Isak's double, another cup run and transfer rumours - The Toon Review

There was thankfully no upset for the national media to croon over at St James’ Park on Sunday afternoon, as a professional effort and a couple of wonder-strikes saw off League Two Bromley, despite the visitors going a goal ahead early on.

We saw seldom-used players such as youngsters Lewis Miley and William Osula make their mark on the game in emphatic style, setting up a Fourth Round tie in which United will face League One side Birmingham City away from home.

This week also saw Alexander Isak’s electrifying form rewarded with both the Player of the Month (Premier League and PFA) and Goal of the Month for December, the latter recognising the Swede’s stunning strike in the Magpies’ 3-3 draw with Liverpool at the beginning of the month.

All is still going swimmingly on Tyneside, and as we now find ourselves in the middle of January, recruitments may yet be on the way to aid United’s push for European football next season. As always, my name is Sam and welcome to this week’s edition of the Toon Review!

Bromley Brushed Aside

It may be a tiny bit harsh to suggest that the League Two side were merely “brushed aside”, but once Newcastle got a foothold in the game, that’s basically what happened. After an early scare within ten minutes, the home side woke up and for the most part played their usual electric brand of football, with help with a couple of first-team regulars emerging from the dugout in the second half.

I don’t want to take anything away from the underdogs and how they performed, especially coming out of the gates, because it was a very admirable effort. Bromley’s players won’t have experienced a crowd 50,000 strong very often, and it speaks volumes about their start to the match that they were able to briefly bring a hush to St James’ Park. It was probably one of the best moments of young Cameron Congreve’s career so far, maybe even his life.

The “upset” narrative would not last long, however, as Lewis Miley, fresh after returning from a lengthy spell on the sidelines with injury, blasted United back into the game with a piledriver from the edge of the box. It whistled past the goalkeeper. The score was now 1-1.

Then, shortly after the restart in which Anthony Gordon was introduced, Newcastle would take the lead. Matt Targett was brought down in the box, and the substitute Gordon expertly converted the spot-kick. 2-1.

United grabbed a third on the 61-minute mark, with young Dane William Osula, surely desperate for more game time to impress, showed trickery and skill to cut in on his left foot and fire the ball home into the far corner of the Bromley goal. His celebration suggested he really enjoyed it, and the feeling was shared by the home supporters. The summer arrival from Sheffield United had finally got off the mark. By that point, there appeared no way back from Bromley, as they appeared tired and defeated at the hands of another professional job done by Howe’s side.

On a day in which Tamworth seriously frustrated Tottenham, and Plymouth scraped past Premier League Brentford, there was to be no upset on Tyneside. Bring on Birmingham in the next round.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCJi9Fpao7E

What Howe Said

“It was a tough game and a tough start for us. I thought Bromley played very well today and they made it difficult for us. They had a big physical threat in the game.”

“I don’t think it was the perfect performance from us. I don’t think we were at our best by any means, but we trusted the squad and they responded positively.”

On the second half: “In the first twenty minutes of the second half I thought we were much better. In the first half, we were a little bit slow and a little bit disjointed.”

On MOTM Lewis Miley: “There was a lot of responsibility put on Lewis today as the deeper midfield player. He had to start a lot of our attacks. He scored a fantastic goal, covered a lot of ground and he was diligent in his defending.”

On William Osula’s first goal for the club: “I was really pleased for Will because he’s been desperate for that goal. He’s had to be patient, and his attitude in training has been superb. I was delighted with his goal - it was an outstanding finish.”

“A big win for us, and we progress in the competition.”

The Rumour Mill

Saudi Club Al-Shabab are still waiting on a final decision from Newcastle on Martin Dubravka, as personal terms have reportedly been agreed with the goalkeeper. (Fabrizio Romano)

Arsenal CANNOT afford the fee it would take to sign Alexander Isak this summer. (Mail)

 Newcastle are one of a handful of clubs who are showing interest in Lille goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier (Sports Zone)

Newcastle are tracking England goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale following a loan move to Southampton (Sun)

Isak is still a target for Barcelona, who may make a move for the striker either in January or the Summer depending on their financial situation. (Mundo Deportivo)

Despite talk of his departure to Saudi Arabia this month, Martin Dubravka is reportedly in negotiations over a pay rise to see out the remaining five months of his contract at Newcastle. (The i)

Fenerbache are showing interest in Newcastle defender Lloyd Kelly (Sercan Hamzaoglu)

Youngster Jamie Miley has been recalled from his loan spell at Newport County, ahead of a permanent move away from Tyneside, but Joe White will remain at MK Dons for the remainder of 2024/25.

Portsmouth have completed the signing of Newcastle’s forgotten midfielder Isaac Hayden, still contracted by the club, on loan until the end of the season.

On this day…

Is that the sound of another long-forgotten European club competition resurfacing in the Toon Review? Why, yes. Yes it is.

Today, we’re throwing it back to the 14th January 1970, where the Inter-City Fairs Cup took to the Dell in Southampton. In a cagey second-leg clash, United progressed on away goals after drawing the game 1-1, thanks to a late equaliser-turned-winner from Pop Robson.

Widely regarded as the predecessor to the UEFA Cup (later the Europa League), the Fairs Cup provided a chance for clubs in the mould of Newcastle and Southampton to compete continentally. United had won the whole thing a year earlier, yet were defeated by Belgian outfit Anderlecht in the quarter-final stage this time round.

A Look Ahead to Wednesday 

Wolves (H)

On paper, this is a game United should really be winning. Football isn’t won on paper, though, so Howe’s side will have to be wary of complacency under the lights in this mid-week clash. Wolves have struggled this year overall, though, and another high-intensity team effort from Newcastle should be enough to see them off and extend this run of form to six unbeaten in the league.

Wolves’ new Portuguese (surprise, surprise) manager will be visiting St James’ for the first time as boss of the Midlanders. Which leads us nicely to trivia.

Toon Trivia

Well done to those of you who got last week’s question correct, by the way. I asked you who scored the goals for United in their 1955 FA Cup triumph over Manchester City at Wembley. The goalscorers were Jackie Milburn, Robert Mitchell and George Hannah.

In the spirit of Wolves’ new manager, let’s see if you can get this one right. Vitor Pereira has enjoyed a long and diverse coaching career thus far, but at which Portuguese giant did his managerial career really take off?

I’ll see you all next week!

HWTL