Anthony Gordon’s goal gave Newcastle a deserved 1-0 win over Manchester United as they moved above their rivals in the Premier League table.
Gordon converted Kieran Trippier’s low cross in the 55th minute to score the goal that reflected Newcastle’s dominance. The energy and endeavor shown by Eddie Howe’s side at St James’ Park was in stark contrast to the dismal display of the visitors.
Harry Maguire parried Anthony’s shot into the net late on but was in an offside position and the equalizer could have been undeserved. Erik Ten Hag sees his side drop to seventh, while Newcastle also move above Tottenham to climb to fifth.
How did Newcastle beat Manchester United?
Newcastle were in complete control throughout the first half, with Andre Onana, under pressure after his disastrous display away to Galatasaray in midweek, looking nervous in the early exchanges. The goalkeeper only made a good save from Miguel Almiron’s shot.
It was just the beginning of a wave of opportunities for Newcastle. Maguire parried Alexander Isak’s shot wide of the post, Jamaal Lascelles headed in from close range, and Almiron then cut inside only to shoot high and wide when well placed.
Trippier came close to taking the lead just before half-time when he curled a brilliant free-kick off the underside of Onana’s crossbar. Maguire, who was reliant on one man at times, blocked Fabien Scharre’s shot to ensure the teams were level at the break.
With 14 of 16 shots in the first half, Hugh’s only worry was that his sloppy side might mean his team slumped in the second half. None of that. The intensity of the game increased and Newcastle were rewarded just before the hour mark.
Trippier, who had dominated a defensive duel against Alejandro Garnacho, turned provider. A low cross from the right found Gordon to finish straight at the back post, having stolen a yard from Aaron Wan-Bissaka. St James’s Park was bouncing. Ten Hag team apartment.
Manchester United linked Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial in an attempt to change the momentum and Newcastle’s narrow lead meant the result remained in the balance. The home side also had to contend with goalkeeper Nick Pope being out injured.
There was a late scare for them when Anthony’s shot crashed into the net but the deflection came off Maguire who was standing in an offside position. This would have been unfair given the gap between the two teams’ performances.
Howe: What’s the answer?
“The players responded again,” Howe said. TNT Sports, which witnessed the controversial equalizer against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday evening. “What a reaction to that late goal in Paris. It would have been easy to feel sorry for ourselves.”
Howe praised Gordon’s match-winning attitude. “From the first day when he came here, you could see the passion in his character and the desire to achieve and succeed,” he said.
“He’s really worked on his game. He’s one of those who wants to do more every day. He was good physically today. I’m happy that he’s scoring goals now and getting the recognition he deserves.”
The only disappointment for the Newcastle manager was Pope’s shoulder injury which could see him out for a while. “It’s a big blow for us if Nick is out for any length of time. I think he dislocated his shoulder diving.”
Ten Hag: We will overcome this
“We had a tough first half,” Ten Hag said. TNT Sports. “We said at half-time that we were happy with the 0-0 score and we have to stay in the game. We made a good comeback in the last part of the game. This is the fight we have to show.”
“In the end, we stayed in the game and had some good chances [Sergio] Reguilon, I think we scored a goal that was offside, so we could have equalized. But overall you have to say Newcastle deserved to win.”
They had now gone 13 games without an away win against the top eight teams at the time, an issue that Ten Hag was asked to address in his press conference afterwards. “I was waiting for this question,” he told reporters.
“There are always problems, I know your job is to see that. Or we have the away level, or we have the home level. Now we have this problem. We will overcome this problem as well.”
Newcastle win stats
- Manchester United have not won any of their last 13 away games in the Premier League against a team that starts the day in the top eight of the table.
- Newcastle have won three successive matches against Manchester United in all competitions for the first time in more than a century.
- Newcastle have won seven of their eight home games in the Premier League this season, more than any other team.
- Anthony Gordon became the first Newcastle player to score in four consecutive home Premier League matches since Joe Willock in 2021.
- Gordon’s goal was the first goal Manchester United had conceded in the Premier League since Phil Foden’s strike for Manchester City in October.
What then?
Newcastle is on its way to play its next two matches in the English Premier League, the first in Everton Thursday, start at 7.30pm. Then it’s a trip to Tottenham On Sunday, the match kicks off at 4.30pm – the match is broadcast live Sky Sports.
Manchester United at home Chelsea On Wednesday, the match kicks off at 8.15pm, before hosting Bournemouth Saturday, start at 3 p.m.
