“Newcastle’s Thrashing of Girona: A Glimpse of the Powerhouse They’re Becoming”
“CHAMPIONS LEAGUE? YOU MUST BE JOKING!” That was the taunt directed at a battered Newcastle United by opposing fans across the country during a tough winter last year. But on Friday night, the Geordies had the last laugh after watching their team dominate Girona at St James’ Park.
It was only a friendly match, of course, but Newcastle’s explosive start and the intensity they displayed in the first half hinted at what could be in store for the season. Astonishingly, just 15 minutes into the game, Newcastle were already 3-0 up thanks to goals from Sean Longstaff, Jacob Murphy, and Anthony Gordon. By halftime, the Magpies had added another goal, with Longstaff scoring his second. It could have been even more, as Alexander Isak missed a penalty.
The commanding performance served as a timely reminder of the talent Eddie Howe has at his disposal, even with key players like Fabian Schar, Bruno Guimaraes, Joe Willock, and Harvey Barnes resting ahead of the upcoming match against Stade Brestois on Saturday. Meanwhile, Sven Botman, Lewis Miley, Sandro Tonali (suspended), and Callum Wilson remain sidelined. However, if Newcastle is to mount a serious challenge for the top four, the squad will still need additional quality reinforcements.
Negotiations with Crystal Palace for Marc Guehi are ongoing after Newcastle had multiple bids rejected for the England international. With less than three weeks left before the transfer window closes, Howe appeared unruffled.
“You have to stay calm,” the Newcastle boss told reporters. “There’s no point in any other emotion. We’ll try to make the right decisions given the circumstances we’re working under.”
“The window has been a bit slower this year, but it seems to be picking up now. There seems to be more transfer activity. We’re hopeful of adding at least one player to the group. We’ll have to wait and see.”
“It has to be about quality rather than quantity for us because we already have such a strong squad. If we’re going to bring in new players, they need to push the team to new levels, which is not easy to find. There aren’t many players who can make us better.”
As it stands, Newcastle could start the season against Southampton with many of the same players who began the campaign last year. As strange as it may seem, that’s a relief for Howe.
Not only has Newcastle retained Bruno Guimaraes, Anthony Gordon, and Alexander Isak, but they’ll also have Nick Pope, Joelinton, Joe Willock, and others who missed significant portions of last season. Players like Sean Longstaff are also benefiting from playing pain-free after struggling with injuries.