Bruce relishing Cup run as Almiron stars
FREE-scoring Newcastle United are into the quarter-finals of the FA Cup — now there is a statement that requires a double take. But there you have it, not since 2006 have the Magpies made it to the last eight and they are now just one game away from a first Wembley appearance in 20 years.
They are also the competition’s top scorers this season — despite having the lowest goal return in the Premier League.
The caveat to that 11-goal haul, of course, is that they needed two replays against League One opposition to get this far, but what a relief the Cup is proving when offset against their dismal league form.
It would not be Newcastle without a scare and a three-goal lead was shrunk to one in what proved to be a fraught final quarter of an hour.
Not that Steve Bruce cared. He needed this after four league games without a goal. There were also 5,000 expectant away supporters here.
Come the end, progression was achieved at the expense of a West Bromwich side that showed 11 changes and included 39-year- old Gareth Barry.
Bruce believes this can boost their flagging campaign, saying: ‘It can be a tonic. Make no mistake, the Premier League is the most important and this can only help. We’ve had a difficult time.
‘It wouldn’t be Newcastle United without a drama and, in the end, we made hard work of it. But for a large period I was delighted and I’m delighted for the supporters.
‘We’re a unique club, a 400-mile round trip and to have over 5,000 here is fantastic. This is a great competition, now let’s go further.’
Miguel Almiron proved the difference between the sides with two goals to bring his Cup tally to four this season — he has two in 13 months in the league — and Bruce was rewarded for fielding just about his strongest side.
Allan Saint-Maximin was included from the start despite the manager stating on the eve of the game he was a major doubt with hamstring and back issues.
And it was Saint-Maximin who laid on Almiron’s opener with a slick through-ball that was gratefully swept into the far corner of the net by the Paraguayan. Earlier, Saint-Maximin had hit a post from 35 yards as Newcastle enjoyed much the better of the first half.
The period climaxed with Almiron’s second goal in stoppage time as he lashed the ball home from Joelinton’s clever back-heel.
It was 3-0 only 75 seconds after the interval when, from SaintMaximin’s cross, goalkeeper Jonathan Bond pushed the ball into the incoming Valentino Lazaro and the Inter loanee bundled in his first goal for the club.
West Brom’s Matt Phillips claimed what looked a consolation goal on 74 minutes. But with Almiron and SaintMaximin substituted, the visitors retreated — repeatedly squandering possession and inviting pressure.
The late home dominance told when substitute Kenneth Zohore scored during stoppage time and still Albion pressed for an equaliser.
Boss Slaven Bilic said: ‘I was so pleased with how we reacted late in the game. We just ran out of time.’
It was not to be for West Brom. Perhaps it is meant to be for Newcastle in the Cup this season.