The Newcastle United Thread

[James]

Huge blow.

— — —

Newcastle United defender Kieran Trippier fractured a foot in Sunday's Premier League win over Aston Villa.

The England international, a £12m January signing, scored a free-kick in the 1-0 victory at St James' Park before being replaced in the 48th minute.

After the game manager Eddie Howe said Trippier "got stamped on".

A Newcastle statement on Monday said scans showed a fracture to the fifth metatarsal in his left foot.

They said Trippier is "set to be sidelined for the club's upcoming fixtures".

 

[James]

<u>West Ham 1-1 Newcastle</u>

<b>Newcastle continued their impressive resurgence under Eddie Howe with a valuable draw at West Ham that edges them five points clear of the Premier League relegation zone.</b>

Howe's side are unbeaten in the league since Christmas, despite this result bringing their three-game winning run to an end.

Craig Dawson headed the opener for West Ham from Aaron Cresswell's enticing free-kick after goalkeeper Martin Dubravka had earlier tipped a Jarrod Bowen effort onto the crossbar.

But the visitors capitalised on a defensive lapse on the brink of half-time when Joe Willock guided a deft finish onto the far post and watched it creep narrowly over the line.

Newcastle remain 17th but are now five points clear of Norwich, while West Ham missed the chance to return to a Champions League place and stay fifth.

Howe only picked up one win in his first eight games as Newcastle boss after replacing Steve Bruce in November, but has collected three from five league games since the turn of the year to move the club clear of the drop zone.

It is form to rival that of the current top four, and this draw comes despite the loss of Kieran Trippier, who has had an immediate impact at St James' Park at both ends of the pitch, and electric winger Allan Saint-Maximin - arguably Howe's two most important players.

Without the marauding Saint-Maximin, Newcastle lost someone with the ability to provide a threat from virtually anywhere on the field, with only West Ham's Declan Rice carrying the ball further than the Frenchman in the Premier League this season.

But in his absence, Howe found Willock and Joelinton in impressive form, with the latter almost sneaking in at the back post early on during a spell of nervy West Ham defending.

Despite their bright start, Newcastle looked set to enter the break a goal down, only for the usually assured Rice to miscue a header into Willock's path. The 22-year-old midfielder was alert and scored his first goal of the season from a tight angle as Hammers goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski failed to scramble his shot off the line.

The former Arsenal midfielder also zipped an effort wide from distance in the pouring rain in a second half that saw both sides struggle to assert themselves, and Newcastle will no doubt be the more satisfied with a point.

 

[James]

That’s a brilliant away result for Newcastle, especially considering that Trippier and Saint-Maximin are injured.

 

[James]

<b>Newcastle United: Amanda Staveley says she borrowed £30m for Newcastle purchase</b>

Newcastle United co-owner Amanda Staveley has said in High Court documents that she borrowed £30.5m to help fund her 10% stake in the club.

Staveley's PCP Capital Partners firm led a Saudi Arabian backed takeover of Newcastle for £305m in October.

But in court documents seen by the BBC, she admitted claims made by former owner Mike Ashley that she borrowed the money from fellow co-owners the Reuben brothers, who also own 10% of the club.

The payment was made to another of Staveley's companies, Cantervale Limited, with the remaining 80% of the Newcastle sale financed by the Saudi Public Investment Fund.

Staveley also says she borrowed £10m from Ashley to cover costs during the acquisition.

But, via his company St James Holdings, he is suing Staveley and her husband Mehrdad Ghodoussi for an immediate repayment of that loan, plus interest, because he claims the terms of the agreement have been breached, which she denies.

Ashley, who also owns Sports Direct, says part of the vendor loan agreement meant Staveley could not criticise his 14-year tenure as Newcastle owner.

He claims that her comments about "looking forward" to removing Sports Direct signs at St James' Park and being "slightly frustrated" about being unable to take a picture without the signs in view amounted to Ashley being "admonished" and his reputation being "diminished".

But Staveley's lawyers said in her defence that the comments, made after a Premier League shareholders meeting on 11 November, were in response to "repeated questioning" from journalists about the top flight's temporary ban on related-party sponsorship.

She also says any criticism of Ashley's ownership was only made by the media and fans and that she had previously said "Mike was very fair and he did a good deal".

In the High Court documents, she denies there was an agreement to keep the Sports Direct and Flannels (another Ashley company) signage up at St James' Park for the rest of the 2021-22 season. Signs were taken down in December, two months after the takeover.

Staveley also says it was "embarrassing" that Ashley claimed an intention to end this alleged agreement "affected the commercial balance" of the club's sale and therefore made "written information…misleading".

Additionally, Staveley claims that Newcastle did not receive any sponsorship fees from Sports Direct or Flannels during three seasons from 2019-20 to 2021-22, and for the two seasons prior to that the club only received payments of about £1m for each season.

Representatives for Ashley have been contacted for a response.

When Ashley's claim became public last month, a spokesman for Staveley and Ghodoussi said they were "very confident of defending the claim in full".

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/60444823

 

[MenInG]

Christian Eriksen made an emotional return to action 259 days after suffering a cardiac arrest but could not prevent Newcastle easing their relegation fears and increasing Brentford's with a comfortable win.

Eriksen was given a standing ovation from fans and players on both sides when he emerged as a 52nd-minute substitute, completing a remarkable comeback after he collapsed playing for Denmark against Finland at Euro 2020 in June.

Brentford manager Thomas Frank announced Eriksen would play some part but his introduction came in the toughest of circumstances, with the Bees two goals down and reduced to 10 men after Josh Dasilva's early red card, confirmed by VAR, for a foul on Matt Targett.

Newcastle took full advantage to secure their fourth win in five games, with Joelinton scoring with a towering header from Ryan Fraser's cross after 33 minutes and Joe Willock the beneficiary of Fabian Schar's superb counter seconds before half-time.

Eriksen looked lively, if understandably a little rusty and over-eager, replacing fellow Dane Mathias Jensen, who came on as a substitute for him at Euro 2020.

The game was effectively over when Eriksen came on but what a wonderful sight it was, to see one this high-class midfielder playing again and back to full health.

 

[James]

Eddie Howe is doing a fantastic job and the players are full of praise for his management style. I think Newcastle have strong momentum at the moment and a really good chance of staying up now.

 

[James]

Newcastle 2-1 Brighton

<b>Newcastle scored twice in two minutes to extend their unbeaten run to eight games with a cagey win over Brighton.</b>

It was a first Premier League victory for Eddie Howe's side against top-10 opposition this season and once again showed their improved resilience and grit under their new manager.

After a bright start by the visitors, Ryan Fraser gave Newcastle the lead with his second goal of the season after Jacob Murphy's effort had bounced back off the post following a quick break.

They doubled their lead when Fabian Schar headed in from Fraser's free-kick.

Lewis Dunk clawed a goal back 10 minutes after the break when he lost Chris Wood from a corner to head in unmarked.

That led to a nervy period for the hosts, as Dunk had another header saved by Martin Dubravka and Graham Potter's side bossed possession.

Allan Saint-Maximin came off the bench following a calf injury to waste a good chance late on, but it did not prove costly with Brighton unable find an equaliser.

Victory moves Newcastle seven points clear of the relegation zone, one place behind Brighton, who slip to 13th after a fourth successive defeat.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/60531457

 

[James]

Looks like Newcastle could be about to win again, coming from behind to lead Southampton 2-1 (who are a decent side themselves) away from home.

An incredible turnaround under Eddie Howe, who deserves enormous credit.

 

[Maher96]

Newcastle have seriously turned it around. it was vital for them to stay up this year.

With premier league football next year they will be a completely different Animal.

 

[Firebat]

Great start to his PL career to say the least from Guimaraes.

 

[Geordie Ahmed]

As you probably know he's proven to be a very popular choice with the fans even if some fans had higher unrealistic expectations

It's a shame Emery either used us or bottled it but think it will work out better long term

Howe has done a brilliant job in bringing unity (obviously the takeover has helped) to the club, he's the complete opposite of Steve Bruce.

His appointment is smart in that if he can somehow keep us up then great, that's a platform to build on. If as is seemingly likely we go down then he knows The Championship and I'd trust him to try and get us promoted.

I said this back in December, he was a popular choice and on the back of the recent run he's basically earned himself hero status

As I said then I expected us to get relegated, thought our squad was poor but in reality it had the stench of being coached or not coached by Steve Bruce for over 2 years

The situation we were in was pretty dire and it's taken title winning form for us to be where we are, in 2022 only Liverpool have amassed more points and the last time we lost was December and 10 games ago

I've noticed in certain parts of the media and certain football fans keep saying "that's what £100m" gets you but that is a massive disservice to Howe and it's extremely ignorant.

For starters our £40m signing has only started 1 game, Trippier played 3.5 games and then we were ridiculed by these very people for signing Wood, Burn and Targett. And to be honest those are signings that we could have made under Ashley.

I do accept that having those players will have raised standards but the signs were there even before January, we just had a tough run in December and it's taken a while for it to click. Also if you look at who have been amongst our best players under Howe, it's been Joelinton, Shelvey, Willock, Fraser and Schar, all were there under Bruce.

I do think the run will come to an end tomorrow but it's been brilliant so far and looking at it logically we should be safe even if it's not yet mathematically so.

 

[James]

I said this back in December, he was a popular choice and on the back of the recent run he's basically earned himself hero status

As I said then I expected us to get relegated, thought our squad was poor but in reality it had the stench of being coached or not coached by Steve Bruce for over 2 years

The situation we were in was pretty dire and it's taken title winning form for us to be where we are, in 2022 only Liverpool have amassed more points and the last time we lost was December and 10 games ago

I've noticed in certain parts of the media and certain football fans keep saying "that's what £100m" gets you but that is a massive disservice to Howe and it's extremely ignorant.

For starters our £40m signing has only started 1 game, Trippier played 3.5 games and then we were ridiculed by these very people for signing Wood, Burn and Targett. And to be honest those are signings that we could have made under Ashley.

I do accept that having those players will have raised standards but the signs were there even before January, we just had a tough run in December and it's taken a while for it to click. Also if you look at who have been amongst our best players under Howe, it's been Joelinton, Shelvey, Willock, Fraser and Schar, all were there under Bruce.

I do think the run will come to an end tomorrow but it's been brilliant so far and looking at it logically we should be safe even if it's not yet mathematically so.

Eddie has worked a minor miracle.

Brilliant leadership from him.

 

[Geordie Ahmed]

Eddie has worked a minor miracle.

Brilliant leadership from him.

Yep, done a wonderful job

Unbeaten run came to an end today and whilst I expected to lose it feels a bit like a kick in the nuts

For Havertz to get the winner (great touch and finish btw) when he arguably should not have been on the pitch as well as us being denied a blatant penalty was a bit tough to take

Still, it was a solid performance considering the players we had missing

 

[James]

International break hangover?

A dreadful 2nd half performance at Spurs today, with the defence completely falling apart & going down to a heavy defeat.

Could just be a poor day in isolation for Howe’s Newcastle, who have been doing very well aside from this.

 

[James]

Newcastle back playing well.

The better team against Wolves tonight.

 

[Saj]

Great stuff from Eddie Howe.

Another 3 points after their win against Crystal Palace.

Fantastic turnaround.

 

[Geordie Ahmed]

Another mini run, which was nice to see after we lost 3 away games on the bounce (although only the Spurs performance, especially second half really disappointed)

It's staggering to see where we are considering how the season started and the mess Howe inherited

Obviously a few games to go but Howe should be in with a shout of a manager of the season

 

[Firebat]

Newcastle United have made contact with Philippe Coutinho in a bid to thwart Aston Villa's attempts to sign the 29-year-old Brazil attacking midfielder on a permanent deal from Barcelona. (Goal)

Manchester United and Newcastle United are interested in signing Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen but Napoli want at least 100m euros (£85.5m) for the 23-year-old. (Calciomercato, via Football Italia)

 

[MenInG]

Newcastle United have appointed Majed Al Sorour - the chief executive of the Saudi Golf Federation - as a director of the club.

A listing on the government's Companies House website stated that Al Sorour took the role on 12 May.

He has been seen at some Newcastle games, alongside the club's non-executive chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan.

Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) provided 80% of the funds to take over Newcastle in October 2021.

Al-Rumayyan, the governor of PIF, is also listed on Companies House as a director of Newcastle, along with minority owners Amanda Staveley, who fronted the consortium to buy the Tyneside club, and Jamie Reuben.

PIF, whose chairman is Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, is also providing funding for a new breakaway invitational golf series which is being overseen by Greg Norman.

BBC

 

[James]

<b>DM

Are you Saudi in disguise? Newcastle are set to turn out in GREEN and white next season, with new away kit to be launched following £305m takeover backed by the Gulf state's Public Investment Fund</b>

• Newcastle are set to turn out in the green and white of Saudi Arabia next season

• Sportsmail can confirm the new away jersey carries the Gulf state's colours

• The club has insisted there is no connection between PIF and the Saudi state

Newcastle United are set to turn out in the green and white of Saudi Arabia next season.

Sportsmail can confirm the new away jersey, designed by kit suppliers Castore, carries the traditional colours of the Gulf state, whose Public Investment Fund owns 80 per cent of the club.

Newcastle's crest, as well as the trim of the neck and sleeves, have been coloured green on an all-white backdrop, bearing a striking resemblance to the shirt of the Saudi national team.

The strip is likely to attract criticism from opponents of the ownership, who had to satisfy the Premier League there was no connection between PIF and the Saudi state before their £305million takeover was approved in October.

However, the club will see the design as a chance to increase revenue streams via shirt sales in Saudi, whilst also representing their majority owners.

It comes on the back of head coach Eddie Howe warning that Newcastle's spending power will be impacted by financial rules this summer.


Daily Mail

 

[James]

If true — NUFC getting a bit more absorbed by the Saudi brand !

 

[Saj]

Really impressed with the job Howe has done at Newcastle. From a struggling relegation threatened side to a team who have comfortably avoided relegation.

Great performance tonight versus Arsenal and things looking good for next season.

 

[James]

clearly Steve Bruce was even worse than we thought. But who cares about him.

Let’s talk about Eddie Howe instead. Because he deserves it. My word. He has done a truly remarkable job.

Eddie has led a complete about-turn in Newcastle’s fortunes, from rock bottom in the table to a team that is comfortably staying up and on this form can genuinely challenge for the European places next season.

Premier League manager of the season for me.

 

[MenInG]

Newcastle are in talks to sign Stade de Reims striker Hugo Ekitike, although it is understood there is still a long way to go in completing a deal.

Eddie Howe's side were interested in the 19-year-old in January, but a move fell through when Ekitike wanted to finish the season in France.

Newcastle want to add cover after being without Callum Wilson for four months last season because of injury.

Ekitike scored 10 goals in 24 Ligue 1 appearances last term for Reims.

BBC

 

[MenInG]

NUFC have completed the signing of Matt Targett from #AVFC on a permanent transfer for a fee in the region of £15m

 

[Saj]

Super signing this.

One of the best keepers in England:

Newcastle United have signed England goalkeeper Nick Pope from relegated Burnley for an undisclosed fee.

The 30-year-old moves to St James' Park on a four-year contract after spending six seasons at Turf Moor.

Magpies boss Eddie Howe called Pope "an exceptional Premier League and international-level goalkeeper".

"I'm very pleased to be adding strong competition to a very important position," Howe added.

Pope joined Burnley in 2016 when the club was newly promoted to the top flight and made 155 appearances, including playing 36 times last season.

He played an integral part in helping the club qualify for the Europa League during the 2017-18 campaign when the Clarets finished seventh.

Pope's England debut came in 2018 as a substitute against Costa Rica in a friendly. Then in March 2021 he became the first goalkeeper to keep a clean sheet in his first six appearances for England following a 2-0 win over Albania.

On his move to Newcastle, Pope said: "Now I'm here, I can't wait to get started.

"The deal has taken a couple of weeks to come to fruition, but it got over the line really quickly and I'm delighted to be here and I'm really looking forward to getting stuck into it."

Pope is Howe's second summer deal after the Magpies completed the signing of Aston Villa left-back Matt Targett for £15m on a four-year contract.

Newcastle open their Premier League campaign against promoted Nottingham Forest on 6 August at 15:00 BST.

BBC

 

[James]

Great signing.

Burnley would have been relegated long before the final day without Pope’s performances at the back end of the season.

 

[Saj]

Splashing the cash:

BREAKING: Newcastle have had a £39m offer accepted by Lille for Sven Botman

 

[James]

Newcastle looking to challenge for the European places with this spree.

 

[silentkiller187]

Newcastle United have unveiled their new green and white third kit for the 2022-23 season.

Photos of the shirt were leaked online in May, leading to criticism because of its similarities to the Saudi Arabia national team kit.

Newcastle were taken over in October by a Saudi Arabian-backed consortium.

At the time of the photo leak, Amnesty International said Newcastle wearing the shirt would be "clear evidence" of sportswashing by the Saudi state.

The Premier League approved the takeover after receiving "legally binding assurances" that the Saudi state would not control the club.

In May, Magpies boss Eddie Howe said he was "aware of the criticisms".

"I think from my perspective it's not something I've had any control over," he said.

"We were very aware when we went to Saudi Arabia that the interest in Newcastle is huge.

"I know I'm making an assumption here but our kit manufacturers have probably acknowledged that, and hence why we've ended up where we are."

Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) - of which Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is chairman - has an 80% stake in the club.

The Saudi Arabian state has been accused of human rights abuses.

"If it is true that Newcastle United is changing its kit to match Saudi Arabia's national colours, it exposes the power of the Saudi dollar and the kingdom's determination to sportswash its brutal, blood-soaked human rights record," said Amnesty International in May.

"Despite all their assurances of a separation between the Saudi owners and the club, this seems like clear evidence of the regime using Newcastle to portray a positive image."



BBC

 

[Firebat]

Newcastle United are in talks with Chelsea about a loan deal for 26-year-old Germany striker Timo Werner, who has also been linked with former club RB Leipzig. (Sunday Mirror)

 

[Firebat]

Leicester City have rejected a £40m bid from Newcastle for playmaker James Maddison.

 

[Saj]

Leicester City have rejected a £40m bid from Newcastle for playmaker James Maddison.

And now this:

Newcastle have made a second bid worth in the region of £50m for James Maddison

 

[James]

And now this:

Newcastle have made a second bid worth in the region of £50m for James Maddison

NUFC have their laser sights set firmly on Maddison. Think they are going to get him.

They may have to forgo their pursuit of other targets to afford the final free.

 

[MenInG]

Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe signs a new long-term deal at the club.

 

[Saj]

Callum Wilson is a huge player for Newcastle.

If he can stay fit this season, they should do well.

Some good signings also by the club.

They should have a better season this time around.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Callum Wilson is a huge player for Newcastle.

If he can stay fit this season, they should do well.

Some good signings also by the club.

They should have a better season this time around.

Highly doubt he can stay fit all season. Very injury prone but at his best is pretty good.

Howe has done an excellent job esp the way Newcastle is playing their football. Top 8 finish is very much on for them.

 

[James]

Top 10 nailed on for the Toon this season I feel. Could be even better than that. Howe is a fantastic manager.

 

[MenInG]

A Fabian Schar wondergoal and Callum Wilson's deft finish broke newly promoted Nottingham Forest's stubborn resistance as Newcastle opened their Premier League campaign with a deserved victory (2-0) at St James' Park.

Centre-back Schar collected a loose ball on the edge of the box before sending a blistering effort into the net via the inside of the near post - a goal not dissimilar to the Switzerland international's strike against Burnley in February 2019.

Wilson put the result beyond doubt 12 minutes from time, directing a first-time flick over Dean Henderson and into the far corner from Joelinton's cross.

The pressure on the visitors' goal was relentless from the first minute, but for all Newcastle's territorial dominance they struggled to seriously test Forest goalkeeper Henderson in the first half.

Joelinton went closest to a breakthrough for the home side before half-time, dragging his shot wide from close range following a striding run from midfield.

Steve Cooper's side failed to register a shot on target but were denied an unlikely opener by Schar in the first half, the Magpies defender producing an outstanding block to deny Jesse Lingard inside the Newcastle area.

The result stretches Forest's losing league run at St James' Park to seven matches.

 

[James]

Well done Newcastle… also good to see the overhyped Forest getting blanked and losing.

 

[MenInG]

BREAKING: Newcastle are prepared to make an official bid to sign Benfica striker Gonçalo Ramos

 

[MenInG]

Brighton were frustrated by Newcastle at the Amex Stadium in a goalless draw that means both teams are unbeaten after two games at the start of the new Premier League season.

The Seagulls enjoyed the better opportunities and nearly took the lead in the first half when Solly March's goal-bound effort was cleared off the line - just - by the retreating Kieran Trippier.

Adam Lallana's second-half header was clawed away by goalkeeper Nick Pope, who came to the Magpies' rescue again not long afterwards to deny March from close range.

There was no let-up for the Magpies in the latter stages as Joel Veltman's shot took a deflection off former Brighton defender Dan Burn before being cleared off the goalline by Fabian Schar.

Pascal Gross then diverted Kaoru Mitoma's low cross agonisingly wide as the hosts were forced to settle for a share of the spoils.

Other than a first-half Callum Wilson effort that was disallowed for a high boot, Newcastle struggled to create meaningful opportunities.

Burn, who started the match at left-back to make way for summer signing Sven Botman in central defence, sent a free header high over the crossbar in the visitors' best opening of the second period.

 

[James]

Win your home games and draw your away fixtures… Newcastle doing well.

 

[MenInG]

Newcastle United have no intention of selling Bruno Guimaraes amid Real Madrid links #NUFC

 

[James]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Excl: Newcastle have submitted new bid today for João Pedro. £22m fee plus £3m add-ons, while Watford are asking for £30m total fee. Talks on. ️️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NUFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NUFC</a><br><br>João, keen on the move - he wants Premier League football again. <a href="https://t.co/KkEj76tIt2">pic.twitter.com/KkEj76tIt2</a></p>— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) <a href="https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1560308450063679490?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Toony™®]

Got to admit with Morgan Gibbs White going for possibly £44m+ including add ons where he mainly played championship football. £22m fee plus add ons seem to be perceived to be tight fisted. The english market is premium. One thing to note is that nottingham forest being out of the premiership for over 20 years meant they are initially exempt from FFP rules...hence the spending spree.

 

[MenInG]

Newcastle could suffer a domino effect of Casemiro’s imminent move to Manchester United as Real Madrid target Bruno Guimaraes as their first-choice replacement.

talkSPORT understands the Red Devils have agreed personal terms with Casemiro and talks with Madrid over a £60million transfer are at an advanced stage.

The Brazil star, 30, is a five-time Champions League winner following a nine-year spell at the Bernabeu.

With Luka Modric and Toni Kroos also approaching the twilight years of their career, Los Blancos will now look to the future in midfield.

And according to AS, Newcastle star Guimaraes is the man they want.

The 24-year-old Brazilian joined the Magpies from Lyon in a £40million deal in January and instantly became a fan favourite.

Alongside Joelinton in midfield, Guimaraes has helped take Newcastle to another level following their Saudi-backed takeover last year.

Reports suggest Newcastle are reluctant to sell and would demand double what they paid in January, meaning Madrid would have to fork out £80m.

https://talksport.com/football/1174505/man-utd-casemiro-newcastle-real-madrid-bruno-guimaraes/

 

[James]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Excl: Newcastle have sent Watford verbal, final proposal for João Pedro after two turned down in the last few days. It’s worth £25m plus £5m add-ons, still verbal. ️️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NUFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NUFC</a><br><br>Final decision up to the Pozzo family now. <a href="https://t.co/LGC8YPB3ls">pic.twitter.com/LGC8YPB3ls</a></p>— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) <a href="https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1561069078390996994?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 20, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[MenInG]

Taken City to the cleaners!

GOAL - Newcastle 3-1 Man City
Kieran Trippier

OH HELLO.

Kieran Trippier, once on Manchester City's books, steps up to take this free-kick and curls it into the top corner.

We have a real story on our hands here.

 

[MenInG]

We wanted to go toe-to-toe with them'

FT: Newcastle 3-3 Man City

Speaking to Sky Sports, Newcastle defender Kieran Trippier said: "We wanted to go toe-to-toe with them and I thought we did that throughout the match. Manchester City are a top side and they have the quality to get themselves back in the game but it shows just how far we have come since January. The lads are disappointed after being 3-1 up, but we have to take the positives."

On man of the match Allan Saint-Maximin: "He is the type of player that gets everyone on the edge of their seat, he is a top quality player and he has shown today what he is all about. I'm delighted he is my team-mate. He gets us up the pitch and wins us matches and he was threat throughout. For him, it's about being consistent."

On his free-kick: "I always fancy myself on free-kicks and I'm delighted I could help the team take that extra step and lead the game."

On his red card that was reversed: "I would sacrifice everything for my team and I want to win but I'm not the type of player to injure anyone. I spoke to Kevin [De Bruyne] after the game and the ref overturned the decision."

Saint-Maximin said: "We are disappointed because we really wanted to win the game to show what we can do, the future is bright for Newcastle if we can keep playing at this level. I try to improve a lot and I listen a lot to my friend (Trippier). He has played for very good clubs and for England so I just try to play with my best and show the world what I'm capable of."

 

[Saj]

Loving the attitude from Newcastle so far this season.

Tough, competitive and not afraid to attack the opposition.

If the likes of Wilson can stay fit this season, it should be exciting times at Newcastle.

 

[James]

Taken City to the cleaners!

GOAL - Newcastle 3-1 Man City
Kieran Trippier

OH HELLO.

Kieran Trippier, once on Manchester City's books, steps up to take this free-kick and curls it into the top corner.

We have a real story on our hands here.

That free kick was sumptuous. On a sixpence.

 

[Firebat]

Alexander Isak: Newcastle close to agreeing club-record £58m deal with Real Sociedad for striker

Newcastle are in advanced talks with Real Sociedad to sign striker Alexander Isak for a fee in the region of £58m.

Dan Ashworth, Newcastle's sporting director, and Steve Nickson, the club's head of recruitment, are in Spain as they look to complete the move.

The deal would represent a club record for Newcastle, eclipsing the £40m they paid Hoffenheim for Joelinton in 2019 and Lyon for Bruno Guimaraes in January.

Isak has been at Real Sociedad since the summer of 2019, when he arrived from Borussia Dortmund, and has scored 44 goals in 132 appearances - including one in the 4-1 La Liga defeat to Barcelona on Sunday.

The 22-year-old also has nine goals in 37 caps for Sweden, the first of which came when he was just 17 and made him his country's youngest goalscorer.

If Isak completes his move to St James' Park, he will become Newcastle's fourth signing of the summer, following the arrivals of Sven Botman, Matt Targett and Nick Pope, and eighth permanent arrival since the Saudi-backed consortium's takeover last autumn.

https://www.skysports.com/football/...ecord-58m-deal-with-real-sociedad-for-striker

 

[MenInG]

Alexander Isak is travelling to Newcastle for a medical ahead of a £58m transfer from Real Sociedad

 

[MenInG]

Newcastle are set to sign Real Sociedad striker Alexander Isak for a club record fee of about £60m.

The Sweden international, 22, would boost the Magpies' attacking options given the injury record of Callum Wilson, who is awaiting results of a hamstring scan.

Ex-Borussia Dortmund player Isak has 44 goals in 132 appearances for Sociedad, and nine in 37 for his country.

Newcastle's transfer record is the £40m they paid for Joelinton in 2019.

 

[James]

<b>Newcastle United may already be part of elite in England, new data suggests</b>

Newcastle United could already be considered an elite Premier League club, according to data from analysts Nielsen Gracenote.

The Magpies have improved dramatically since a Saudi Arabian-backed £305m takeover in October and the appointment of head coach Eddie Howe a month later.

They drew 3-3 with champions Manchester City on Sunday to take them on to five points from three games this season, during which they have been unbeaten.

Howe's side have taken 1.95 points per Premier League match in 2022.

Liverpool have the most points per game this year - 2.41, just above champions Manchester City on 2.38. Tottenham, with two points a game, are the only other team above Newcastle.

Simon Gleave, head of sports analysis at Nielsen Gracenote, said: "If Newcastle sustain their current points per match until the end of the year, it will be the best calendar year performance by a non-big-six club since the 'big six' became established in 2009.

Gleaner continued: "Newcastle United's Premier League performance in 2022 suggests that they may already be part of the elite in England.”

Newcastle were 19th in the Premier League - five points from safety after 11 games - when Howe was appointed, replacing Steve Bruce and guiding them to an 11th-place finish.

Manchester United are joint ninth in the 2022 table - level with Brentford - with 1.3 points per match. United's win over Liverpool on Monday was only their eighth in the league all year.

This year could be the fourth in a row in which a 'big-six' team has finished outside the top six in a calendar year. Before 2019, it only happened three times in 10 years.

Meanwhile, Newcastle will finish on 74 points if their 2022 tally is matched over 2022-23.

In 23 of the past 27 Premier League seasons, that was enough for a top-four finish.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/62665269

 

[MenInG]

Saudi Riyals in action.....

==

Newcastle have signed Sweden striker Alexander Isak from Real Sociedad on a long-term deal understood to be worth about £60m.

The 22-year-old becomes the Magpies' fourth signing of the summer after Matt Targett, Nick Pope and Sven Botman.

Isak scored 44 goals in 132 appearances for Sociedad, and has nine in 37 caps for his country.

"It was a big, big decision for me but it is a decision I am really happy with," he said.

"It is a great, historical club that I think anyone would like to play for, with amazing fans. They were a big part of why I came here - and also the club's project, which is one that I really believe in.

"You always want to go into a team and know how they play. I think Newcastle play very attractive football and I want to be a part of that."

Ex-Borussia Dortmund player Isak's arrival at St James' Park boosts Newcastle's attacking options given the injury record of Callum Wilson, who is currently out with a hamstring strain.

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe said: "I'm very excited that Alexander has chosen to join us. He is an outstanding talent who is capable of making a big contribution to the team.

"He is technically very good, with a mix of attributes that will complement us, but he is also at a great age to grow with this club.

"I want to thank the club's owners and transfer committee for bringing Alexander to Newcastle. We are all delighted to have him on board."

 

[MenInG]

Saudi money doing wonders!

 

[MenInG]

Alexander Isak scored his first goal at St James' Park but Newcastle remain without a win since the opening day of the Premier League season after being held by a disciplined Bournemouth. (1-1)

Eddie Howe's side fell behind against his former club when midfielder Philip Billing stretched to steer a Jordan Zemura cross from the left-hand wing past Nick Pope with just over an hour gone.

Five minutes later Newcastle were level as Isak - a club record £60m summer signing from Real Sociedad - converted a penalty after Jefferson Lerma was adjudged to have handled a Kieran Trippier cross by the video assistant referee.

The draw is Newcastle's fifth of the season and stretches their winless run to six games, although they climb to 10th in the table.

Bournemouth have now claimed five points from an available nine under caretaker manager Gary O'Neil to leave them 12th.

As at all Premier League games this weekend there was a minute's silence before kick-off, which was impeccably observed, for the late Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II followed by the national anthem. There was also stadium-wide applause in the 70th minute in honour of her 70-year reign.

 

[James]

Newcastle’s results this season haven’t actually been that good.

 

[MenInG]

Newcastle United are said to have ‘set their sights on beating Everton’ to the signing of Villarreal attacker Nicolas Jackson amid his ‘glowing reports’.

Jackson has been a breakout star in La Liga at the start of this campaign. He only eight times in the league last term but he shone for Villarreal B.

The 21-year-old has featured more prominently so far this season, though. He netted his first senior goal for Villarreal in their 3-0 win over Real Valladolid last month.

 

[MenInG]

BREAKING: Newcastle United have completed an agreement to sign Australian forward Garang Kuol.

The highly-rated player will join the club from A-League side Central Coast Mariners in January 2023.

 

[James]

Miguel Almiron scored twice and Callum Wilson netted on his return from injury as Newcastle United hit four past 10-man Fulham at Craven Cottage to move up to sixth in the Premier League.

Fulham's day started poorly when Nathaniel Chalobah was shown a straight red card for a high challenge on Sean Longstaff in the eighth minute.

Three minutes later Wilson turned in Joe Willock's header, before Almiron effectively killed off the game in the 33rd minute with a superb looping volley.

Longstaff added a third for the visitors just before the break, striking home a rebound after Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno tipped Sven Botman's header on to the post.

And in the second half Almiron tapped in his second, pouncing on a Willock pass across goal.

Fulham scored a late consolation, with Bobby Decordova-Reid heading home Neeskens Kebano's cross.

With striker Alexander Isak picking up a knock on international duty with Sweden, Almiron's slick display and Wilson's return to action could not have been more timely.

Almiron's first-half strike was special. The Paraguayan found the net with a first-time volley, latching on to a looping pass from Bruno Guimaraes.

And the 28-year-old thought he had scored a first Premier League hat-trick midway through the second half, chipping in a third only to see his effort ruled out by the offside flag.

As for Wilson, the 30-year-old's opener means he has now scored four goals in four top-flight matches against the Cottagers.

The former Bournemouth star had hit the post in the opening exchanges and went close to scoring a second in the 28th minute with a curling effort.

Midfielder Joe Willock was also lively for Eddie Howe's side, picking up two assists and forcing fine diving saves from Leno either side of half-time.

Referee Darren England initially showed Chalobah a yellow card for his challenge on Longstaff but upgraded his decision to a red after VAR intervention.

Once Fulham went behind, there only seemed to be one winner.

Things went from bad to worse for Marco Silva's side when star striker and former Magpie Aleksandar Mitrovic limped off in the 37th minute.

He was soon joined on the bench by debutant Layvin Kurzawa who also picked up a first-half knock.

Decordova-Reid's goal came from Fulham's only shot on target as the hosts struggled to get the ball upfield.

They created little danger and Newcastle cruised to their first win since the opening day of the Premier League season, while defeat saw Fulham drop to eighth in the table.

The Cottagers visit West Ham away from home next Sunday, with Newcastle hosting Brentford on Saturday.

 

[MenInG]

Newcastle marked a year since their takeover with a crushing win over Brentford.

Bruno Guimaraes put Newcastle ahead with a flying header before Jacob Murphy doubled the advantage shortly after following an error from David Raya.

Ivan Toney scored against his old club via a penalty, but Guimaraes netted again less than two minutes after.

Miguel Almiron and an Ethan Pinnock own goal completed the scoring.

 

[James]

<b>Bruno Guimaraes: The £38m 'bargain' lighting up Newcastle</b>

As the final whistle blew on Newcastle's thumping 5-1 win over Brentford, television cameras picked out a fan in the crowd holding a scarf bearing the message, "Can we talk about Bruno now?".

Other than being a pun on Bruno Guimaraes and the earworm song from Encanto, it also reflects how highly the Brazilian midfielder is regarded at St James' Park.

Guimaraes scored twice against Brentford and was endlessly impressive with his drive and creativity from midfield.

Other flashier and more expensive players may have caught the eye since the Saudi-led takeover one year and one day before this game - but on Tyneside, they love to talk about Bruno.

Alexander Isak was the marquee signing of the summer but is currently injured. Allan Saint-Maximin usually gets the party started, but he too has been sidelined - a 10-minute cameo versus Brentford his first appearance since August following a hamstring problem.

Guimaraes was signed from Lyon for £38million in January, competing with Kieran Trippier for the title of the first marquee signing of the new Toon era.

Asked if the Brazil international was a bargain even at that price, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said: "I find it difficult with that number, but I would say that he's a bargain in today's current climate.

"He's absolutely a bargain because he's had a huge effect on the team and the club. In today's market, that is a relatively modest sum - which I can't really believe I'm saying - but it is.

"It's an amazing thing for us to have him, it's not just the player, it's the person as well. I can't say how good a person he is.

"He's a pleasure to coach and be around. He's a really positive person, an energiser and someone I love to coach and be with. I think everyone here connected with the club - me, the players, the supporters - absolutely love him."

Guimaraes has been in superb form for Howe's team, with two goals against Brentford following an assist against Fulham last time out.

Since making his Premier League debut in February, he has scored seven Premier League goals, more than any other Newcastle player.

Martin Keown told Final Score after the Brentford hammering: "We talk about top signings and Bruno is on another level. He really is a top midfield player.

"He breaks from midfield and just tucks it into the corner. He gives everything to the team and those fans absolutely love him."

Guimaraes is a player whose importance to Newcastle becomes more evident when he isn't there.

When he was absent with a hamstring injury, Newcastle failed to win games against Wolves, Liverpool and Crystal Palace. They have won two out of three and scored 10 goals since he returned.

Newcastle are building a team to play in Europe, fulfilling the long-term ambitions of the owners who took over 366 days before they beat Brentford. Guimaraes will surely be a key part in that.

It is a building project which is bang on schedule. Newcastle are fifth in the Premier League, and also fifth on points from the past calendar year. Their 52 from the last 12 months is bettered only by Manchester City, Liverpool, Tottenham and Arsenal.

Kevin Keegan's legendary Newcastle side of the 1990s were known as the Entertainers, but Howe's players know how to put on a show.

After beating Fulham 4-1 last week, Newcastle have scored four or more goals in back-to-back Premier League games for the first time since September 2001 under Sir Bobby Robson. This was the first time they had scored five in a Premier League game since May 2016 when they thumped Tottenham 5-1 in Rafael Benitez's final match in charge.

Newcastle have lost just one of their last 11 Premier League games, winning five and drawing five.

While new era signings such as Guimaraes - the full roster was listed by Newcastle fans on a tifo over the Gallowgate end before kick-off against Brentford - draw the eye, others left over from the Steve Bruce reign deserve a mention.

Not least Miguel Almiron, who after being the butt of a Jack Grealish joke is now flying for Newcastle. He scored a goal of the season contender against Fulham and nearly struck from 25 yards against Brentford, before capitalising on a defensive error to score the fourth of the Magpies' five against the Bees.

BBC pundit Rachel Brown-Finnis said of the Paraguayan: "This looks like the best version of Almiron that any of us have seen since he arrived at the club. It must be great to be a Newcastle fan right now."

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/63188337

 

[MenInG]

FT: Manchester United 0-0 Newcastle

Impressive Newcastle

It was another good result for Newcastle, who have now drawn with both Manchester clubs and have still only lost once this season.

Joelinton should have put them in front. De Gea was on the floor having tried to save the Brazilian's initial header from Kieran Trippier's cross, so all the Brazilian had to do was get his effort on target.

Sadly for the visitors, he did not manage it, just as Miguel Almiron rushed his second-half shot from a pre-planned corner routine and blazed it into the Stretford End when he had time to do much better.

Nevertheless, on a ground where they hardly win and have not even secured a point since 2015, this was one of Newcastle's better efforts.

Trippier in particular looked good, which is positive for Gareth Southgate given his recent bad news on the injury front for so many of his right-backs.

Certainly if anyone is going to gate-crash the established top six this season, Newcastle look like being the ones to do it.

 

[MenInG]

Some bad news on the injury front from Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.

Sweden forward Aleksander Isak has suffered a recurrence of the thigh injury that has kept him out for six weeks.

Isak was expected to be involved in today's game at Manchester United but missed the game at Old Trafford.

"Isak has injured his thigh," said Howe. "We probably won’t see him again before we break for the World Cup."

 

[MenInG]

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has defended the club's decision to return to Saudi Arabia for a warm-weather training camp, saying it was made from a "purely footballing backdrop".

The Magpies will travel to Riyadh from 4-10 December during the Premier League's break for the World Cup, and will play Al-Hilal in a friendly.

A Saudi-backed takeover of the club was completed in October 2021.

The club previously travelled to Saudi Arabia in January.

"We've made a football decision. We've looked at the World Cup break, what's the best thing for the team," said Howe.

"The best thing for the team, I believe, is to take the team away like you would in pre-season, away from distractions, a chance to really train the group, enhance the team spirit with hopefully some good weather, so that's what we've done.

"We've made it from a purely footballing backdrop."

Newcastle news and fan views in one place
Newcastle's ownership model has been controversial since Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) took over at the club last year, with human rights groups saying the move is an attempt to 'sportswash' the country's image.

Upon taking an 80% stake in the club, Newcastle's owners had to provide "legally-binding assurances" to the Premier League that the state would not control the club despite Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also being the chair of PIF.

In the summer, a pre-season friendly with Mainz went ahead despite fans of the Bundesliga club protesting that Newcastle was a "vehicle for asserting the interests of a regime that tramples on human rights".

After their trip to Saudi Arabia at the start of the year, Newcastle won five of their next six matches and the club hope the upcoming trip will have a similar effect.

"When you look back to last year, our decision to go there and the benefit it had for the team and the results on our return were really good, so we got a few positive connotations from that," added Howe.

"Going back to our trip last year, the weather was very good, the facilities were first class, we were able to spend some quality time together to bond the group and really focus our energies on our battle to stay in the division.

"The team spirit off the back of that trip was very, very good. Obviously we have that positive experience to fall back on and it's helped with our decision this time."

BBC

 

[MenInG]

Newcastle United's impressive early season form continued to gain momentum with a superb win at Tottenham (1-2) which lifted them up into fourth in the Premier League table.

They went ahead in contentious circumstances, Callum Wilson finding the net with an excellent lob from outside the box after colliding with Hugo Lloris.

The goal was awarded after a lengthy video assistant referee (VAR) check for a foul and handball, but there was nothing controversial about the second goal before half-time.

A poor clearance by Lloris was intercepted by Sean Longstaff before Miguel Almiron beat one opponent and went around another and fired under the Spurs keeper for his fifth goal in five league games.

Spurs pulled a goal back through Harry Kane's low header from close range, awarded after another lengthy VAR check for offside, but Newcastle held on to secure the points.

While the Magpies extended their unbeaten league run to seven games, Tottenham have now lost their last two and are in danger of going backwards.

They started positively with Son Heung-min and Harry Kane both denied by visiting keeper Nick Pope.

With thunder and lightning in the air, Spurs struggled to carve out chances as the weather deteriorated and in the end could have few complaints about the outcome.

 

[MenInG]

Callum Wilson scored twice as Newcastle United continued their impressive form by thrashing Aston Villa at St James' Park.

With England boss Gareth Southgate in attendance, World Cup hopeful Wilson converted from the penalty spot six minutes into first-half injury time after Villa defender Ashley Young used his arm to block a Miguel Almiron effort.

Wilson beat Villa's substitute goalkeeper Robin Olsen from the spot after he replaced Emiliano Martinez, who was withdrawn after taking a blow to the head from team-mate Tyrone Mings.

The Newcastle striker doubled his side's lead when he headed home from close range, with Joelinton and the in-form Almiron wrapping up a fifth win in six games for Eddie Howe's side, who were denied a move up to third place in the table by Tottenham's late winner at Bournemouth.

Magpies cap near-perfect month in style

Another scintillating attacking display capped a superb month for Newcastle, who took 16 points from a possible 18 in October.

Playing a Premier League game while starting the day in the top four of the table for the first time since April 2012, Howe's side underlined their status as contenders for a Champions League spot by stretching their unbeaten run to eight games.

While a stop-start first half did not aid Newcastle's fluency, the hosts upped the tempo towards the end, with Wilson beating Olsen from 12 yards to open the scoring.

Wilson had a second goal ruled out for offside before the break, but he took his season's tally to six when he nodded a Kieran Trippier cross in from close range.

Joelinton scored his first goal of the season, pouncing on the rebound after Olsen had denied Wilson his hat-trick and Almiron capped a fine Newcastle display, scoring for the third game running when he brilliantly curled a shot into the net.

Newcastle continued to push for goals but Wilson and substitute Jacob Murphy were denied by the woodwork as the hosts were made to settle for four.

While Villa fans will be frustrated by their side's inability to build on last week's emphatic win over Brentford, there will be concerns over Martinez, who was withdrawn in the 35th minute.

There was a five-minute stoppage as Martinez received treatment with Mings having inadvertently struck the Argentine's head with his knee after the goalkeeper had saved a Joelinton shot.

Having been assessed by Villa's medical staff, Martinez remained on the pitch. However, after being called into action to collect a cross 10 minutes later, the former Arsenal stopper stayed down and put his hands to his head.

Following further assessment, a disconsolate Martinez was taken off with Olsen introduced for his first Villa appearance since the final day of last season.

It is one of a number of issues for new Villa boss Unai Emery to examine when he officially takes charge on Tuesday.

BBC

 

[SpiritOf1903]

They're definitely favourites for top 4 right now

 

[James]

They look irresistible at the moment.

Everything is clicking.

A very exciting team to watch.

 

[Firebat]

Newcastle are Premier League title challengers - Pep Guardiola

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says Newcastle are one of six sides who pose a threat to his team's bid for a third straight Premier League title.

City are well placed to become only the fifth English club - after Arsenal, Huddersfield, Liverpool and Manchester United - to achieve the feat.

Victory against Fulham this weekend would put City back to the top, ahead of Arsenal, at least for 24 hours.

However, Guardiola said he is taking nothing for granted.

The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager says he can still see title challengers everywhere - including Liverpool, who are 13 points behind City, and Newcastle.

Newcastle are fourth in the Premier League, little over a year since a Saudi Arabian-backed takeover.

Yet they have exceeded expectations under Eddie Howe and benefit from not being distracted by European competition.

"Newcastle have a good manager and top-class players," said Guardiola. "I imagine they are going to stay there for a long time.

"They have physicality in the middle, box-to-box transitions and their intensity without the ball is impressive.

"Also, they are not playing in Europe, which is a big advantage because when you arrive in the last months you have energy."

Guardiola says Arsenal are the "first candidate" to win the title because the Gunners are top, then reeled off Chelsea, Tottenham, Manchester United, Newcastle and Liverpool as additional contenders.

Despite hammering them at Etihad Stadium last month, Guardiola feels Manchester United have 'taken a step forward', along with Tottenham, who City are yet to play.

And the Blues boss is not ruling out Liverpool, even though Reds counterpart Jurgen Klopp already has.

"They have the same manager and squad who were able to win 18 matches in a row. Why are they not able to do it again?" said Guardiola.

"This is my feeling. Nobody knows what is going to happen after the World Cup, there's the transfer window and players coming back."

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/63521543

 

[MenInG]

Miguel Almiron continued his scoring streak as Newcastle consolidated their spot in the Premier League's top four with another confident victory.

The Paraguay forward put the visitors ahead at half-time following a strong run and composed finish for his seventh goal in seven games.

Southampton, who are struggling for goals, wasted chances before Newcastle substitute Chris Wood swivelled sharply and fired into the corner.

The hosts were further punished when Joe Willock added the third, finishing a quick counter attack led by Kieran Trippier with an accurate finish.

From that point, Newcastle looked certain to extend their unbeaten run to nine matches.

Southampton did pull a consolation back through Romain Perraud's fine solo strike, only for Bruno Guimaraes to restore the three-goal advantage with a superb curler.

The Saints have only won one of their past eight matches and will finish the weekend third from bottom.

What a way for Newcastle to celebrate Eddie Howe's first anniversary in charge.

On Tuesday, it will be 12 months since former Bournemouth boss Howe took over and the mood during this win - on the pitch and in the away stand - was another timely show of the positivity flowing through the club.

The transformation under Howe's leadership has been remarkable.

He took over with Newcastle 19th in the top flight, five points from safety after 11 games last season.

Now they are mounting a challenge for Champions League football next season, while Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola even ranks them among the title challengers.

Nobody has epitomised Newcastle's improvement under Howe more than Almiron.

The Paraguay international has been one of the star performers in recent weeks, driving the team forward with intelligent runs and scoring a hatful of eye-catching goals.

The opener at Southampton was another illustration of his thriving confidence.

Picking the ball inside the home half, he burst forward with purpose and showed determination to hold off a challenge from Ainsley Maitland-Niles before finding the bottom corner with Newcastle's first shot on target.

That set the platform for the visitors - who had to withstand periods of pressure - to go on and earn what was eventually a comfortable win.

Howe was not entirely happy with his side's overall performance, saying it was not at the "same heights" as previous weeks.

After an emphatic win that moved them third, it shows how high expectations have quickly risen under Newcastle's new regime.

Same old problems for wasteful Southampton
Southampton started the day in the relegation zone and remain there after a display which summed up their current woes.

Scoring goals has been the problem for Ralph Hasenhuttl's side, having netted only 12 times in 14 league games, and they failed to heed the Austrian's warning they needed to be more clinical.

The Saints had their chances against the meanest defence in the league, but they were unable to take them and it proved costly.

Their best chance saw Mohamed Elyounoussi miss a chance to equalise before half-time with an opportunity he would have expected to convert.

Slick interplay on the right allowed Stuart Armstrong to deliver a low cross behind the Newcastle defence, Elyounoussi showing the anticipation to reach the ball first but not the composure to finish.

Southampton showed further improvement after the break, but again wasted more presentable chances.

Che Adams dragged a volley wide and seconds later Southampton were punished when Wood converted Newcastle's second.

By the time Perraud did make a breakthrough it was far too late and Hasenhuttl, who looked exasperated on the touchline, was again left ruing his side's profligacy.

BBC

 

[James]

That was a hammering to be honest.

Newcastle could finish top four.

 

[Saj]

Brilliant season so far.

Can they maintain this form though?

Top 6 finish would be superb.

 

[Saj]

What a season they are having.

Up to 3rd now after beating Chelsea.

Playing some lovely football and strength in depth in the squad.

 

[James]

I can’t see any good reason as to why they can’t finish in the top three.

 

[The_KING]

People need to put some respect on Eddie Howe's name. What a job he is doing. I always rated him highly. He did a brilliant job at Borunemouth, keeping them in the premier league for many years despite all odds. And now he is doing a brilliant job at Newcastle. With the money that Newcastle have, I won't be surprised if they win the league within the next three years, with Howe as their manager.

 

[Geordie Ahmed]

People need to put some respect on Eddie Howe's name. What a job he is doing. I always rated him highly. He did a brilliant job at Borunemouth, keeping them in the premier league for many years despite all odds. And now he is doing a brilliant job at Newcastle. With the money that Newcastle have, I won't be surprised if they win the league within the next three years, with Howe as their manager.

Eddie Howe is amazing.

When we were initially linked with and approached Emery I was really happy with that as I do rate him but for whatever reason he turned us down.

That was a massive blessing in disguise as it meant we got in Eddie Howe.

I could write hundreds and hundreds of paragraphs on him but to keep it brief I do think he gets praise for the job he's done but in certain sections of the media and opposition fans they downplay his work.

It's always "he's done well BUT they've spent X amount" but that is just lazy and not in tune with reality.

The turnaround in the team started before those millions really had an impact. People have to remember he took over the worst side in the league, that had been coached (or not coached) by an awful manager who is arguably one of the worst around. He had to undo all of that and it wasn't an easy fix, was like turning an oil tanker around.

If you look at the players, almost every player improved under Howe, some by gigantic margins (Joelinton, Schar, Krafth, Shelvey) and others a reasonable amount (Shelvey, Willock, Murphy, Longstaff) and that shows what a good coach he is.

On the money point, our spend is around £200m, which you have to remember it was an under invested squad so that amount can easily be eaten up. And also we've seen clubs like Everton spend way more and still struggle. Man-U spent £200m this summer but I rarely hear about that. Forest spent about £160m and are some way behind us. Chelsea spent almost £300m and they are behind us at this moment. And so on and so on. Spending money is not an automatic guarantee of doing well. If Bruce was given £200m we'd still be an average side.

I've probably waffled on a bit but in summary, he's brilliant, done a brilliant job and long may it continue. Really hope he can be the guy to finally deliver us a trophy.