THEY'RE BACK! Why THIS was the Newcastle United of old... but at what cost?

The Daily Mail's Craig Hope reflects from inside Villa Park on Newcastle United's 3-1 victory over Aston Villa. Who did Craig pick as his top three performers and why is there concern over Alexander Isak's injury? Will it force Eddie Howe into the transfer market? That is what Craig asked the manager afterwards.
Click here to listen to Craig talk all about Newcastle's transfer window on ‪@mailsportfootball‬ It's All Kicking Off Transfer Special podcast... podcasts.apple...

[@johnlowson6896]

Dubravka deserves a lot of credit. No more noise about him now - as there was immediately after Pope got injured.

[@brybry2104]

Think he’s been class.

[@pesty4]

Yeah, Dubravka came into the team when our heads were down. Now the confidence is coming back, he's able to show us what he's all about... Again. (He's always been a good keeper)

[@TonyODOnnell-tt8gh]

100%

[@graemedawson1407]

We play out from the back much more fluidly with Dubs.

[@thezyg6311]

Aye, just a bit of rust when he got back in the team. Always been a class keeper.

[@kyled96]

You could see burn was going to get targeted when bailey was on. Nice to see Eddie bring tino on, he’s been guilty of not changing it a few times. Brilliant result!

[@phoenixrisin5848]

Isaak is a phenomenal centre forward but he's looked knackered by half time all season. The reason we looked like last season again was down to Gordon's pressing and work rate, we really pressed their back 4. Excellent performance, probably the best of the season in my opinion.

[@lconnerz100]

Yeah he does seem to struggle with his stamina…in his defence he plays as a lone pressing forward which is a very physically demanding position. Just think, when we sign anothe striker wether they’re a youngster or an elite….you tell isak he only has to go one half. He might play completely differently.

[@phoenixrisin5848]

@@lconnerz100 I don't think he's fully fit and unfortunately our other striker is even less reliable. It's frustrating because they're both such devastating forwards but we need to recruit another striker in the summer.

[@Nienna1837]

Gordon was impressive as a 9. He was intelligent all second half too.

[@SwiftyDeejay]

@@phoenixrisin5848we’ve needed to recruit another striker for 3 windows now. Should have got an understudy in well before now as both of ours are built like bus tickets despite their clinical finishing.

[@phoenixrisin5848]

@@SwiftyDeejay 100% mate

[@Macmo-cu8hm]

Great overview Craig - after the Man City performance I wasn't too surprised with our return to form. Stand out for me is the emerging relationship between Miley and Gordon. The 2 of them are going to form a world beating partnership. Totally agree with you praising Howes midgame management, he saved us from a potential meltdown. It shows the importance of having strength in depth (which has ultimately proved to be our downfall this season).

[@Bennyboy138]

What a fantastic performance. Eddie silenced the doubters imo. I think he learned allot from the 3-0 at Villa Park last season and came with a game plan that was spot on. Villas high line got exposed. No doubt this will give the lads huge confidence going into the Luton game, and also good news that Bruno didn't get a booking!

[@cw19280]

Well has to get one next game because we can’t afford to lose him going to the Emirates. I think he misses 2 next time he gets booked.

[@Bennyboy138]

@@cw19280 Yeah he does indeed, he's a ticking time bomb with bookings. Its inevitable he'll get his 10th booking at some point but actually I saw him play with a much cooler head against Villa which was good to see so hopefully he can remain that way for the upcoming games

[@RichardOliver-s7d]

My favourite part of last night was the coaching performance from Howe. Wingers on their natural foot made a hell of a difference as to the speed at which we could counter-attack. And then secondly, bringing Tino on to negate the Bailey threat before it became a very serious problem was Mourinho like. Well done Howe! More of this please (when required).

[@jimmyhillschin9987]

Moment of the game for me is Longie missing that great chance for 4-1 towards the end. At first you might think 'bad miss' but then you see he wasn't even in the picture when Miggy passes to Bruno and is absolutely busting a gut to get up there. That is a very good sign: the man Longstaff has got his incredible drive and energy back. And seemingly, so have the rest of them.

[@mikem9309]

it was a lovely piece of play, the pause before passing off to a sprinting Longstaff was beautiful. would have been an epic goal

[@geordiedog1749]

So, Isak has been told to stop at once if he feels anything in his groin, hamstring or quads. That’s his instructions. I reckon this is going to be a niggle. One game at most (he said with crossed fingers).

[@pauljames77777]

Craig watching that performance here in Indonesia at 4am was outstanding I would have been happy for a draw before the start !!!, Where has our team been for the last 4 weeks , Very impressive tonight Forest played a similar system when they played at Newcastle A credit to Eddies game plan by putting 5 at the back on the 75th min and brining on Tino Livermento to left back and moving Burn to the middle was a wise move and slowed down the villa attack , Bruno was at his best last night and he did not get booked thank god For me you can give all the team a star they deserved it on that excellent Performance Safe trip back to the Toon Craig Look forward to the Luton post

[@dbulman2]

Great to see that intensity back , and Eddie making a tactical change when needed. Gordon was immense , hopefully isak not too bad. Could definitely do with another striker. Need to go on a run now and put pressure on teams above us. Hopefully Chelsea and man utd drop points tonight

[@stevenlister782]

I love these post match videos. I think it’s a great idea doing them in the empty stadium. I agree with your star ratings. Not only was Schar brilliant on the night he’s also my player of the season so far

[@PaulJohnston50]

Cracking summary as usual Craig - thank you.

[@andycowx9617]

Excellent summary Craig and I was with you before the game, I thought we would get battered. Enjoy your pint.

[@nij1541]

Who needs a new striker when you have Fabulous Fabian S ❤

[@stevecundall3679]

Love these PTC Craig - more so now that I am living abroad and cant get to the games in person. Brilliant to watch - thanks.

[@DavidHORNE-i3e]

8-2 on aggregate over the 2 games against Villa is a solid achievement. Craig's reports are a must read for me. He always attempts to be FAIR and to SHARE what he knows / has seen. Thanks Craig.

[@jamiekirkbride3414]

Good morning Craig. I watched the first half, up at daft o clock this morning for a flight. I thought we were superb. Villa unbeaten all season until last night. Gutted to see Isak go off - where does that leave us? Away fans were unreal ⚫⚪

[@jamiekirkbride3414]

Incredibly impressive for Murphy to step in after such a long spell out and put in that sort of performance. He offers so much. We're finally getting some players back and things are looking up. Only concern is Isak/Wilson.

[@peterharwood291]

Watching with ❤ from Ho Chi Minh City,Vietnam …Thanks Craig for all your efforts

[@andyh323]

Excellent summary, thanks 👍

[@falconarrow]

That will teach you to be a negative Nancy, Craig! Seriously though, what a difference having time on the training pitch makes. Howe's greatest strength is to galvanise and drill a system into the team. The fixture congestion last year really killed us with the injuries. Optimistic for the rest of the season, but still lacking in numbers in attacking areas

[@graemedawson1407]

Totally agree with that - injuries to forwards kinda shafted us too

[@robferriday9945]

Would like to see Almiron, Gordon and Murphy as the front 3 at the weekend. Miggy has done well each time on the left.

[@darrylmckay370]

That was a very late post Craig ! What a result though. Surprise surprise play Miggy in the position we bought him for and he performs. Hopefully 2-3 transfers tomorrow?

[@DanielCordone9]

He's naturally a left winger or cam. We should've played him there more often. Benitez's initial fault

[@tooncrier]

Beautiful that Craig, back to our best. My only issue was I felt Longstaff had a poor game, barely touched the ball, tackled, etc and should have scored.....the rest superb!

[@fplstat]

Not really fair on him every one knows he not quality but he puts in 100% every week and he's playing cause of injuries suspensions would be a good squad player for us and he's a Geordie lad so

[@tooncrier]

@@fplstatHe's better than what he showed last night, when everyone fit he will be on the bench.

[@montybrewster7]

Well that was a refreshing change of mood craig. Not your fault obviously but it's been a rather dour few weeks/months watching your video along with my other selected toon related creators. Needless to say isak's injury knocked the cherry off the top but those are 3 points i didn't see us getting so i'll leave you today in a much better mood than i have of late. Cheers as always craig, i always enjoy your videos...even the less than positive ones.

[@slowthian]

Agree Craig best performance of the season by some way. Also good to hear your news on barnes for the weekend.

[@marcusoreallly]

Bruno, Gordon and I French kissed my couch pillow dreaming of Shar. The whole team the reciprocal of Saturday. Eddie definitely a top manager

[@mbos322]

I was quietly confident about this one. I was encouraged by the Fulham result and just thought a performance would follow. You could see straight away that they were spot on with their performance and tactics.

[@rogercookcouk]

Simply succinct summary Craig 👏👍 I had "heart, 1-1. Head, defeat" sometimes itd great to be wring by a mile! Had Isak not gone off, i reckon it'd have been another 5-1, but 3-1 is a class result!

[@michaelkelly7301]

Yes fantastic result ,Craig and your report is spot on thank you

[@markmartin541]

Look forward to these nearly as much as the match itself - brilliant podcast 👏👏👏👏

[@steven.ghodgson765]

First time I have listened to Craig - excellent ballanced view.

[@JamesLynch88]

Superb as always Hopey. On cloud nine today!

[@fenham]

Excellent, level-headed analysis, as usual. An excellent, unexpected but thoroughly deserved result. #HTL

[@ozzy6162]

100% agree Craig - a great result and performance from the whole team including Tino & Miggy. As well as perfect tactics from Eddie & his staff. Got to play like that consistently now of course. Luton hammered Brighton 4 - 0 so Saturday isn't an easy game.

[@peterward8574]

I love these videos, brilliant analysis as always. Fur some reason I felt positive going into this match.. mainly down to a recent defensive performances and villas high line really does suit us and so it unfolded. I thought isak going off might of derailed is but fair play we continued to play well. Feeling more confident with the rest of the season now. Bookings are a worry, Bruno and Gordon are going to get a 2 game ban soon. It's interesting to see that Bruno can still be aggressive and disciplined which he has been for the last 2 games knowing he has the suspension hanging over his head. I think the problem with isak is Wilson. Isak has had no respite this last month or so with Wilson being injured. Wilson really needs replaced in the summer. Anyway let's hope this is a start of something. Top work Craig, you deserve your beer.

[@gusgone4527]

Schär could be a defensive midfielder or old fashioned halfback, that's obvious. But I wonder if he could be a target man up front nodding balls left and right for Gordon, Miggy, Murphy, Barnes, Anderson etc.

[@leeowens9506]

Definitely think as a defensive midfielder he would be effective.

[@neilsnowdon2863]

Great report, Craig! But it's pronounced Share - Schär. The two dots on the a are the key. Best away performance, best pressing for a while, the training is having an effect! Oh for a player who can produce the Beardsley clip when faced with only the goalkeeper to beat!

[@darkbydesign1031]

excellent audio unlike the questions be asked at the PC cannot hear the questions from journos

[@ToonBano]

The REAL Newcastle stood up! just wait til we get players back!!

[@TonyODOnnell-tt8gh]

🤩

[@Iain-StuartRobson]

Amazing how good we can be with a bit of rest between games. Brilliant performance.

[@jamesmilligan2797]

Great result, get in!!! HTLs!! Defence keeping the goals out & creating them at the other end 🏴🏳

[@DavidSmith-gr9gd]

Great video Craig…. Keep taking those bets !!

[@audreyhall8644]

Tactics spot on the toon press was back. 3 stars Miley, outstanding in midfield, and his overlaps. Tino sub was inspirational. Can our season be back on ?

[@matthewbrown2829]

Gordon was player of the tournament plying up front for England under 21s actually looking forward to seeing how he goes

[@LH22222]

Probably your best video/ analysis Craig 👍🏽 thought we executed the plan well but villa played into our hands with the constant high line. Class away day. Keep them coming 👌🏼

[@johnnyboy11000]

What a win & performance - hopefully will silence a lot of the negativity. Half a season to go, still in the cup, teams at the top starting to fade - don't write it off just yet!

[@jesperfuglsang]

@Craig I would probably argue the three stars should go to Gordon. He was everywhere and had a part in every single goal of ours.

[@CCkhT21o681]

As a NUFC fan, this is definitely a shock victory. No chance in hell we would have won this. The turning point was when Howe brought on Tino. Miles better than Burn and helped shore up the defence.

[@paolo7688]

Burn was immense. He gives us aerial presence and the ability to switch to three at the back seamlessly. He does struggle against real pace however which is why Eddie needs to look at the opposition and pick a side accordingly. It was a mistake to play him against Elanga but not tonight until Emery switched it - Eddie responded.

[@nathanthomson1931]

Longstaff squandered two prime goal opportunities... wasn't overly happy with him today

[@TonyODOnnell-tt8gh]

He's not firing on all cylinders of late ???

[@donmongoose]

Yeah his finishing has been off recrently

[@DanielCordone9]

Needs to drop down a division

[@TonyODOnnell-tt8gh]

@@DanielCordone9 needs sorting

[@DanielCordone9]

@@TonyODOnnell-tt8gh Boubacar Kamara looked good for them. Didn't realise how fast he was. We should've signed him for free 18 months ago

[@blip2012Toon]

There was a strong desire to win last night top marks across the full team... and we've nearly survived the transfer window! Great win bring on Luton

[@henrikmortensen2937]

nice win, I don't think there were many who really believed in it, of course we hoped, really nice when you think about all the injuries in the squad

[@kevinstonebanks8552]

I was screaming at the TV to get dan burn off when he got skinned by Bailey, to my amazement Eddie brought Tino on and played five at the back, to me that made a massive difference to the victory, First time for me Eddie released we needed to change things, not having a plan b in the past has cost us valuable points, Fantastic display probably are best profomanc of the season

[@mikem9309]

i was begging for this sort of reorganisation after Eddie demo'd it against fullham. Liveramento on for a forwards player to build up the lead

[@JamesFannen]

Great report

[@neilnicholas4028]

Nice summary Craig. The podcast was not bad either!!

[@grahamsidney9214]

I was that sure we would get hammered i went fishing. Couldnt believe my eyes when i checked the score late on 😮

[@mackyjack3929]

Did you catch anything 😂

[@grahamsidney9214]

@@mackyjack3929 ha I did a coalie and a codling

[@mackyjack3929]

@@grahamsidney9214 👍

[@TomSullivan-m8x]

Top analysis Craig, we've seen it before, when things look gloomy on Tyneside, bang their back and the football flows, onwards.

[@allandart20]

Totally agree, we need a striker that is injured 1/4 of the season

[@marcusdidius4090]

Dear Craig, Canny video as always 👍 The Boys are Back 😎😁👍💪✊👏 Regards

[@douglasmilburn6879]

Why is Lewis hall not playing

[@TonyODOnnell-tt8gh]

Agreed, WHY ???

[@51ZZ3]

-I feel the performance and result is down to having a manager who will work tirelessly to make sure last season's performance and result at Villa wasn't repeated. The team was excellent. I was definitely glancing at the clock a lot though, even at 3-1! Can see a couple more revenge missions coming v LUT and v NFO. The jump to seventh was unexpected last night but it might just be the catalyst we need for a very good surge to get back to the CL?!

[@andrew148]

Maybe Eddie already knew it but hopefully this shows some fans that Newcastle just don't have, and because of FFP will be some time before they will - the squad depth to compete in 4 competitions in the same season. A bit like Arteta and Arsenal last season. I know its a point of contention and everyone will have a different opinion but until we grow our revenue, for me the focus has to be on the league table and if we're able to make the CL again, on that competition. Trophies can come later. Great result and performance from the lads last night though and great video review as usual Craig.

[@beepmac275]

Totally agree👍 when Eddie has a decent squad of fit players to choose from he usually gets a good performance.

[@paolo7688]

Having three pacy wingers playing against that high line wasn't actually the worst thing. I also think it'll be no bad thing against Luton whose defenders love an aerial battle but will struggle against three quick forwards. Also the advantage of Miggy playing left was there to see with a first time ball for Murphy's goal, if he'd been on the right he would've cut back inside.

[@ianvincent5069]

The real issue we have is not having a bench to turn to we need to be able to freshen things up in the 2nd half of games to close them out

[@mypointoftoon]

Go and get those cans in Craig!😂

[@BrianHagan-f7o]

You just can’t write Miggy off. Him Gordon and Murphy- great forward line with Miggy playing on his natural left side.

[@MatchesMalone1183]

I think the problem with Isak is that yes he does seem a bit fragile physically, but we've not had recently and rarely have Wilson fit, so that he can share the work load of what is a demanding role as a loan pressing striker. If Wilson wasn't so injury prone and could take half an hour here, twenty minutes there I think Isak could potentially have minimal injury concerns throughout a season, or at least no more than the average player. So as has been the case for a long time now we either need to replace Wilson altogether, or at the very least bring in a young striker as a third option. I mean I could be wrong of course with regards to Isak just needing reliable back up to drastically reduce his likelihood of breaking down, but we won't know until we have that reliable back up.

[@sellingtowinselling3876]

Yes duby is bk to his best,happy for him.

[@JaxLehocq]

Great video Craig as always ,but the one concern for me was ( just watching on the telly like ) every body was jubilant at the end of the game hugging high fives etc but young Hall just seemed go round every body just going through the motions of congrats no real meaning in his hand shakes or high fives, but like I say I was just watching on the telly not at the ground 👍

[@JackBurton3963]

If we perform anything close to this level at Arsenal then I will be impressed. Also beat Luton.

[@rory0949]

Eddie Howe 10/10.the game was won on his tactics👏👏👍

[@stephenstrong8885]

The difference is the time spent on the training pitch and a game a week rather than 3 in 7 days plus all the travelling time. Isak/Wilson need to do something different, they are made of glass and something needs to change to try and get more game time out of them. Fantastic game and well deserved result. It should shut the Eddie doubters up for a while HWTL.

[@richardferguson6893]

If they were able to get an on loan forward/striker for the remainder of the season and move X number of players out in the summer, would that offset any PSR/FFP/CIA/MI6 cost and keep the club compliant?

[@strollingsteve4271]

Thought Longstaff had a quietly good game. He was never too far away from Douglas Luiz throughout the game and kept him quiet.

[@nimaparsi-pn8ew]

Why don't Gordon and Issac work together? This multiplies our offensive problems

[@andrewb1984]

I think Bruno was controlling the midfield because Howe had him sit back and just get the ball short from the defence then start attacks from there. We had a lot of games where all 3 midfielders push on and left gaps.

[@fplstat]

Schar is very underated always has been now hes under a top manager he looks class shows how clueless bruce was to play lacelles over schar

[@thezyg6311]

Interesting on the stars, I thought that was the best game Miley has had so far. He was brilliant first half.

[@davidcook7743]

Forme, a big positive was Miley understanding his role with Gordon on the left and Sean able to be on the right, he can’t contribute on the left imo

[@saaddossary6649]

When they got enough rest time of course they perform exceptionally well

[@MrComicy]

Gordon is brilliant. I just worry him or Bruno gets injured and the wheels come off the machine.

[@SKINDEREE]

Better side in the first half by a country mile but it could have all been so different if that goal had stood taking the game to 2-3. I doubt whether Newcastle would have held on with Villa getting up a head of steam so that VAR decision was crucial because it deflated them, it's all about those fine margins.

[@mstan999]

Craig, why not do the star ratings in reverse order? Build the suspense. Subs will rocket (further).

[@craighope_dailymail]

Noted. Next time.

[@nickc8476]

Transformative win Craig but surely we need a striker in even if just on a short term loan ? Anyone in academy that could do a job ?

[@fraseraitken1837]

Loads better. To be fair there have been signs of improvement of late i.e city but aye agreed I wasn't too confident either. Prob best result of the season. A few players back soon as well by sound of it with a few potentially winnable games coming up. 2 weeks is a long time in football

[@peterthompson4172]

I said to my grandson yesterday Newcastle would win 2 -1 but the next to games will be harder

[@DanielCordone9]

Linked with Federico Dimarco as a replacement for Dan Burn

[@fizzysausage]

Craig, I'm going to go against the grain a little here with Isak, I think he has a long way to go to become a world class striker. Agree with you that inconsistency in fitness is a big challenge for him, but he did very little in the 43 minutes that he was on the pitch last night. Compare the pressing, the work rate, the willingness to run in behind that Gordon did when he switched places with Isak was chalk and cheese. Isak looked clumsy in possession, and his press was half hearted. I dont think we can go on blinded by half a dozen good performances by Isak. When the chips are down and we need him (I'm thinking PSG away, or Milan at home and others) he has to be able to hold the ball up to allow the team to push up the pitch, its none existent. He needs at least some of that in his locker, rather than a great finish.. So I'm not concerned that Isak is out if we have a Gordon as stand-in in the CF position, but ask me who I would prefer 1 on 1 with a keeper to put a game to bed it would be Isak every time. Keep up the cracking content

[@craigarkle1077]

Have the easiest remaining run I’m currently given we have played 3 of the top 4 with 16 games left. Something needs to be done about all Isak’s injuries!

[@MonkeymagicSep1978]

Totally agree craig. Isak is a wonderful player but it seems he's made of glass. Which is no good considering our other foward is also made of glass. What's your thoughts on FFP amd the fact no clubs are signing players this window, surely the prem league have to revist this soon ?

[@brianhumphrey3929]

great craig.

[@j.j.911]

One game a week is sustainable with Howe’s style of play. We’re seeing that. Tielemans was playing out of position at Villa so that’s a bit harsh. We can say that we are back when it becomes consistent form. Schar was the difference today, not something that’ll happen every week.

[@craig3420]

3 schar 2 Gordon 1 bruno Back to our best..no doubts getting a few back..but also more training time

[@pesty4]

I thought we'd get thrashed today... Im delighted to be wrong

[@leerud]

Miley ran his heart out for the first 65 minutes, then he hit a mountain he couldn’t recover from. It was almost too late for him Eddie to make that change had Watkins toe not been offside for the second goal. We crumbled rapidly at that point. Glad he changed it up and then we managed to see the game out. Miley needs a rest

[@johnenglish929]

Miggy playing where he should play ?

[@DanielCordone9]

Yep, or cam

[@TonyODOnnell-tt8gh]

The defence looked back to their best. 3 million pound F, Schar, "BARGAIN", agreed Graig arguably 1 of NUFC's best ever signing's. Gordon, Murphy, outstanding. Miggy, playing on the opposite side, worked a treat, *"NOTE to self Eddie Howe !".... ⚫️⚪️*Men of the match, the Toon fans, again ! Absolutely outstanding from start to finish. With the absence of Mr Shearer this time 😅. That amazing support must, does carry the the NUFC player's over the line. We are *one of a kind⚫️⚪️ 👏 Amazing critique, as always Graig. Bravo 👏

[@v055313r]

STAND STILL man.

[@stevelavis473]

Are we gonna see some of Karious this season… I mean don’t you think he deserves his shot again …circumstances previously are long gone… I want to see him moving forward with opportunities and build him up again ..great keeper

[@Soulsbyproductions]

How can we not get a loan for Saudi

[@dalewilson9511]

craig on you tube . next project sit next to shearer on match of the day.craig is the best football reporter by far always says as it is good are bad always look forward to his after match comments