That’s the spirit as United up for fight
NEWCASTLE United rescued what could prove a crucial point in their survival bid after Joe Willock scored a late equaliser in the 2-2 draw against Spurs. Here are five things we learned from the game.
Newcastle show the fight sorely missing at Brighton
A day after seemingly doomed West Brom shocked Chelsea with a stunning 5-2 victory at Stamford Bridge, which proved those sides at the bottom can cause the Premier League’s best teams problems, Newcastle needed to show some fight against Spurs after what happened at Brighton last time out.
Just two of those selected, Emil Krafth and Joelinton, arrived on Bruce’s watch and the Newcastle head coach turned to a number of British players who have previously been involved in the club’s relegation battles over the years.
It would not take much but Newcastle played with the spirit sorely lacking at the Amex last month – it was noticeable how the influential Ritchie never stopped barking as he made his first start in three months – and the Magpies certainly deserved a point from the game.
It is still just two wins from their last 21 matches in all competitions but if United can build on this performance – Callum Wilson and Allan Saint-Maximin are due to return to the starting line-up – they have a fighting chance of staying up.
Joe Willock delivers after bench’s message
For the first time since his deadline day move from Arsenal, Joe Willock was dropped by Steve Bruce – but the midfielder certainly made an impact from the bench.
Bruce urged Willock to ‘come on, run around and try and score’ and the Newcastle head coach told the 21-year-old he ‘had it in him to get in the box and score goals.’
Well, just six minutes after entering the fray, Willock duly did that.
Ritchie’s deep cross was flicked back across goal by Joelinton and although Miguel Almiron’s header was initially kept out, Willock was there to fire home.
Joelinton produces his best performance for Newcastle
IT felt like it was August, 2019 all over again as Joelinton fired Newcastle in front against Spurs and this was arguably, the No 9’s best performance for the club. Admittedly, that is not saying much.
Joelinton relishes playing up front with a partner and the Brazilian and Dwight Gayle caused Spurs’ shaky defence problems as they stretched the play with their runs into the channels.
Poor defending lets Newcastle down
WHAT is it about Newcastle and switching off? The Magpies were punished for a lapse in concentration after Isaac Hayden was stretchered off at Brighton last time out and Bruce’s side was only ahead for 90 seconds against Spurs after Joelinton fired the hosts in front.
Newcastle were opened up far too easily for Harry Kane’s equaliser on the half-hour mark and the remarkably casual Krafth spurned an opportunity to clear – which proved costly as the Spurs’ No 9 made the most of the ricochet.
Kane duly put Mourinho’s side in front just four minutes later after the unmarked striker made the most of Tanguy N’Dombele’s superb reverse pass.
Newcastle’s defending again left a lot to be desired – there were four black and white shirts surrounding N’Dombele yet no one was tight enough to the Frenchman.
The real test to come
Following the humiliating defeat at Brighto, Bruce decided to switch to a back five and pair Joelinton and Gayle up front – and it seemed to catch Spurs by surprise.
Whereas Newcastle traditionally struggled to create chances when they previously used a back five, the Magpies had 17 shots inside the box against Spurs – which was their most in a single league game under Bruce.
The real challenge now will be to build on that performance against Burnley next weekend.