Newcastle United kicked off their pre-season tour of Japan with a convincing 4-1 win over J.League outfit, Urawa Red Diamonds today.
It was an ideal test in tough conditions as we prepare for the new Premier League season, which kicks off with a home clash against Southampton on August 17th. Here are five key takeaways from the game:
1. Willock is back and firing
Joe Willock made his much anticipated return to action today, making his first appearance in black and white since April after a grueling previous campaign hugely hampered by a niggling Achilles injury.
However, to the joy of fans and coaches he looked fit, sharp and made a real impact in the final third. Two brilliant assists gave us the lead at half time before he was taken off at the break in a pre-planned change to manage his fitness levels. The first of the two came via a perfectly executed ball through to the lethal Alexander Isak who finished with aplomb, but it was the second that really deserves heaps of praise. He marauded through the midfield after robbing Urawa of possession and beat two men before laying off Jacob Murphy to put us 2-1 ahead.
Murphy’s goal to restore our lead, brilliant work from Willock in the build up 💫 #NUFC pic.twitter.com/3kN1eykpQV
— Thomas (@thomashammond__) July 31, 2024
It was a Willock performance that we love to see; intense, energetic, dynamic and adding a different threat to a left-hand side already featuring the dangerous Lewis Hall and Harvey Barnes. He displayed his flair and ability too with several smart turns and touches, proving he still has a huge part to play in the team providing he can stay injury free.
2. Murphy and Isak continue to perform
For a third consecutive pre-season fixture, both Isak and Murphy managed to get themselves on the scoresheet. Two cleverly enacted goals which gave us a deserved lead after 45 minutes, undoubtedly filling both with confidence as we near the start of the new campaign.
Murphy grabbed a lovely second goal…
Source link : https://www.nufcblog.co.uk/2024/07/31/five-big-takeaways-from-newcastle-4-1-urawa-red-diamonds/
Author : Thomas Hammond
Publish date : 2024-07-31 19:11:24
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