Newcastle United dominate Hibernian in Edinburgh

Friendly number four is in the books as Newcastle United defeated Hibernian 3-1 in Edinburgh.

Newcastle United rebounded from their 2-1 loss against Preston North End on Saturday with an impressive 3-1 victory over Hibernian at Easter Road. Steve Bruce deployed a 3-5-2 formation with a strong lineup consisting of Karl Darlow, Javier Manquillo, Fabian Schar, Jamaal Lascelles, Paul Dummett, Isaac Hayden, Jonjo Shelvey, Sean Longstaff, Matt Ritchie, Miguel Almiron and Joelinton.

First Half

Newcastle United got off to a lively start in this match under the noise of the traveling supporters. Matt Ritchie delivered a dangerous cross for Miguel Almiron in the third minute of play, but Hibernian’s keeper was first to the ball. Two minutes later Javier Manquillo made his way down the flank and looked for Joelinton in the box, but the final outcome led to a corner kick.

The Magpies’ gameplan became quite obvious in the opening minutes as everyone in midfield looked to feed Joelinton with the ball up top. Although Newcastle United dominated possession early on, Hibernian made the most of a rare golden opportunity at the edge of the box when Stevie Mallan scored for Hibernian to give the home side a 1-0 lead after nine minutes.

A minute after the goal was scored, Ritchie fell to his knees and looked like he was in pain. As a result, Rolando Aarons was brought on to replace the Magpies’ primary winger. Newcastle United almost scored in the 15th minute, but Almiron missed an easy header from close range. His miss was quickly forgotten, though, after Joelinton scored his first goal for the Toon from six yards out after receiving a sharp cross from Manquillo in the 16th minute.

Newcastle United continued to press forward and created four chances in less than 90 seconds after the 22nd minute. Fabian Schar fired a rocket from distance, Sean Longstaff had his close range effort saved off the line, Almiron missed yet another sitter and then Shelvey took a chance of his own from far out.

Joelinton did well to find an open Longstaff outside the box and he fired in a good shot from distance which earned his side a corner. Two minutes later Jamaal Lascelles almost got on the score sheet, but his header went just wide of the post.

The game settled down a bit, but the Toon took the lead in the 34th minute through Longstaff. The 21-year-old midfielder followed up a blocked effort from Joelinton to perfection as he trapped the ball and fired it in the net from 18 yards out. Almiron very nearly made it 3-1 for the visitors shortly after, but his effort was blocked for a corner. Almiron was very active in the opening 45 minutes, but he lacked precision in front of goal.

Second Half

Newcastle United started the second half with the same squad that started the match. The Magpies wasted no time getting forward in the second half as they managed to create two chances in the 46th minute. Hibernian came out more aggressive in the second half, though, and forced Paul Dummett and Fabian Schar to make some quick tackles and clearances early on.

The game settled down over the next 15 minutes, but Newcastle United came back to life in the 58th minute when Joelinton had a great look at goal, but instead tried to set up Isaac Hayden, however, the pass was intercepted by the keeper. The attacking duo of Joelinton and Almiron were finally replaced and given some rest in the 69th minute. Yoshinori Muto and Jacob Murphy took their places.

Newcastle United extended their lead in the 70th minute when Rolando Aarons delivered a decent ball in the box and Jamaal Lascelles buried the free header. This goal sealed the deal in this friendly and the Magpies looked much more relaxed in the final stages of the match. Overall, Newcastle United played well and got the job done against an inferior opponent, but they should have scored a few more goals for all the chances they created. Next up on the summer fixture list is the final pre-season friendly against St. Etienne at St. James’ Park on Saturday.