Newcastle Toons
Fansided

Newcastle United’s first-half attack was brilliant against Stoke City

By Roy Emanuel

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 16: Newcastle player Christian Atsu (r) scores the opening goal past Jack Butland during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Stoke City at St. James Park on September 16, 2017 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 16: Newcastle player Christian Atsu (r) scores the opening goal past Jack Butland during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Stoke City at St. James Park on September 16, 2017 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The proactive philosophy brought an attractive brand of football.

Newcastle United and manager Rafa Benitez earned their third consecutive Premier League victory this weekend versus Stoke City, moving higher and higher up the table. The club required a crucial goal from team captain Jamaal Lascelles late on, but there was much to be positive about in the Magpies’ first-half attack.

The opening 45 minutes of the fixture saw constant pressure on the visitors, and forced Potters goalkeeper Jack Butland into several dangerous situations. Newcastle ultimately fired 14 shots throughout the match.

Confidence is clearly high within the squad, and that helps in this regard. Players want to have a go, and they want to truly take on the opposition.

This is a quality that great teams throughout Newcastle history have had, and it is promising to see those characteristics once again.

It was not all perfect of course, as finishing was the main takeaway on the negative end for the team. Joselu and Ayoze Perez found themselves in prime positions but could not convert, and a second goal before half-time could have changed quite a bit in the final 45 minutes.

DeAndre Yedlin’s season debut brought even more pace on the wing, while both Matt Ritchie and Christian Atsu enjoyed splendid performances.

Hard work on the training ground

When it comes to strikers, nothing can help shake off a bad outing quite like putting in the work on the training ground. Joselu especially may feel a bit disappointed not to find a goal against his former side, but a good week working with Benitez can change that.

Aleksandar Mitrovic must still serve one more match for his FA ban, and Dwight Gayle made another substitute appearance in the second half.

So for the trip to Brighton, Joselu and Perez will again be the focal points.

Next: Alan Shearer's top five goals for Newcastle United

Every Premier League club is a work in-progress, fighting to improve during the opening weeks of the campaign. If Newcastle United’s attack can replicate their first-half form against Stoke in the near future, the goals will assuredly arrive.