Newcastle United 2 – 0 Manchester United. Newcastle United leapfrogged Manchester United into third place in the Premier League table after avenging their Carabao Cup final defeat against the Red Devils.
The Magpies produced a magnificent display at a raucous St James’ Park to leave their opponents without a win – or a goal – in their past three top-flight games.
Newcastle were thwarted by David de Gea’s excellent first-half double save, the Spaniard showing quick reactions to deny Joe Willock from close after clawing away Alexander Isak’s header.
Willock wasted another glorious chance after finishing wildly but the former Arsenal midfielder was in the right place to nod home the opener after Bruno Guimaraes’ cross was headed across goal by Allan Saint-Maximin.
Manchester United, who failed to register an attempt on target in the first half, have not tasted victory in the Premier League since ending their six-year trophy drought at Wembley in February.
Wout Weghorst fired an early chance into the side netting but the Red Devils were second best to a Newcastle side that showed more urgency.
The hosts deservedly doubled their lead in the 88th minute with a well-placed header by substitute Callum Wilson.
Newcastle have not finished in the Premier League’s top four since 2002-03 but that could be set to change after a standout win against rivals for European qualification.
The stylish Magpies would have won by a more handsome margin had De Gea not pushed Joelinton’s attempt on to the bar, while Fabian Schar’s follow-up was cleared off the line.
In a game played at a frantic pace, Eddie Howe’s side were slicker than their opponents as they made it three league wins in a row.
Newcastle’s fans cheered and waved black-and-white flags at full-time but Howe knows his team have more work to do if they are to play in the Champions League next season.
However, the signs look good. This win was achieved without leading scorer Miguel Almiron who remains injured while Nick Pope produced his 13th clean sheet of the season.
The Newcastle keeper did not have much to do thanks to the work of his defenders, with Dan Burn producing a monumental performance at the back.
Manchester United’s Premier League form is stuttering at the wrong time of the season.
While they have progressed to the semi-finals of the FA Cup and quarter-finals of the Europa League, Erik ten Hag has not seen his side win a league match since 19 February.
Since seeing off Leicester at Old Trafford, they have been humiliated 7-0 by Liverpool and held at home by bottom club Southampton.
And the Red Devils did not look like winning against Newcastle at any point, while Ten Hag’s players were argumentative throughout.
In the first half alone, Antony was involved in a confrontation with Burn, Marcus Rashford threw his boot – which had become detached from his foot after being clipped from behind – to the ground in frustration and Bruno Fernandes argued with the referee after his appeals for a penalty were dismissed.
Manchester United have three straight games at Old Trafford coming up, starting with Brentford on Wednesday, and Ten Hag will demand an instant reaction after a tepid performance.
source – BBC
