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. Barnes grew into it with a few darting runs, but we lacked sparkle or touch of class needed to unlock this organised and physical Brentford side who constantly posed a threat on the break.
One positive heading into the second half was Rico Henry’s withdrawal. He’d caused problems down their left, looking able to keep pace with Gordon and get in behind Trippier at the other end.
It wasn't pretty, but the second half was better. There wasn't much flowing football or a feeling of control, but we were winning our battles, defended well and could've had a couple on another day. Wilson bundled the ball home after a six-yard box scramble, but the goal was disallowed for an alleged foul on Flekken.
It was a frankly pathetic decision and so weak from VAR officials, but our persistence paid off as Gordon won us a penalty that summed up his attitude all night. He was lively from the off and used his pace and urgency to beat Flekken to a bouncing ball. Up stepped Wilson, who scored his 11th straight spot-kick in brilliant fashion, firing side-footed into the top right corner to send us 1-0 up in front of the Gallowgate.
What looked set to be another penalty was chalked off by VAR after Barnes' header struck Mbeumo's hand. In the end, though, it didn't matter as we held on for a much-needed win, with the full-time whistle met with scenes of sheer relief both on and off the pitch.
It was nervy at times and we did it the ugly way, winning with just two shots on target and never really reaching top gear, but we settled defensively in the second half and dug in when we needed to. One moment that felt key was a brilliant saving challenge from Burn, who made up for Longstaff's mistake by covering Schade's goal-bound with a superb sliding tackle.
Wilson also showed his class in more ways than one, holding up the ball and drawing fouls just when we needed a breather. Bruno gave it his all and showed glimpses of class, Trippier gave us that calm head in key moments, Botman's return was felt at the back after a shaky start and Gordon put in a huge shift, being our bright spark on the ball but also leading the press with a series of tireless sprints to close down Brentford defenders.
Next up, a trip to Milan on Tuesday in the UEFA Champions League before Sheffield United away next Sunday.
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