Newcastle's fantastic four, transfer latest and long-gone competitions - The Toon Review

Saturday saw a return to winning ways (finally) for Eddie Howe’s Magpies, as a five-star and four-goal performance sunk a pretty awful Leicester City at St James’ Park.

Newcastle showed much of what has been missing, particularly a ruthlessness in front of goal against a weaker side. Isak reigned supreme against an albeit poor defence, while Jacob Murphy registered his first two goals of the campaign as Bruno Guimaraes also got off the mark.

As always, I’m Sam and welcome back to a very optimistic edition of the Toon Review!

Fantastic Four puts Foxes to the Sword

For what seems like the first time in a long time, it was all smiles on Tyneside this weekend, with an attacking performance which was relentless, unwavering and at times reminiscent of what made Howe’s Newcastle tick in the first place. United hit Leicester for four, but it could easily have been many more.

I have always said Jacob Murphy is underrated and unsung by many Newcastle supporters, and he once again showed he can play a part when called upon, netting twice. The first, mind you, was all about how the goal was created; a sequence of set-piece wizardry eventually set up Murphy’s strike from just outside the penalty area, which then nestled in the bottom right corner. Hall to Tonali to Gordon to Murphy. Just like set-piece gurus Jason Tindall and Kieran Taylor drew it up.

Alexander Isak continued his rich vein of form by netting once again, and he should have had at least one more. He truly is becoming the full package and everything you’d want in a complete striker. It is CRUCIAL that he stays healthy though, especially with the devastating news that Callum Wilson is set to miss another couple of months with injury. Bruno Guimaraes tallied his first goal of the season with a header at the back post from a Lewis Hall assist.

It was great to see a midfield containing both Bruno and Sandro Tonali work so harmoniously. In a deeper number six role, Tonali dominated whilst Bruno was allowed to surge forward, much like he did when he first joined the club. This is the way this midfield should be operating, and gives Howe’s side the best chance of winning every single week. When it’s humming, it just oozes class.

A much improved albeit generally expected response against a dismal looking Leicester side. From people I’ve spoken to who were at the match on Saturday, the visitors were the worst visiting team a lot of them remember seeing at St James’ for a long, long time. But Newcastle still had a job on their hands. Thankfully, a professional job was done.

What Howe Said

“Today was a really good response from the players [after last week’s defeat to Brentford]. [It was] a good attacking performance and a good defensive performance. The second goal was massive for us. We showed everyone that we’re still a very, very good team when we give everything on the pitch.”

On his side’s attacking intent: “The fact we got two more quick-fire goals was reminiscent of last season. It was good to see us return to that.”

On Bruno’s goal: “It gave us extra confidence, so delighted with the response at half-time.”

On Lewis Hall’s performance: “I think he’s had a really good season. He continues to improve in various aspects of his game. I’m delighted with how he approaches things.”

On the upcoming Carabao Cup quarter-final with Brentford: “We know it’s going to be a tough game. We’ve just recently lost to Brentford, so we know that the expectation on us is to perform better.”

The Rumour Mill

Al-Shabab have agreed a deal in principle to sign Martin Dubravka in January (Ariyadhiah)

Newcastle are interested in signing Nuremberg striker Stefanos Tzimas following his impressive season in the German second tier (Sky Sports Germany) 

Newcastle are targeting a move for Barcelona’s Danish defender Andreas Christensen, formerly of Chelsea. (Fichajes)

United are planning to sell veteran defender Kieran Trippier and winger Miguel Almiron to help with their PSR position. (Football Insider)

Newcastle want to compete with Arsenal and Liverpool for the signing of West Ham winger Mohammed Kudus, but would have to sell in order to buy. (Mirror)

The Magpies are monitoring AS Monaco’s 22-year-old French winger Maghnes Akliouche, who Paul Mitchell knows well from his time with the Ligue 1 club (iPaper)

Newcastle are closely monitoring PSV Eindhoven’s Belgium winger Johan Bakayoko, 21, who is open to a January move to St James' Park and available for £25m (Sky Sports CH)

On This Day…

I always love to look back at old cup competitions that existed for whatever reason and don’t exist anymore. This week’s segment concerns Newcastle’s 2-2 draw with AC Cesena in the ’92-93 edition of the Anglo-Italian Inter-League Cup.

The competition featured sides from the second divisions of both England and, yes, you guessed it, Italy. In this particular Group A clash, Gavin Peacock scored twice but United were denied by a Luca Pazzaglia equaliser in the 71st minute. Bring back the Anglo-Italian Inter-League Cup! I’d love to see Plymouth Argyle battling Palermo in a tasty mid-week clash.

Also on this day, in 1977, former United defender Sylvain Distin was born.

A Look Ahead to Wednesday Night

Wednesday night will see a crucial week for the Magpies continue as Brentford travel to Tyneside for a Carabao Cup quarter-final clash under the lights.

We’ve seen Brentford very recently, and if that result was anything to go by, this will be anything but plain sailing. That said, the Bees are not nearly as dominant away from home as they are in West London, and United will always have a chance in a big occasion at St James’ Park. Trip to Wembley anyone? Or is it too soon to get our hopes up…

Quiz question

Well done to those of you who got last week’s trivia question correct! Leicester City won their historic Premier League title with a tally of 81 points.

With the Bees coming to town on Wednesday, let’s see how many of you can get this one right…

Who did Brentford beat in the 2021 Championship Playoff Final, securing their spot in the top flight for the first time in 74 years? Tune in next week to find out!

Hope you’ve enjoyed this week’s positive Toon Review! Check back next week to see how we react to both Newcastle’s home cup tie and their journey to Portman Road to take on Ipswich Town. See you later!