the Geordies at St James’ Park at this high tempo. Isak grabbed a double to kill the game after lightning quick Moussa Diaby levelled, the United ran riot in the last 20 minutes.
Anthony Gordon of Newcastle United celebrates during the destruction of Aston VillaTrippier said: “This is the reality now. The reality is playing in the Champions League which is exactly what we want. We want to be in Europe and play more games. We can’t control what other people are saying and I don’t think we particularly mind.
“All we can do is go into every game looking to win. That’s exactly how it’s been since I arrived at the club. Yes, there are going to be more games but then you look at our bench and the depth we have and everybody ready to come on and ready to start when needed. That’s powerful.
“You see the depth we have got with the players coming on. It’s ridiculous now. Our bench looks unbelievable. It’s so strong.
“I wouldn’t say it was a statement; that’s for everybody else to decide.”
Then Trippier delivered a key message to team mates who find themselves on the bench. Last season the role of subs in team building was key. No bad apples.
Trippier added: “We’re going to need everyone in the squad. It’s so important that everybody is on the same page and you’re all wanting to pull in the right direction, because if you don’t stand and the team wins then we all win because we all have the same goals and the same objectives. Everybody knows that.
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“You see (Callum) Wils come off the bench and score which is really good to see. You don’t see him with his head down, you see him ready to come on and make an impact.”