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Toon Takeaways from Newcastle’s 2-0 win over Sheffield United

By Carson A Merk

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 05: Jonjo Shelvey (C) of Newcastle celebrate with his team mates after he scores the 2nd goal during the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Newcastle United at Bramall Lane on December 05, 2019 in Sheffield, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 05: Jonjo Shelvey (C) of Newcastle celebrate with his team mates after he scores the 2nd goal during the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Newcastle United at Bramall Lane on December 05, 2019 in Sheffield, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) /
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Steve Bruce’s Newcastle United side took a 2-0 win over Sheffield United in his return to Bramall Lane.

Newcastle United went on the road and took all three points from Sheffield United. Allan Saint-Maximin headed home the opening goal and Jonjo Shelvey scored after a VAR check in the second half.

Super Slovakian

Early on, Martin Dubravka was called on to make some saves at a very close range vs. the Blades. He was up to the task each time. In the second half, he was able to keep the clean sheet despite battling a knock from a run-in with Billy Sharp. It was another special performance from the most consistent Magpie.

Possession, Who Needs It?

Newcastle United only carried 27% of possession, but that didn’t stop them from upsetting Sheffield United by two goals. It’s a formula that worked well for Rafa Benitez and it’s paying dividends for Steve Bruce as well. The Magpies defend deep and take their chances on the break and set pieces.

Shelvey, The Leading Scorer

As we all expected, Jonjo Shelvey has a two-goal lead in the race for top scorer at Newcastle United. Obviously, that is quite sarcastic because he’s not a goal scorer by nature and hasn’t been a first-choice player for a chunk of this season. But, he continues to play well and convert in big moments for Steve Bruce’s side with four goals on the campaign. His decision to play through the whistle after the flag went up showcased great awareness and his effort was rewarded.

Quick Kicks

  • Jetro Willems is really a quality player. He’s constantly involved at both ends of the pitch and has proven he’s a starting-caliber option in the Premier League. Newcastle United should absolutely make his move a permanent one.
  • Quality outing from the two wingers today with Miguel Almiron blazing up the right side and ASM scoring his first goal for the club. When those two are in top form, Newcastle has had a lot of success this season.
  • A surprise to no one, but the away support from the Toon Army was excellent. They were loud, proud, and helpful in pushing the Magpies to a road win. The home supporters started to vacate Bramall Lane ahead of the final whistle. Sheffield hadn’t lost at home by two or more goals since they played in League One. That’s a big-time victory for Newcastle.
  • I don’t think there was a whole lot of difference between Andy Carroll’s start compared to a usual outing from Joelinton, outside of Carroll’s headed assist to Shelvey. Speaking of the Brazilian, he had two quality moves towards the edge of the Sheffield United penalty area, but he gave the ball away twice.
  • Javier Manquillo’s play the past two matches has been excellent and he is definitely going to continue pushing DeAndre Yedlin for the starting spot at right-back.

NT's Newcastle Player of the Month for Nov. 2019. dark. Next

Okay, What’s Next?

Quick turnaround for the Magpies as they will host Southampton on Sunday. The Saints are narrowly outside of the relegation zone after back-to-back wins.