Toon Takeaways from a disappointing draw vs. Brighton and Hove Albion

Newcastle United split points at home with Brighton in a performance lacking energy.

Today, Newcastle United had a great opportunity to get three points at home for the first time this season. Instead, they were booed when leaving the pitch in each half during a scoreless draw vs. Brighton and Hove Albion.

Top Toons

Christian Atsu: The winger was a motor for the Magpies, starting on the left before finishing the match on the right.

Fabian Schar: Simply put, without his bicycle save off the line, Newcastle United would’ve conceded a devastating second-half goal and may have lost.

Allan Saint-Maximin: Substituting on in the second half, the Frenchman provided a much-needed jolt to the attack. In his shift today, he continuously worked his way into the area and tried to find someone in the center of the box.

Mediocre Magpies

Jonjo Shelvey: Getting another chance to start, Shelvey was lazy in his distribution and did nothing to indicate he is a must in Steve Bruce’s lineup.

Joelinton: Overall, it was a decent performance from the record-signing, but he missed a free header that could’ve made the difference for the Magpies.

Quick Kicks

• What a terrible first half from Newcastle United. There were a couple of missed chances, but they were poor in defense and lazy in their pressure. I understand sitting deep vs. top sides, but really, Brighton? For supporters skeptical of Steve Bruce, this definitely didn’t change their minds.
• In that first half, there was too much space between Paul Dummett and Jetro Willems that gave Brighton some opportunities.
• Like Salomon Rondon last year, I think Joelinton does well to impact the match even when he isn’t scoring. The striker wins a lot of balls in the air, wears down defenders with his hold up play, and is willing to track back defensively.
• It was great to hear the excitement related to Andy Carroll at St. James’ Park. While I’ve written before that expectations should be low for the oft-injured striker, it’s still important that the fan base has something to cheer about.
• Javier Manquillo definitely brought more to the pitch than Emil Krafth has in recent weeks. He should remain the starter until DeAndre Yedlin is back.
• Saint-Maximin is a bonafide gamechanger and when fully fit, he should start every match.

Next Up

The Magpies will travel to take on the Foxes of Leicester City next Sunday. James Maddison scored the winner against Spurs today.