Sport

Newcastle with a huge opportunity against Man Utd

As the full time whistle blew in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley, there was a sense that Newcastle United’s season could crumble.

Until that 2-0 defeat to Manchester United at the end of February, the Magpies had looked imperious in their unlikely pursuit of Champions League qualification. By the turn of the year, they were third, with just one defeat to their name in the league and the best defensive record of all 20 teams. For many, it wasn’t a matter of if they would return to Europe’s premier club competition, which they played in twice during the 1997/98 and 2002/03 seasons, but when.

The fact they managed to maintain a cup run as well showed just how well coached and impressive the team was. Eddie Howe has worked wonders, and though there he and his coaching staff have undoubtedly been aided by a huge influx of funding, which Newcastle have used to sign three pillars of the current side in Bruno Guimaraes, Sven Botman and Alexander Isak, his tactical nous and man management has been a real driving force behind the success on Tyneside. The way in which he has improved the likes of Joelinton, Miguel Almiron and Sean Longstaff is a real testament to his work.

Regardless of form, money or talent at Howe’s disposal, Newcastle were overachieving. Although their wealth suggests that challenging for the top four and much more are realistic targets in the future, that shouldn’t really be the case inside the first full season of the new era.

But as the final grew closer, Newcastle’s form began to flounder. Defensively, they were still strong, but the air of invincibility they enjoyed began to subside. Individual mistakes were made by the likes of Kieran Trippier and Nick Pope, the players who had been most reliable earlier in the season. Goals had been an issue from the start of the campaign, and it was only exacerbated. After they were eased aside by the Red Devils, the assumption was that they’d simply run out of steam after such an incredible start to the season and there was a chance the season would simply peter out. Only signing Anthony Gordon in January, rather than a number of players, was a decision that was heavily scrutinised

Newcastle had become too easy to play against. When they went a goal behind, they couldn’t react to pull themselves back into games, but even more worryingly, the theme of domination in games they started well in was also beginning to stop. West Ham at home in early February showed how far they’d gone off track; a lightning fast start with two early goals, one cancelled out by VAR, was tempered by the visitors gaining control and levelling. It seemed as though Howe’s side couldn’t react to adversity.

But that’s not been the case for the last two results. Wolves equalised at St James’ Park and Newcastle’s levels increased in search of a winner, which they got through Almiron, before they came from behind at Nottingham Forest at the City Ground despite having a seemingly acceptable goal chalked off for offside.

Isak, who has scored six goals in just 10 league appearances despite struggling with injury since arriving from Real Sociedad last summer, has solved the potency issue. He is quick, athletic and mobile, offering something completely different to Callum Wilson, whose strength comes from taking chances in the box.

But with his age and fitness issues, movement wasn’t as sharp and it began to take a toll on Newcastle’s entire attacking output. Isak has allowed the team to counter press and again; they win the ball high and create chances much more effectively as a result of his presence.

So when Manchester United go head to head with them again at St James’ Park on Sunday, Newcastle will be a different proposition. With no Casemiro for the visitors, one of the key differences in the meeting at Wembley, and Marcus Rashford a doubt, there is an opportunity to make a real statement in the top four race. One that hasn’t really been made since around Christmas time.

Liverpool are inconsistent; Tottenham are managerless and in turmoil. Newcastle simply have to keep doing what they are doing, now they have found their scoring boots thanks to their impressive new striker. This is an opportunity there for the taking, and Sunday will give a great indication as to whether they are ready for a Champions League return.