West Brom defeated Newcastle United 1-0 in both side’s final outing for 2015. Outside90’s Anthony Margaretic reviews all the major talking points from the match at The Hawthorns
Unlike previous matches, Tony Pulis’ side set out with an attacking mentality, and dominated the majority of the first-half. Despite having more of the play though, it was Newcastle who came closest to breaking the deadlock, with a Paul Dummett header hitting the crossbar early in the second period. Around 20 minutes later, it was Albion’s turn to be denied by the upright, with a header from Victor Anichebe beating everyone except the woodwork.
The Baggies would eventually get the goal they deserved, when captain Darren Fletcher headed in a cross from Claudio Yacob 15 minutes from time. The victory moves West Brom up to 13th place and steering them clear of immediate danger, while Newcastle will enter the New Year inside the bottom three.
Festive period injuries burden both teams
Premier League managers have made no secret of their contempt of the Festive period’s busy schedule and one wonders if this debate will rear its head again after both West Brom and Newcastle were forced into a change in the first-half. Jonas Olsson and Vurnon Anita played for their respective clubs only 48 hours before this match, and both succumbed to hamstring injuries early on. How long both players will be sidelined for remains to be seen, but it could very well spark an argument that the Premier League should follow other European leagues and take a small break at this time of the year (or at least reduce the number of matches from four to three).
Karl Darlow makes Premier League debut
If making your Premier League debut is not daunting enough, finding out that you will be starting 20 minutes before kick-off will only add to your pre match nerves. Despite the fact that he made some good saves from point blank range, Karl Darlow will not have fond memories of his Premier League bow, where he misplaced many of his clearances, struggled in the air, and seemed generally unconfident. The Magpies third choice gloveman will also be disappointed with the way he conceded, considering he got a hand to Fletcher’s header. Darlow may yet end up being a superb custodian in the future for the Magpies, but for now Newcastle fans will be hoping Rob Elliot is fit to play against Arsenal on Saturday.
West Brom need to be more clinical
While the three points will be a welcome sight, the goals to chances ratio may concern Tony Pulis. To only scoring once from 22 shots and 18 corners suggests there is still plenty of work for the Baggies to do. Against better opposition, West Brom will not have the luxury of this many scoring opportunities, which means converting chances to goals is a must if they are to move themselves further clear of the relegation zone.
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Can Newcastle survive relegation?
To stay up, there needs to be three worse teams in the competition. Newcastle can look at Sunderland and Aston Villa, knowing that they have more talent than those two sides who both look doomed, however, it is hard to find a third team who the Magpies will finish above.
Of the four teams above them, Chelsea will inevitably hit their straps in the second-half of the season, Bournemouth are in fine form, Swansea City are slowly picking themselves up following the sacking of Gary Monk and Norwich are grinding out valuable points, most recently against Aston Villa where they won 2-0. This Newcastle side has shown glimpses of talent and heart this season, but the fact that they seem to be taking one step forward and two steps back makes you wonder if they can finish higher than 18th.
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