Eddie Howe’s team were far from their best but the three points were crucial at start of pivotal week
This was a sticky, stodgy, slightly unattractive looking victory for Newcastle United, but like a cake that has been left to melt in the sun, it still tasted sweet enough to enjoy.
For a team that was not at its fluent or crisp best, this was a precious three points against a really dangerous opponent.
Newcastle struggled for long periods, but eventually overpowered Brentford and Callum Wilson’s winning goal - his 14th in 17 league games - from the penalty spot, was just reward for the pressure they exerted, attacking down the hill, towards the Gallowgate End in the second half.
It was not pretty. There are some key ingredients from Eddie Howe’s recipe for the ideal performance missing, but when they needed to grind out a victory, they did so.
It was a reminder that Newcastle’s rise from relegation battlers to Champions League qualifiers was built on hardwork and team spirit, as well as talent and the money invested in the team since the takeover by a Saudi Arabian led consortium 23 months ago.
Callum Wilson gave Newcastle the win with an unerring penalty Credit: Shutterstock/Peter Powell
The win will calm everything down and the Magpies can fly to Milan on Monday for their first Champions League game in 20 years and enjoy it. It is easier to savour a European adventure when you have got things back on track domestically.
“I don’t mind admitting that my initial reaction is one of relief,” said Howe. “But you can also take pleasure from winning ugly and there was a lot to like in terms of our resilience and character to get the victory. It wasn’t going to be a thing of beauty today, Brentford made it very difficult.”
Newcastle had the look of a team that had lost three on the spin before this. The intentions were good, the plan sound, but the execution was not assured or precise enough. There was a hesitancy and some weak links Brentford looked to exploit.
The most obvious was getting the ball in behind the full-backs, where Dan Burn in particular kept being exposed in the first half.
Sean Longstaff looked rusty on his return and Elliot Anderson was reminded that shining in pre-season games is not the same as doing it in the Premier League. Like the team, though, all three of the local lads kept going; kept fighting and their efforts were rewarded and appreciated in the end.
Eddie Howe’s team earned their first Premier League victory since the opening day Credit: Getty Images/Paul Ellis
Newcastle initially struggled to get to grips with the midfield movement of Brentford and the speed of their forwards. Too much of their defensive work looked stretched, stressed and last ditch. It was hard to watch at times.
This was not the same fluid and cohesive team we got used to watching last term, but they retained their work rate and their spirit, gradually gaining a foothold in the game and, with it, their threat began to grow.
Bruno Guimaraes should have given his side the lead from a corner, getting into the ideal position to get on the end of Sven Botman’s header down, but his diving effort hit the legs of goalkeeper Mark Flekken.
Although Brentford looked dangerous and could have taken the lead too when Aaron Hickey was played in on goal but blasted the ball straight at Nick Pope in goal, Newcastle ended the first half on top, albeit without a goal to show for it.
They should have had one early in the second half when Flekken made a complete mess of an attempted punch, missed the ball and Wilson turned it in from close range. Referee Craig Pawson, though, decided the goalkeeper had been fouled by Newcastle’s No.9, even though all Wilson did was occupy the space in front of Flekken and stand his ground as the keeper tried to leap above him.
“This is really, really WEAK goalkeeping!” 🧤
Callum Wilson thought he’d given Newcastle the lead but it’s disallowed for a foul on Mark Flekken! ❌ pic.twitter.com/aeMMUyh6tw
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 16, 2023
The home crowd seethed at the sense of injustice but Pawson redeemed himself - at least in their eyes - moments later when Flekken, his head still jumbled after his poor punch, scythed down Anthony Gordon as Brentford tried to run the ball out for a goalkick. It was a soft penalty but Flekken made no contact with the ball and took out the Newcastle winger instead.
It was enough for Newcastle to get their first win since the opening day of the season. That, when everything has been digested, is all they needed to do in the circumstances.
