Newcastle pile on the misery for Manchester United

Newcastle United claimed their first home victory of the season after defeating Manchester United in front of 51,000 fans.

Newcastle United experienced a major revival as they looked like a completely different team today. Manchester United came into this game as slight favorites, but the Magpies outplayed the Red Devils in several categories. Steve Bruce’s side had more energy, were more innovative and scored a crucial goal in the second half  to claim all three points.

First Half

The first half was all Newcastle United. Players like Matty Longstaff, Allan Saint-Maximin and Jetro Willems were too much for the opposition to handle as they did well to win back the ball and orchestrated some meaningful attacks. The Magpies’ dominance was also reflected in the fact that they created eight chances compared to the Red Devils’ three attempts.

• 1′ –  Allan Saint-Maximin did a great job running past a few defenders up the middle to feed Miguel Almiron with a through-ball at the edge of the box, but the Paraguayan’s effort was blocked for a corner kick.
• 11′ – Joelinton won an aerial duel and headed the ball over for Allan Saint-Maximin who was one-on-one with David De Gea, but the keeper got to the ball first.
• 12′ – More impressive play for Allan Saint-Maximin as the Frenchman cut in between two defenders, dribbled around another and took a chance from distance, but his shot went wide.
• 27′ – Matty Longstaff nearly gave the Magpies the lead from just outside the box, but the youngster’s shot shook the bar and went out of play. .
• 28′ – Fabian Schar was inches away from making it 1-0 for the home side, but his header off the corner kick went over the bar.
• 38′ –  Miguel Almiron was all alone in the box and he should have been more creative to get a goal, but his extra dribble allowed Harry Maguire to get back and make the block.
• 40′ – Martin Dubravka was tested for the first time when Andreas Pereira took a shot from 18 yards out, but it was an easy save for the Slovakian keeper.
• 43 – Fabian Schar was inches away from scoring an own goal while trying to clear a dangerous cross, but his clearance went over the bar.
• 44′ – The corner kick that came from the aforementioned clearance nearly resulted in a goal for Harry Maguire. The defender was unmarked at the far post, but he sent his header wide of the mark.

Second Half

The second half was much more balanced and open in midfield as both teams traded possession and tried to create more chances. Newcastle United did well to maintain their composure and took the lead through Matty Longstaff’s strike from distance.

• 47′ – Allan Saint-Maximin led a quick counter-attack and found Miguel Almiron running past a defender, but his shot from the edge of the box was off target.
• 55′ – Joelinton was subbed off and made way for Andy Carroll.
• 57′ – Andreas Pereira was given too much time to deliver a curling cross from the edge of the box for Daniel James, but the former Swansea City winger was a second too late and the ball went out of the play.
• 64′ – Andy Carroll was the recipient of a wonderful cross from Matty Longstaff, but the striker’s header went a few inches over the bar.
• 68′ – Manchester United had a great chance to take the lead through Ashley Young, but a last second block from DeAndre Yedlin kept the score 0-0.
• 70′ – Fabian Schar stretched his body out and managed to make a goal-saving clearance with his toe. Had he mistimed his his slide, Marcus Rashford would have scored from five feet away.

• 72′ – GOAL! – Matty Longstaff fired in a powerful, grounded shot from 20 yards out to give the Toon a 1-0 lead. Jetro Willems did well to hold the ball up and found Matty Longstaff running up the middle.
• 82′ – Allan Saint-Maximin was replaced by Christian Atsu.
• 90′ – Emil Krafth came on for Miguel Almiron to provide more security in the back as four minutes of stoppage time were added.

What’s Next?

Newcastle United will have to travel to London for their next game against Chelsea, however, the Magpies will have to wait two weeks because of the international break. Frank Lampard’s side are enjoying a good run of form lately and they will be the favorites to take three points against Newcastle United.