Newcastle 1-0 Brentford: Huge three points as Wilson helps Toon win ugly

It wasn’t pretty, but it didn’t need to be today. After three straight defeats, it was vital we came away with maximum points from this one and we did exactly that.

After a poor first half display, a second 45 full of VAR checks was settled by Callum Wilson, who stepped up and buried a 64th minute spot kick to seal the win.

This ends Brentford’s 11-game unbeaten run and doubles our points tally for the season, sending us up to 11th and above Chelsea and Man Utd, with the latter losing 3-1 to Brighton in their 3pm kick-off at Old Trafford.

Howe made FIVE changes. Some enforced and others made sense given how poor we were in that dismal defeat at Brighton two weeks ago. Out went Matt Targett, Sandro Tonali (thigh), Joelinton (knee), Miguel Almiron and Alexander Isak and in came Sven Botman, Sean Longstaff, Elliot Anderson, Harvey Barnes and Callum Wilson.

You could sense the nerves around St James’ Park before kick off and our timid start didn’t help. We were second to loose balls, sloppy in possession and didn’t get to grips with Brentford’s system. In truth, we looked like a side that hadn’t played together following the five changes and weren’t allowed to settle against a Brentford side who hadn’t lost a league game since April.

Pope was forced into an early save after Hickey snuck in between Burn and Botman, standing tall to block his effort with his chest. Moments earlier, Mbeumo almost tapped in at the back post, only for Schar to intercept with a vital sliding tackle.

We never built any real momentum, but did go close through Bruno, who had a header cleared off the line after arriving late. Wilson glanced two half chances over and Barnes got in behind before sliding a dangerous ball across the box. But, aside from the odd moment, we never really got going in a wet and pretty frustrating first half. 

Gordon was our biggest threat and looked lively, purposeful and full of pace whenever he got on the ball….

Source link : https://www.nufcblog.co.uk/2023/09/16/newcastle-1-0-brentford-huge-three-points-as-wilson-helps-toon-win-ugly/

Author : Olly Hawkins

Publish date : 2023-09-16 19:43:48

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