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Newcastle United advanced to the 3rd round of the Carabao Cup 4-3 on penalties at the City Ground as they started this season’s League Cup campaign in an up and down fashion that ultimately ended in delight.
It took just 18 seconds for United to take the lead through Joe Willock, yet it was Sean Longstaff that sent us through on penalties after a 1-1 draw in normal time. Here are our five key takeaways from the game:
Forza Tonali
Wow, I knew this lad was good, but he was excellent on his return from a ten-month gambling ban. Pace, touch, speed of thought, desire, attitude, heart, fight – you name it, he showed it, and even though he tired (he was blowing after a whack to the face in the 30th minute) you could see what it meant to him to be back playing football.
The Italian was visibly emotional as he was pushed forward by his teammates towards the travelling fans after the game. He embraced the fans who sang his name, clutching an Italian flag in a genuine moment of heartfelt support and love.
Tonali elevates Newcastle’s midfield, and he can only get better as he builds up his match fitness.
A Prayer for Joe Willock
I wrote in the match report that I thought Joe Willock outshone Tonali during his short cameo and I’ll repeat myself here. His powerful running opened acres of space around the park for others to run into and the opening goal and Tonali’s big chance in the 3rd minute were mainly in part thanks to Joe’s running.
What a cruel twist of fate it is for the lad to pick up yet another injury! It looks like a thigh problem and hopefully it’s not long-term, but Eddie Howe didn’t sound confident in his post-match press conference when he uttered the dreaded: “It doesn’t look good.”
I’ll be waiting with bated breath to see what Howe has to say in his Friday press conference
The Positives: Something to build on
The first 15 minutes were electric. Newcastle played with pace and should’ve torn Forest apart as they couldn’t…
Source link : https://www.nufcblog.co.uk/2024/08/29/five-takeaways-from-forest-1-1-newcastle-toonali-willock-fears-positives-and-negatives/
Author : Jonathan Young
Publish date : 2024-08-29 07:05:00
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