Derby 0-2 Newcastle - Reaction
SOLID TOON MAKE IT 5 WINS IN A ROW
Newcastle moved into 2nd after a clinical and professional display at the iPro Stadium. A sublime volley by Yoan Gouffran in the first-half from Shelvey’s corner sent the away end into raptures. As Derby pressed for an equaliser, Newcastle ensured the three points were heading back to Tyneside after Shelvey’s pinpoint cross found Ayoze, whose delicious one-touch lay off for DeAndre Yedlin caused confusion between Derby’s Scott Carson and Marcus Olsson, with the latter seemingly having the last touch to force the ball back into his own net.
It was a game similar to the one against Bristol City a few weeks back: allowing the home side to play and hitting them on the break. Derby started proceedings on the front foot with Bryson and Vydra being their only real threat going forward, but as with all Rafael Benítez’s sides, the defence looked strong and organised. It would be fair to say that 99% of Newcastle fans would have been happy to see the back of Yoan Gouffran during the summer window. But, give credit where credit is due, the Frenchman has put his head down and worked hard, his thunderous volley ended a 20-month goal drought.
The partnership of Mbemba and Lascelles is getting stronger with each game. It is now 4 clean sheets on the bounce and it’s safe to say that the competition for places has definitely made the defensive department stronger. In the second-half, Derby again had majority of the possession but didn’t cause too many problems for Newcastle – Anya and Olsson going closest, as the Magpies looked for ways to see the game through. Diamé will feel he should have got himself on the score sheet with one out of his two decent opportunities testing Carson. The introduction of USA international Yedlin in the second-half added a different dimension to Newcastle’s attack. The right-back slotted in right-wing, and it was his sudden burst of pace that caused Derby’s defence some problems. His late run into the box for the 2nd goal summed up the confidence and desire this Newcastle team has at the moment.
Talking points:
It is now 5 wins in a row in all competitions, and this Newcastle side is looking good for promotion at the first time of asking. Games are coming thick and fast, and it is expected that Benítez will make some changes for the Tuesday evening game against QPR at Loftus Road. The most positive aspect in Newcastle’s recent form is their capability in professionally despatching fellow promotion rivals. Many would agree that this division is better suited for Gouffran than the Premier League, and the 30-year-old will have a key part to play this season. The signing of Ritchie has been a superb coup; the Scotland international leads by example on and off the pitch.
Benítez said in his post-match interview that there is still room for improvement. The away games against Bristol City, and now Derby County, has seen Newcastle allow the home side to take control and ease them into the game. In the coming away fixtures, we could see Newcastle with a more measured tactical approach by trying to dominate the majority of play.
The acquisitions of Murphy, Atsu and Lazaar are shrewd moves. Hopefully, we will be able to see at least one of them make their debut against QPR. With 12 signings made and a squad overhaul taking place in the transfer window, it must be well noted that this is a Newcastle team that is very much in the process of understanding each other – the Club is 2nd and 4 points away from 1st, there is a real sense of team harmony and the support by the fans this season has been incredible. The proverbial “feel-good factor” surrounds St. James’ Park at the moment, and long may that continue.
