Big swings, star man and THAT bizarre half - Five takeaways from Newcastle 4-3 Forest
Newcastle United picked up a vital three points in the pursuit of European football next season via an eleven minute first half blitz which saw them score four goals before holding on for dear life in an abject second half display.
Already trailing to an early Callum Hudson-Odoi strike, goals from Lewis Miley, Jacob Murphy and Alexander Isak (x2) put the Magpies in control of the contest at half time before an incredibly cagey second half saw Nicola Milenkovic and Ryan Yates pull goals back for the Tricky Trees to set up a sweaty finale.
Here are our five key takeaways from the game:
- Eleven-minute blitz
When United fell behind after six minutes to a tame, long range effort from Hudson-Odoi (and some of the stranges positioning I’ve ever seen from a goalkeeper at St James’) the lads dug deep; especially following on from last week’s utter capitulation and set about a Forest side who hardly concede goals with drive, purpose and application to score four quick goals and turn the game around.
For eleven minutes the lads were irrepressible and perhaps should’ve scored more than four as they put a good Forest side to the sword. And on a day when the vast majority inside St. James’ Park would’ve taken a scruffy 1-0 win to propel us back into the Champions League spots (with 5th pretty much nailed on to secure England another spot next season) to be three goals clear at half time felt dreamlike.
There were some excellent individual performances in the first half, Miley, Hall and Isak especially but nothing could’ve prepared Black and Whites inside the ground and watching on TV for the utter shambles that was to come in the second half.
- The strangest second half
The fact that United were so dominant for large spells of the first half made the second half even more strange and so much worse in hindsight. Following Schar’s header hitting the post early in the half it appeared as if the instructions given to United were to stay back at all times and protect the lead, even as it was dwindling before our very eyes.
United were unable to muster a shot in anger as they threatened to throw away a comfortable lead and surrender points to Forest who were much, much better in the second half. Something in our psyche seemed to freeze in the face of improved play from the opposition as all the second balls and niggly fouls started to go against us. If that game had been ten minutes longer it would’ve undoubtedly finished in a draw or worse.
It was another peculiar outing for the gaffer as he just about got it right in the end but there was certainly something wrong with the setup/instructions in the second half.
- Context is everything with this huge win
In what was billed as a perilous weekend for Newcastle, with Bournemouth and Fulham having nailed on home ‘bankers’ against inferior opposition on paper, as the dust settled on Saturday afternoon’s results, things (for once) had gone our way as most of our rivals had lost or dropped points.
So, despite everything wrong with the second half performance, and the strange sense of deflation at full-time despite the win, the context of the three points was massive as United reclaimed fifth spot and closed the gap on Forest to just three points. It’s a big swing considering results elsewhere and the fact Forest would’ve gone NINE clear of us had they won.
It was also massive in context of our form going into the Cup final as we simply can’t afford to go into that huge game on the back of a losing run as we did two years ago. So, Sunday’s result was vital, essential, crucial and necessary – all those words mean the same thing of course, but it was simply that huge a win in the context of the weekends results and the team’s confidence.
- Lewis Miley
Lewis Miley really stepped up on Sunday and delivered an outstanding performance for United, stepping in for Sandro Tonali, and delivering probably his best since PSG away last season. Miley's contribution was pivotal, he scored the crucial equaliser, setting up the eleven-minute first-half blitz, and he ran the midfield in the face of his former contemporary Elliot Anderson.
His ability and application were evident as he helped turn the game around after the early setback and his performance was a testament to his skill and determination, as he made a significant impact in a huge match once again at such a young age.
Aspects of the second half tactics didn’t suit him at all, but he certainly did enough to start alongside Bruno and Tonali (if the Italian has recovered in time) on Wednesday at Anfield.
- Road to recovery
So, with a collective sigh of relief, United can use the victory over Forest as a stepping stone to rebuild/go again in the final third of this massive season. All of Sunday’s ‘best bits’ of United will need to be maintained (the drive, purpose, and attacking application) if our lofty ambitions are to be met.
Sunday’s win will not only have boosted confidence but also highlighted the importance of staying focused and resilient, especially when facing strong opposition. And with mentality taking a battering against Man City, the simple fact that the lads held on to secure the win against Forest will stand us in good stead with a tough run of games to come.
As they prepare for the midweek clash at Anfield and the Carabao Cup final in three weeks’ time, the team must capitalize on this momentum, ensuring they address any tactical issues from the second half to avoid history repeating itself.
By continuing to refine our gameplan and personnel, summoning our best qualities and banishing our worst whilst maintaining the high press and high energy levels, United can be successful in our pursuit of success. Just please, not too many more second halves like Sunday!
Keep the faith.
