Schar class lifts gloom over Toon
FAB FINISH: Schar celebrates giving Newcastle the lead with a stunning solo effort A SCHAR was born on Saturday, lighting up St James’ Park and breathing fresh life into Newcastle’s fight for Premier League survival.
It was not just the fact Switzerland international Fabian Schar became the first Toon defender since Philippe Albert to score two goals in a game which marked this out as a watershed result.
Nor his role in a commanding defensive display which nullified Cardiff as an attacking threat. Somehow, on a day which could have turned toxic with owner Mike Ashley back for the first time in two months,
Schar, 27, reintroduced the feelgood factor. His stunning solo goal – albeit against a defence which unravelled as quickly as Theresa May’s Brexit plans – was a throwback to the days when Hatem Ben Arfa took on opponents.
And Newcastle’s £3million summer buy from Deportivo La Coruna brought a swagger to a team normally more functional than fantasy.
Schar was not alone in catching the eye. Young Sean Longstaff continues to impress and Salomon Rondon looks a natural fit in the No 9 shirt.
But the centre-half’s ability to transfer defence into attack with one of his trademark surges upfield provided an impetus lacking for much of the campaign. So can Schar be the
NEWCASTLE
attacking pivot Rafa Benitez is crying out for? “Maybe, I will have to speak to him,” said Schar, clearly relishing his afternoon in the limelight.
“The first one was pretty cool. I have not scored too many like that. I’ll remember that goal for a long time and you just don’t know how important it could prove to be.”
Ashley’s presence provided a sobering reminder that this remains a troubled club, with a takeover now looking unlikely. His manager will have pressed home the message that investment is still required to secure survival. Two hours after the final whistle, Cardiff completed the £5m signing of Argentine striker Emiliano Sala from Nantes.
Sala is their second recruit in two days following Oumar Niasse’s arrival on loan from Everton.
“This feels special,” said Sala. “I can’t wait to get to work and do everything I can.”
NEWCASTLE (3-4-2-1):
Dubravka 6; Schar 8, Lascelles 7, Lejeune 7; Yedlin 6, Hayden 7, Longstaff 7, Ritchie 7 (Manquillo 85); Atsu 6, Perez 7; Rondon 7. Schar 24, 63, Perez 90. Watford (h), Sat FAC.
Etheridge 7; Peltier 4, Manga 7, Bamba 6, Bennett 5; Mendez-Laing 6 (Murphy 82, 5), Ralls 4, Camarasa 5, Hoilett 4; Niasse 5 (Reid 64, 5), Paterson 4 (Ward 89). Camarasa. Arsenal (a), Jan 29 PL.
S Attwell (Warwicks).
Goals: NEXT UP: CARDIFF (4-4-2):
Booked: UP: Referee: NEXT