Before this week’s Monday fixture, we simulated a FIFA 18 match between Newcastle United and Burnley.
We lined up both virtual sides as they appeared in their previous Premier League fixtures, except we used positive thinking and sat Joselu in favor of Aleksandar Mitrovic.
It was a pair of almost chances for Ayoze Perez out of the gate. A perfect ball over the top from Jonjo Shelvey connected with Ayoze, but the assistant’s flag was up for offside. Then, he tried to make an individual run into the box, but a heavy tough betrayed him, giving possession back to Burnley.
Another offside call nullified a pass out wide to an unmarked Christian Atsu. The match’s first shot came from Ayoze, but went considerably off target. Unfortunately, it would be the hosting Burnley that would score first. A low cross found Chris Wood, who slid to meet the ball and poke it past Rob Elliot. Wood was the top scorer in the Championship last season, netting 27 goals compared to second place Dwight Gayle’s 23.
Burnley played with more of the ball after knocking home the opener, but we went to the half 1-0. The Clarets had two shots on target, with Newcastle United putting zero on frame. The Magpies did hold a 52%-48% edge in possession at the break.
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After halftime, Newcastle United took back control of the possession, but couldn’t test Nick Pope. Joselu was the first off the bench, replacing Ayoze Perez in the 60th minute. Ashley Barnes would replace the goal scorer Wood at the same time for Burnley. Mikel Merino came on for Isaac Hayden in the 70′. Burnley doubled their lead in the 84th minute when the substitute Barnes got past his marker and hit the right corner of the goal with a quality strike.
The scoreline finished 2-0 in favor of the home side. Newcastle United never got a shot on frame for 90+ minutes, and despite a lead in possession, passed the ball poorly. If this is the effort and performance we see tomorrow night, Toon Army will have some harsh criticism for their lads.