Newcastle United: Toon Takeaways vs. Hellas Verona
In their final preseason friendly, Newcastle United handled Hellas Verona 2-0.
The Toon Army got a taste of what they hope to see during the Premier League season at St. James’ Park. Newcastle United easily dispatched Serie A side Hellas Verona 2-0 in their final tuneup before next week’s opener.
Ayoze Perez got on the end of a Javier Manquillo cross to start the scoring early for the Magpies. Christian Atsu doubled that lead when he got on the end of a long aerial ball from Jonjo Shelvey. The young Ghanaian wonderfully struck the ball past the keeper. His energy was endless against Verona and their defenders will surely be having nightmares about his pace and creativity.
The main battles that remained are at central midfield and the number 10 behind Dwight Gayle, who missed the friendly due to a small injury. Ayoze Perez will likely earn the nod at forward and Isaac Hayden alongside Jonjo Shelvey.
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Top Toons
Christian Atsu: The speedy winger was electric against Verona. He blazed past their defenders and was able to push passes back in front of goal. Atsu also had a class finish for the second goal of the match.
Javier Manquillo: Set to start the season for the injured DeAndre Yedlin, the Spanish fullback showed good pace and an eye for the attack.
Jonjo Shelvey: He was spraying the ball all over St. James’ Park today while wearing the captain’s armband. His ball over the top to Atsu was quality and he looks primed to open some eyes this season across the Premier League.
Mediocre Magpies
Aleksandar Mitrovic: With Gayle sitting out the match due to injury, Mitro had a chance to dazzle the crowd and Rafa ahead of the EPL opener next week. He didn’t. It was another match where the Serbian was active, but reckless and ineffective.
Ayoze Perez: Despite a smooth finish near post for the first goal, Perez was a bit sloppy this time out. He committed some unnecessary fouls and wasn’t too confident in his passing. Thankfully for Perez, Mo Diame and Siem de Jong have been poor this preseason, likely securing his starting spot.
What’s Next
The next time you see Newcastle United on the pitch, the result will count. They will host Tottenham Hotspurs in their Premier League return. The match is set for kickoff on 8/13 at 1:30 PM local time.
Spurs finished second on the EPL table last season behind Chelsea. They’re led by 2016-17 Golden Boot winner Harry Kane.