TEAM: NEWCASTLE
There have been some superb comebacks this season. There were even a few good ones this week, but only for draws.
However, Newcastle looked down and out with 20 minutes to go, trailing 3-1. But a miraculous three goals in 13 minutes saw them turn the game around for a dramatic late win.
Well done also to Liverpool. Aston Villa. Bournemouth. Spurs and and Burnley.
GOALKEEPER: ARIJANET MURIC (Burnley)
There wasn’t much to choose from this week. However, you knew the Burnley keeper would be busy, even before going down to ten men in the first half. However, although beaten twice, he played his part in the draw.
However, Chelsea did threaten, but apart from their two goals, they found him in inspired form, allowing Burnley the opportunity to snatch an unexpected point.
Shout out also to Man Utd’s Onana. Brentford’s Flekken. Brighton’s Verbruggen and Villa’s Martinez.
DEFENDER: WILLIAM SALIBA (Arsenal)
Although it was more of a team effort, the young defender spearheaded the charge that stopped Man City’s 57-game scoring record at home.
To add to that fact, last season he missed the game, and City romped to a comfortable 3-1 victory. This time, they reduced City to just one shot on target.
Well done also to his teammate Gabriel. Liverpool’s Bradley. Man City’s Gvardiol. Bournemouth duo Zabarnyi and Kelly. Burnley duo Esteve & O’Shea. Villa’s Konsa & Brentford’s Ajar.
MIDFIELDER: HARVEY BARNES (Newcastle)
He still has yet to play a full 90 minutes this season, he came on with 23 minutes to go with his team 3-1 down.
However, with his movement, touch and clinical finishing, his two superb goals in the last 10 minutes completed a dramatic comeback to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
Shout out also to Brentford’s Janelt. Man Utd’s Mount. Spurs’ Johnson. Luton duo Chong & Barkley. Sheff Utd’s Hamer. Fulham’s Palhinha. Forest’s Gibbs-White. Brighton’s Adingra. Palace’s Wharton & Eze.
Chelsea’s Palmer. Man Citys’ Rodri. Burnley’s Cullen. West Ham trio Paqueta, Bowen and Kudus. Newcastle’s Guimaraes. Arsenal’s Rice and Liverpool’s Mac Allister.
FORWARD: BEN BRERETON DIAZ (Sheff Utd)
Although it did not ultimately end in his team getting all three points, it was still a very positive display from the striker, who bagged two and assisted one.
It should have been enough for three valuable points before Sheff United collapsed. But you couldn’t ask for any more from him, as he gave Fulham a torrid time.
Well done also to his teammate McBurnie. Liverpool duo Salah & Diaz. Newcastle duo Isak & Gordon. West Ham’s Antonio. Bournemouth’s Solanke. Everton’s Beto. Brentford’s Toney. Forest’s Wood. Palace’s Mateta. Spurs’s Son. Fulham duo De Cordova-Ried & Muniz and Villa’s Diaby.
MANAGER: EDDIE HOWE (Newcastle)
Crippled with injuries which got worse as early as the 17th minute, Howe admitted his changes contributed to his team going 3-1 down.
With a further injury in the second half, having to sub off a sub, prompted him to make four changes in ten second half minutes. He shuffled his pack, changed the system, and within 15 minutes they had won the game.
Shout out also to Liverpool’s Klopp. Villa’s Emery, Bournemouth’s Areola. Spurs’ Postecoglou and Burnley’s Kompany.
UNSUNG HERO: GABRIEL (Arsenal)
While Saliba got the man of the match award and all the plaudits, as I stated previously, it was a real team effort to get a clean sheet at Man City.
Gabriel more than played his part, and much of the game, he seemed to play closer to Haaland. He even looked like he enjoyed and relished the physical battle as they reduced Man City to just one shot on goal.
Well done also to Liverpool’s Mac Allister. Aston Villa’s Konsa. Burnley’s O’Shea. Brentford’s Ajar and Chelsea’s Palmer.
GAME: NEWCASTLE 4-3 WEST HAM
Newcastle took an early lead when Coufal fouled Gordon, and Isak made no mistake from the spot (6). However, West Ham equalised from Paqueta’s ball over the top that sprung the offside trap for Antonio to race through and finish (21).
On the stroke of half time, Paqueta played a quick free kick for Bowen to run down the inside right channel and cut back the Kudus to strike home (45+10).
In the second half, Kudus ran from his box to the left touchline, then found Bowen in acres of space, running through the middle unchallenged to score (48). Newcastle got a lifeline when Phillips fouled Gordon in the box, and Isak again scored from the spot (77).
Newcastle then equalised when Isak played a lovely ball through for the sub Barnes, who beat the offside trap, ran in on goal and nutmegged the keeper (83).
The miraculous comeback was complete when Barnes collected Gordon’s pass on the edge of the box, sidestepped Phillips’ and curled a lovely effort into the far bottom corner (90).
There were also good games at Sheff Utd, who drew 3-3 with Fulham. Also, at Stamford Bridge, where ten-man Burnley came back twice to draw 2-2 with Chelsea.
GOAL: RODRIGO MUNIZ (Fulham) vs Sheff Utd
A ball was headed out of the box by a Sheff Utd defender to Willian, just outside. He exchanged passes with Cairney, then played it left to Traore.
Just inside the box, Traore dug out a cross to the area of the penalty spot, where Muniz executed a picture-perfect scissor kick volley, to slam the ball into the bottom corner.
FOOL: Kalvin Phillips (West Ham)
It’s fair to say his few months at West Ham have not been great. Ironically, this game summed up his West Ham career thus far.
With West Ham cruising to victory at 3-1. Phillips came on with 25 minutes to go. He gives away the penalty to make it 3-2. After Newcastle equalised, he was the player who got easily sidestepped by Barnes with a nothing challenge before Barnes scored the winner. Great cameo. FOOL!
