Finally! A performance at the Etihad. Not cowed by awe, not frozen by the passing triangles and not stopped by an appalling ‘Homer’ refereeing performance. Sleeves were collectively rolled up, heads were put where boots shouldn’t tread, and no shortage of skill at times held us captive in the away end for a slice of the points or God forbid, all 3.
Miserable rain covered the match goers, but never once dampened the spirits of an away support that contained plenty of proud souls who had represented the club in deepest Europe this week, flush with the hot pulses of cup victory in Birmingham, and a midweek trip to London.
We started the game grappling to get a foothold, choosing shorter passes rather than longer balls in behind and the home side took the lead when we were exposed at right back, O’Reilly firing in.
Should Pope save it?
Probably. His foot work was leaden, and we found ourselves in familiar territory.
Did that stop us? No! Ramsey and Hall combined, via a deflection, to give us celebrations that we have missed since a dreadlocked American slid in at the back post in 2018.
We countered well, the superb Gordon running in behind, but with guile and skill, a stark reminder to Wissa and Osula.
Yet, another dagger when Thiaw’s poor positioning allowed the opening goalscorer to double his tally? Has this lad ever scored a brace? Will he ever again? Doubtful. Still we were unbowed, Burn pushed into an offside position scored! If he’s offside it’s only because of a foul.
It had to be a penalty; it wasn’t given.
The second half started a touch tentatively, but to say we gave our best league performance ever here is probably right (slim pickings, I know).
We had plenty of good possession but just didn’t have that final click of a pass or use the ball at the vital time. Burn went close, Barnes had a great effort brilliantly saved, and the Blyth native marshalled Haaland brilliantly after a tough first period.
Pope nearly gave us the celebration of all celebrations from a last minute corner, but it was well deserved applause that the players took at full time rather than the hearty travellers asking the stewards when they could be let out.
Howe has come up with the goods in the last 10 days or so. Those who shout on keyboards and phones won’t ever replace those who put their money, time and risk their relationships.
Eddie is still the man to drive us, to make us see progress. Tonight we saw a performance worthy of those who have travelled thousands of miles, yet shorn by the lack of a specialist centre forward, our midfield driving force and some legs at right back.
Newcastle United, will never be defeated.
DAVE SMITH