Pat Nevin wowed by “intelligent” star who created more chances than Gordon
One Newcastle United star found himself at the centre of Pat Nevin’s praise against PSV Eindhoven, as the Magpies sealed a routine 3-0 victory.
Newcastle ease to victory against PSV
It was far from a classic on a wintry Tyneside night, but Eddie Howe’s men did what they needed to do in front of a delighted crowd of 52,076 to all but secure a top-16 finish and give themselves a chance of automatic qualification, while leaving PSV looking over their shoulder with Bayern Munich to come.
The visitors, who arrived having lost just one of their last 21 games in all competitions, enjoyed the brighter start, but it was the Magpies who opened the scoring after Matej Kovar’s scuffed clearance handed Wissa a vital opening.
Sven Botman then stubbed an ambitious volley well wide after he and central defensive partner Malick Thiaw had recycled a Trippier free-kick, but as an increasingly-ragged affair rumbled along, the Magpies increased their lead on the half-hour, again with a helping hand much to the delight of Gordon.
The pattern of the first half was repeated after the restart with the visitors dominating possession and Barnes was not to be denied. When PSV skipper Jerdy Schouten could only help Pope’s 65th-minute clearance towards his own goal, he ran on to the ball at pace and fired emphatically past the stranded Kovar for his 12th of the season
Pat Nevin wowed by “intelligent” Newcastle star
It was all refreshingly simple for the Magpies, who got back to winning ways in style in the Champions League. Many stood out and earned deserved praise at St James’ Park, including Joelinton.
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The Brazilian especially wowed Nevinwith the former Chelsea and Everton star full of praise on BBC commentary after the hosts found their first goal.
“When Newcastle got into midfield, they had an advantage. Very impressed with Joelinton, thought he was going for a shot, played the intelligent ball, and Wissa had nothing than a tap-in.
“Eddie Howe has got the look of a man who saw that one coming. You look at PSV players and all their shoulders as if their plans have been taken apart already.”
It’s hard to argue with Nevin’s verdict, either. The Brazilian enjoyed a fine display, coming away with an assist and two chances created in an all round display.
|
Joelinton vs PSV |
Stats |
|---|---|
|
Assists |
1 |
|
Chances created |
2 |
|
Recoveries |
5 |
|
Dribbled Past |
0 |
To sum up just how impressive the midfielder was going forward, he created more chances than Anthony Gordon, who also enjoyed a fine evening himself.
Up next, Howe’s side play host to Aston Villa in an attempt to take their Champions League form into the Champions League.
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