Newcastle 2-0 Brighton
Newcastle made it four wins out of four in all competitions as they ran out 2-0 winners over fellow promotion rivals Brighton. Goals from Jamaal Lascelles and Jonjo Shelvey saw the Magpies secure all three points, lifting them to fourth in the table. It was a dominant, if unspectacular performance from the Toon, helped no doubt by a questionable sending off after Sam Baldock bundled into Matz Sels.
Unspectacular though it was, it was exactly the sort of performance required for success in the Championship. Newcastle were well organised, disciplined, and carried a threat when they needed to. They are helped by the number of (arguably) Premier League players at their disposal, which always affords them potential game changing moments. Look no further for one of these moments than Shelvey’s free kick. It was a moment of quality, and the reward for a very solid performance. If the team as a whole can continue to create a platform for Newcastle’s more creative players to shine, I think we can feel positively about this season.
Shelvey aside, there were some decent performances elsewhere for Newcastle. Gouffran, again, demonstrated the work ethic that made him an initial favourite after his transfer in 2013. Whether or not he stays – he is making a statement to manager and fans alike. Given Rolando Aarons’ injury, it would seem prudent to keep him. Mo Diame constantly threatened to break out, and though a blistering performance is still to come, there’s no doubt he’ll be an excellent acquisition. Hayden: neat and tidy. No complaints with the back four.
Despite a rather charitable assessment from the commentators at Sky, it is clear that Ayoze Perez still has a lot to learn. He remains a raw talent, and is clearly an excellent finisher. But he demonstrated today that he still doesn’t carry the necessary nous or guile to play up front. Benitez, I think, feels the same, hence the impending arrival of striker Darryl Murphy. Clearly, to expect Perez to exhibit a style similar to Murphy or Mitrovic is unrealistic, but it seems he is still far away from Gayle, who looks far more dangerous and likely to make things happen. Arguably, the development of Perez might prove to be the ideal test case to assess Benitez’s ability to develop and nurture players. There’s a player there, can it be unearthed?
To the future, and without resorting to clichés about the timing of the international break, it’s clear Newcastle have momentum. With new players due to arrive, it’s time for the Toon to assert themselves on the league, and establish themselves as the serious promotion contenders they were presumed to be. Benitez knows only continued determination, work ethic, and persistence will bring about this aim, and he’ll be keen to keep the players grounded going into a difficult September.
Striker Murphy and defender Lazaar look to be arriving. Newcastle still need a winger and, personally, I’d like to see another central midfielder given an injury to Shelvey or Hayden leaves us with Colback or Anita. If we can offload Moussa Sissoko the money will be there, and there are even rumours about a possible exchange with Everton for James McCarthy. Quite a coup that would be.
