It was a first win in five for Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United, as a battling 3-1 victory over Brighton secured three points at St James’ Park.
Many Magpies supporters were left unconvinced by the manager’s starting XI for the clash, with marquee signings Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa both still on the bench, alongside Lewis Hall. However, it proved that there was method to the madness.
Take a look at some of the fan reaction across social media in the wake of a massive victory.
Osula scores again
William Osula once again found himself on the scoresheet, making it three goals in four starts for the Danish forward. Here’s what Newcastle fans had to say about his involvement today:
@LewisBoden_ via X: “Disrespect and tears continue for Osula to make way for Woltemade, but Osula keeps scoring. Put some respect on his name.”
@thomashammond_ wrote: “Osula has done as well as he could. He may not have an abundance of quality, but he takes his chances. Very happy for him.”
@jchaytor16 added: “Osula is so obviously going to explode next season, I cannot wait.”
Eddie Howe tactics divide opinion
Despite the obvious importance of the win, the second-half display left a lot to be desired for the Magpies.
A nervy period for much of the latter 45 minutes did nothing to calm the Geordie faithful’s nerves, and social media hasn’t exactly been all sunshine and rainbows:
@CoachMeron wrote: “If Sean Dyche did what Eddie Howe has done in this second half, he’d be called a dinosaur. 5-4-1, can’t keep the ball, trying to hold onto a win.”
@jchaytor16 said: “This shape suits us so much more, man. This might actually be the end of the 4-3-3, tears in my eyes.”
@JohnSmithlaaaaa wrote: “A win, yes, however this won’t do Eddie any favours – the second half was a disaster. Football gods with him today. Could’ve been a Brighton comeback another day. We have to finish strong, otherwise he is gone.”
Nick Pope unconvincing again
Despite some much-needed saves to deter Brighton, Nick Pope once again left a lot to be desired when it came to calming the nerves at St James’ Park.
His distribution and dallying on the ball led to a couple of hairy moments and have been a talking point across social media:
@davidpick1987 said: “I’ll forgive goalkeepers’ mistakes, and Nick Pope has had a very good period here, but that’s got to be that. Four times he nearly gifted them a goal (outside of the one he did).
“Yes, he saved two or three good shots, but that is literally the expectation. He is very lucky others turned up today.”
@WarBoyNUFC said: “This isn’t exaggerated. Pope makes us unable to control games, keep possession, or build from the back. We’re so easy to press. That’s on Howe.”
In other news, Newcastle United Player Ratings: ‘Superb’ 9/10 and ‘metronome’ 8 as Brighton beaten.
