In farewell appearance an exhilarating preseason friendly against Stade Brestois, Newcastle United showcased their burgeoning talents and tactical depth, leaving fans optimistic for the upcoming season. The match ended in a closely contested 2-1 victory for the Magpies, with standout performances from both established players and rising stars. Here’s a detailed analysis of the player ratings and key moments from the match.
Table of Contents
Starting XI
- Nick Pope (GK) – 7/10
- Pope had a solid game, demonstrating his shot-stopping ability with a couple of crucial saves in the first half. Although he couldn’t do much about the late goal from Brest, his command of the box and distribution were commendable farewell appearance.
- Kieran Trippier (RB) – 8/10
- The captain put in a strong performance, showcasing his leadership qualities and ability to join the attack. His pinpoint crosses created several chances, and he was instrumental in maintaining defensive solidity on the right flank.
- Sven Botman (CB) – 7/10
- Botman continued to impress with his calmness under pressure and aerial dominance. He was composed in possession and made key interceptions, contributing to a solid defensive display throughout most of the match in farewell appearance.
- Fabian Schar (CB) – 7/10
- Schar partnered well with Botman, providing experience and stability. His ability to read the game was evident, and he also made several important tackles that thwarted Brest’s attacking momentum.
- Dan Burn (LB) – 6/10
- Burn had a quieter game compared to his defensive colleagues. While he did well defensively, his contribution going forward was limited, and he struggled to find space to overlap effectively.
- Bruno Guimarães (CM) – 8/10
- The Brazilian midfielder was a class above, dictating the tempo of the game and displaying his exceptional vision and passing range. He was involved in both goals, showcasing his importance to the team’s midfield dynamics.
- Sean Longstaff (CM) – 7/10
- Longstaff put in a tireless shift, covering a lot of ground and linking play effectively. His tenacity in midfield helped Newcastle dominate possession, and he nearly added a goal with a powerful long-range effort.
- Joe Willock (CM) – 7/10
- Willock’s energy and creativity were key to Newcastle’s attacking play. He was lively throughout the match, making several driving runs into the box and creating opportunities for his teammates.
- Miguel Almirón (RW) – 6/10
- Almirón showed flashes of his pace and skill, but his final ball was lacking at times. He was instrumental in stretching the opposition but will need to work on his decision-making in the final third.
- Alexander Isak (LW) – 7/10
- Isak continued to demonstrate his potential with a lively performance. He scored a well-taken goal, displaying his composure in front of goal, and linked up well with the midfield, causing problems for the Brest defense.
- Callum Wilson (CF) – 7/10
- Wilson’s experience shone through as he provided a focal point for Newcastle’s attack. He was involved in the build-up play and scored the second goal with a poacher’s instinct, capitalizing on a defensive error.
Substitutes
- Will Osula (Sub) – 8/10
- The young forward impressed during his time on the pitch, showcasing his pace and technical ability. He was a constant threat to the Brest defense and displayed maturity beyond his years. Fans will be excited to see more of him this season.
- Elliot Anderson (Sub) – 7/10
- Anderson came on with a positive attitude, injecting energy into the midfield. He displayed his creativity and willingness to take on defenders, earning praise for his performance as he seeks more first-team opportunities.
- Jamaal Lascelles (Sub) – 6/10
- Lascelles added experience to the backline but struggled to match the pace of the game initially. He did well to organize the defense but looked a bit rusty after coming on.
- Matt Targett (Sub) – 6/10
- Targett provided stability on the left flank but had limited impact going forward. He was solid defensively but couldn’t provide the attacking impetus that was needed.
- Lewis Miley (Sub) – 6/10
- Miley showed glimpses of his potential, getting involved in midfield and working hard off the ball. His contributions were encouraging, but he needs to find consistency at this level.
Match Summary and Key Takeaways
Newcastle United’s performance against Brest was a testament to their hard work during preseason. The tactical fluidity and the integration of new signings and young players like Will Osula are positive signs for fans as the team prepares for a demanding Premier League campaign.
Key Takeaways:
- Bruno Guimarães is pivotal: His ability to control the game and contribute offensively makes him an essential asset to the team.
- Emerging talents: Players like Will Osula and Elliot Anderson are making strong cases for more first-team action, providing depth and creativity.
- Defensive resilience: Despite conceding a late goal, the defensive unit showed promise, with Botman and Schar forming a solid partnership.
- Need for consistency: While the attacking players showed flashes of brilliance, improving the final product will be crucial as they aim to compete against top opposition.
Overall, Newcastle’s 2-1 victory against Brest is an encouraging start to their preseason preparations, and fans will be hopeful for a successful campaign ahead. As the squad continues to gel and develop under Eddie Howe’s guidance, the Magpies will be looking to build on last season’s success and challenge for higher honors in the Premier League.
