Newcastle 1-0 Manchester United: Anthony Gordon strike gives Eddie Howe’s side deserved Premier League win
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Updated 03/12/2023 at 08:05 GMT
Newcastle took all three points from their encounter with Manchester United on Saturday night on Tyneside after putting in a turbo-charged performance that belied their myriad of injury problems. In contrast, it was a poor display from Erik ten Hag’s visitors, who struggled to impose themselves or create many real chances of note. Anthony Gordon's second-half tap-in proved the difference.
Anthony Gordon of Newcastle United celebrates after scoring the team's first goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester United at St. James Park on December 02, 2023 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.
Image credit: Getty Images
Anthony Gordon scored the winner for a dominant Newcastle United as they celebrated back-to-back league wins over Manchester United for the first time in 53 years.
Eddie Howe's side secured a merited three points when Gordon swept home the clincher from Kieran Trippier's low cross on 55 minutes as the home side moved above Tottenham on goal difference and into fifth spot in the Premier League table.
Having won 2-0 in April, it was the first time Newcastle have claimed victories in consecutive league games against the visitors since October 1972.
It was also an historic third win in all competitions against Manchester United for the first time since 1922.
Erik ten Hag's team produced a poor performance and were fortunate to escape St James' Park losing only 1-0, with Trippier seeing a free-kick crash back of the underside of the bar in the first half.
The key negative for an injury-plagued Newcastle squad was the sight of goalkeeper Nick Pope being helped off late on after appearing to damage his shoulder in diving across his goal.
The visitors did have a late goal disallowed when Harry Maguire was clearly in an offside position as he deflected substitute Antony's effort into the home net, but in truth deserved nothing from the match.
Yet Maguire and Luke Shaw were arguably the key bright spots for United, who remain seventh in the table with 24 points from 14 games, on an otherwise forgettable evening with assured displays at the heart of their defence.
Player of the match: Kieran Trippier (Newcastle United)
Could have given the award to any of the home players, but rampaging right-back Trippier was a constant menace to the Manchester United defence.
He was so unfortunate to hit the underside of the bar in the first half with a free-kick, but provided a glorious pass for Gordon to slip home the winning goal.
After the disappointment of drawing late on at Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League, Trippier led by example in helping Newcastle bury the misery of the VAR controversy in France.
It is no surprise to learn Trippier has the most assists of any player in the Premier League. His leadership is invaluable.
Talking point: Passive United leave fans feeling cold
It is difficult to understand why Manchester United could throw in such a passive display at Newcastle after a recent run of solid performances and results over the past week at tough outposts in Everton (3-0) and Galatasaray (3-3).
Yet they could not match Newcastle for quality, desire and ultimately energy throughout a torrid evening.
Which will perhaps be the most worrying aspect affecting team morale when they study replays of this lamentable trip to St James' Park.
"For United, that was miles off it," said former Rangers and Scotland striker Ally McCoist on TNT Sports.
"Newcastle were excellent and deserved to win by a lot more. Apart from the two centre-backs, I don't think you could give pass marks to anybody.
"It is a horrible thing to level at a professional footballer when you question commitment and a desire to run about, but that's the questions you've got to ask of some of the Manchester United players this evening, I'm afraid.
"It's got nothing to do with the manager. The players are letting themselves down. When you go out on that pitch you are representing yourself, your family and the supporters."
Player ratings
Newcastle United: Pope 7, Livramento 8, Schar 8, Lascelles 8, Trippier 8, Joelinton 8, Guimaraes 8, Miley 8, Gordon 8, Isak 8, Almiron 8 Subs: Dubravka 6, Ritchie 6
Manchester United: Onana 6, Shaw 8, Dalot 6, Maguire 8, Wan-Bissaka 6, Mainoo 5, McTominay 5, Garnacho 5, Fernandes 6, Rashford 4, Martial 4 Subs: Amrabat 6, Hojlund 6, Reguilon 6, Varane, Antony 6
Match highlights
16' NEWCASTLE DOMINATING THE BALL Up at something like 64-36 in the home side's favour as Onana is forced to make a fine stop from the Miguel Almirón finish. Slick attacking move by Newcastle. But no goal.
39' NEWCASTLE DENIED BY THE BAR How good is that from Trippier after Maguire was penalised for a foul on Fabian Schär. Over the wall from 25 yards. Back off the underside of the bar with Onana well beaten. Onana happy to collect as it bounces kindly in front of him.
56' GOAL FOR NEWCASTLE! (GORDON) Brilliant sweeping move and Anthony Gordon tucks the ball into the gaping net from the Trippier cross. Can't say that goal wasn't coming. Finally, Newcastle have the opening goal. They lead 1-0.
81' FRANTIC LAST-GASP DEFENDING BY VISITORS Aaron Wan-Bissaka makes a brilliant block using his body to stop the Miguel Almiron finish. Appeals for a pen, but replays showed he did not use arms or hands. Somehow United still only 1-0 down.
85' POPE IS DOWN INJURED FOR THE HOME SIDE Fabian Schär does superbly well to volley away a powerful drive at goal by Reguilón. That was heading in. Pope is calling for the medical team. He looks finished in this match. Has damaged his shoulder.
88' UNITED HAVE GOAL RULED OUT Volley from Antony hits off Maguire and flies into the net, but he is clearly in an offside position. No late salvage job for the visitors. So far anyway.
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