Newcastle United have moved out of the relegation zone after a one-goal victory over West Brom at St James’ Park.
The hosts, as they typically do at home, started on the front foot and showed a real sense of attacking urgency from the outset. They were unlucky to not take the lead when a shot from Aleksandr Mitrovic from point-blank range forced a smart reflex save from Ben Foster.
The Toon had the ball in the back of the net after half an hour when a thundering shot from Cheick Tiote flew into the top corner, although celebrations were cut short as Mitrovic was adjudged to have been blocking Foster’s view. It seemed like a strange decision to overturn the goal since the linesman did not flag for offside, but ultimately replays proved that the correct decision was made.
The Geordies’ outrage was only short-lived as they had the ball legally in the back of the net three minutes later. A lovely through ball from Jonjo Shelvey found Mitrovic who calmly stroked the ball past Foster.
POPULAR ARTICLES
EPL – What We Learned – Stoke City 0 Everton 3
EPL – Player Ratings – Manchester City 1 Leicester City 3
How the press reacted to Leicester City’s stunning win at Manchester City
Despite several chances in the second half to double their lead, the Magpies were unable to add to their advantage, causing a tense climax for the home supporters, but West Brom never truly threatened Rob Elliot’s goal and the final whistle was met with a large sense of relief around St James’ Park.
Formations
Injuries and suspension forced Steve McClaren’s hand, with four changes being made from the side that lost to Everton midweek. Injury to Chancel Mbemba and Paul Dummett meant Steven Taylor and Rolando Aarons were drafted into the back four alongside Fabricio Coloccini and Daryl Janmaat. They played in front of Elliot who was not as busy as he has been in recent weeks. Tiote came in for Henri Saivet and played alongside Shelvey in the middle of the park, while Moussa Sissoko, Georginio Wijnaldum and Andros Townsend offered support for Mitrovic, who came in for Ayoze Perez.
Tony Pulis made two changes from the team that needed a late equaliser to get a draw against Swansea City last time out. Craig Gardner came in for Stephane Sessegnon while the other change saw Victor Anichebe replace Salomon Rondon. Anichebe led the line on his own and behind him was an attacking trio of Gardner, Darren Fletcher and James McClean. There were two stoppers in the form of Sandro and Claudio Yacob. They played in front of Craig Dawson, Jonas Olsson, Gareth McAuley and James Chester. Foster once again started between the posts.
Janmaat always willing to get forward
One of Newcastle’s greatest sources of attack against West Brom came in the form of their right-back Janmaat. The Dutchman showed no hesitation in crossing the halfway line and added an extra dimension to the Magpies going forward. His attacking performance is even more impressive in comparison with his opposite number Craig Dawson, who played at right-back for the Baggies.
Janmaat was more effective with his passes, completing 81% compared to Dawson’s 31%. Janmaat attempted six crosses whereas Dawson attempted only one, which was not until the 90th minute. Another area Janmaat had his Baggies counterpart covered was in the ‘take-ons’ department as the Dutchman won four individual duals while Dawson won none.
Anichebe has little impact
This is a match Victor Anichebe would prefer to forget in a hurry. In his 75-minute appearance, the Nigerian did not manage one shot, completed a mere 10 passes, and won only two of his seven aerial duals. A player of his physique should be doing much better in the air and should not be getting beaten by smaller players in Tiote and Aarons. It seemed like Pulis set up with the intention of Anichebe playing as nothing more than a target man for long balls, which was a plan that failed.
Townsend more effective on the left
Since his arrival from Tottenham, there seems to be some conjecture as to which wing Townsend should operate on. In his two appearances for Newcastle, the winger has played on both sides, and against West Brom he seemed to be most influential on the left-hand side, which is where he was for the first half. Playing on the left, he was forced to cross the ball, which occasionally found a target inside the penalty area, but when he moved to the opposite side, he needed to cut inside in order to play through a final ball. On the right, he kept showing too much of the ball to Chester which meant the attack broke down. Nonetheless, it was a fine home debut from Townsend and his efforts were rewarded with a standing ovation from his new fans when he was substituted.
Newcastle United Conclusion
One cannot underestimate just how big these three points could be come May. This win has lifted the Toon out of the bottom three at Norwich City’s expense, and the aim is now to not return there again this season. If there is one aspect which will cause concern, it is the Toon’s ability to kill the game off. If not for a lacklustre West Brom, the number of missed chances could have cost the Geordies. However, a win and a clean sheet will give McClaren enough to smile about for the next week.
West Brom conclusion
The Baggies were nothing short of poor at St James’ Park and the score flattered them because Newcastle wasted many chances. 65% pass accuracy, no shots on target and 40% possession against a team struggling to stay up is very disappointing from Pulis’ side, which, with this loss, may need to cautiously look over its shoulder. Albion are still six points clear of Norwich in 18th, but if they continue on this poor run they could very well get dragged into the relegation battle.
What are your thoughts? Let us know by dropping a comment below via our Facebook comment box. Make sure you follow us on Twitter @Outside90 and like us on Facebook.
