Liverpool (a) SOLD OUT
Brighton (h) Member sale now
West Ham (a) ST sale now, 8pts
Liverpool CC (n) P6 ballot ends Tue 25.02, Noon

Magpies make a meal 
of Sunday lunch date

Newcastle  4  Nottingham Forest  3

A first half brace from Alexander Isak made him only the second Newcastle player to hit 50 Premier League goals, but his side came mighty close to blowing a three goal lead during a chaotic afternoon at St. James' Park.

Trailing to Callum Hudson-Odoi's sixth minute shot after an error by Jacob Murphy, Lewis Miley's 23rd minute effort began a spectacular 11 minute spell from United as four attacks down their left flank yielded four goals.
 
Miley was one of three changes to the side beaten 0-4 at Manchester City; replacing Sandro Tonali. Kieran Trippier made way for Tino Livramento and Nick Pope was recalled at the expense of Martin Dubravka.

Within two minutes of making it 1-1, United led after Murphy atoned for his earlier rick by touching home a deflected Lewis Hall centre with his knee.

2-1 became 3-1 when a pitchside VAR review deemed Ola Aina guilty of handball, Isak's unconvincing panenka spot kick conversion barely deceiving Matz Sels.

The former Magpie 'keeper was picking the ball out of his net again seconds later; another sweeping Newcastle move ending with Isak's shot taking a touch off Murillo.

Having perfected the art of unlocking Forest's defence though, Newcastle promptly lost it after half time: Fabian Schar's header striking the goal frame after a corner a rare moment of danger from the hosts.

A series of misplaced passes and poor decisions then gave the visitors hope and they regained a foothold in the game after Nikola Milenkovic bundled home Elliot Anderson's 63rd minute corner kick.

Increasing apprehension among the home players was mirrored by their supporters as the feast became a famine: a series of near-misses around Pope's goal combining with a perplexing inability to trouble Sels.

Nuno Espirito Santo's side duly scored a third in the last second safter more defensive uncertainty; substitute Ryan Yates bundling home a rebound off Schar.

Thankfully though, the 4-4 draw that had begun to look nailed on didn't come to pass - due in no small part to the mercifully short three minutes of added time.

Callum Wilson almost ended a breakaway with a goal but was crowded out when trying to score, when options of passing or running the clock down seemed viable.

A game that encapsulated United's entire season ended with three valuable points putting them up into fifth and leaving 50,000 fans mightily relieved - this club, man....

Team: Pope, Hall, Livramento, Burn, Schar, Guimaraes, Miley, Willock (Tonali 70), J.Murphy (Barnes 70), Gordon, Isak (Wilson 87).
Subs n/u: Dubravka, Trippier, Targett, Krafth, Osula, Longstaff.

Booked: Livramento

Goals: Miley 23, J.Murphy 25, Isak 33pen, 34. 

NFFC: Sels, Williams, Murillo, Milenkovic, Aina, Anderson (Sangare 77), Dominguez (Yates 76), Gibbs-White, Elanga, Hudson-Odoi, Wood.
Subs n/u: Awoniyi, Jota Silva, Hennessey, Moreno, Morato, Sosa, Toffolo. 

Booked: Milenkovic, Anderson, Dominguez, Yates.

Goals: Hudson-Odoi 6, Milenkovic 63, Yates 90.

Crowd: 52,223 including 3,000 away fans.

Club Chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan attended - ahead of a meeting on Monday to discuss future stadium plans.

Alan Shearer and Ryan Taylor were both present. 

Eddie Howe: 

"It was a crazy game. We've seen the best of us and the worst of us, really, in two 45 minutes.

"I thought we were outstanding in that first half, everything that we weren't against Manchester City in our last game: dynamic, fluid, played with speed intensity, we sprinted. We attacked really well.

"But we didn't sustain it in the second half. We lost momentum and then couldn't recapture it.

"There's always relief when you win. It doesn't matter whether you're one goal or five goals up.

"We have to remember we did win the game, even though the feeling is probably very different after watching the second half.

"The challenge that we need to pose each other, really, as a group is to find solutions in those moments to help the players. That's what I'll go away now and try to figure out.

"This has happened too many times this season, where we've been inconsistent game-to-game, but we've been inconsistent in-game as well.

"Ultimately we've won the game, so I have to be very, very pleased. That was a tough game – we knew it was going to be – but the players were magnificent in their response to conceding, so loads of good stuff to take away and of course some stuff to improve.

"I am trying to control my thoughts and stay positive.

"We didn't manage the game well but overall we are happy with the win.

"It was always a difficult game and when they took the early lead you know you have a big task. I thought we were great with the ball and looked dynamic, but then a couple of frailties showed in terms of defending set plays.

"When you win and you have things to improve, that is a good starting point. That's what I'll take away from today.

"We can reflect on that 45 minutes and there are things that we can do better. We pride ourselves on doing better and getting the details right.

"It was good to see the chairman but he might have heard a couple of swear words from me. I think he was in the same sort of emotional state though.

"It’s probably why I do love management, even though I hate it at the same time in moments.

"The elation which you feel for a split-second on some of the performance in that first half, the pride you see in the players doing well is then counteracted with all the feelings that the supporters feel, really, watching that game.

"You feel you have control on the sideline, but the reality is it’s very difficult to influence the game in the way that you want to, so yes, a bit of love and hate in there.

"But ultimately again taking the bigger picture, we’ve won the game, as difficult as that second half was.”

On Champions League aspirations:

"I think there’s a host of teams that will have that feeling. We’re in there fighting and I back us if we’re fighting and showing our best qualities, as we did in that first half.

"We’ll hopefully be there towards the end fighting and competing for that place, but nothing is guaranteed. 

"It’s such a competitive league this year and you can see that from our recent home games."

On Alexander Isak reaching 50 goals:

"It’s a huge achievement, when Alex plays like he did in the first half, he’s massive for us."

On Lewis Miley:

"A really good performance from Lewis. He finished his goal really well. He can be really pleased, he's been developing really well."

On Sandro Tonali:

"He had a hamstring problem in the week, he missed a couple of days training.

"I didn't really want to risk him today but with the second half as it was we felt we needed his legs in midfield.

"He said he felt OK to play. It was a reluctant sub but I thought he did OK when he came on and touch wood he's OK."

On selecting Nick Pope:

"It was a big decision, they're all big decisions but I understand why the goalkeeper is highlighted because there's only one.

"It's always with a view to trying to pick a team to win a football match. That's what I did today.

"I value both goalkeepers that have played this year, Martin and Nick. Nick has got his strengths, Martin has got his strengths.

"Nick distributed the ball really well, he played a part in two goals today. He helps us with set plays and the physical threat, which we didn't do well enough with our outfield players. But he'll be disappointed to concede three goals for sure."

Referee: Jarred Gillett - second appearance of the season for the Australian-born official, who also took charge of the 1-1 home PL draw with Manchester City.

VAR: Peter Bankes

Latest PL results:

Wed 19.02.2025:
Aston Villa 2-2 Liverpool

Fri 21.02.2025:
Leicester City 0-4 Brentford

Sat 22.02.2025:
Everton 2-2 Manchester United
Arsenal 0-1 West Ham
Bournemouth 0-1 Wolves
Fulham 0-2 Crystal Palace
Ipswich Town 1-4 Spurs
Southampton 0-4 Brighton & Hove Albion
Aston Villa 2-1 Chelsea

Sun 23.02.2025:
Newcastle 4-3 Nottingham Forest
Manchester City 0-2 Liverpool

Stats: 

United's four goal burst came in an 11 minute period - one minute quicker than the 12 minutes during which it went from 1-0 to 5-0 at home to Spurs in April 2023.

Four goals were also scored by United in a 12 minute spell against Swindon Town at SJP during March 1994. That finished 7-1 to the black and whites.

An 8-2 home win over Everton during November 1959 featured four Newcastle strikes in a 14 minute spell.

The Magpies scored four goals in one half of a PL game for the first time since an 18 minute period against Sheffield United at Gallowgate in April 2024 took the score from 1-1 to 5-1. 

Alexander Isak scored his 49th and 50th goals in the Premier League for Newcastle. The Swede now has 19 PL goals this season and 21 in all competitions.

Nottingham Forest are Isak's joint favourite opponents, his fifth and sixth PL goals against the Tricky Trees matching the half dozen he's bagged against Spurs.

Lewis Miley doubled his PL goal tally following a shot at home to Fulham back in December 2023. They were both scored at the Gallowgate End, as was his strike against Bromley in this season's FA Cup.

Jacob Murphy hit his fifth PL goal of the season; his career best to date, eclipsing the four in 2022/23.

He now has 16 to his name in that competition, taking him level with current colleague Fabian Schar and one ahead of Andy Carroll.

Newcastle recovered from going 0-1 behind to win for the seventh time in all competitions this season:

Wolves (a) PL Lemina 36 mins
Forest (a) PL Murillo 21 mins
Spurs (a) PL Solanke 4 mins
Bromley (h) FA Congreve 8 mins
Southampton (a) PL Bednarek 10 mins
Birmingham City (a) FA  Laird 1 min
Forest (h) PL Hudson-Odoi 6 mins

Following losses to Bournemouth and Fulham, United avoided what would have been three successive PL home defeats for the first time since February 2021.

The Magpies completed their fourth league double of the season - following maximum returns against Spurs, Wolves and Southampton.

Forest @ SJP - PL era:

20245/25 won 4-3 Isak 2 (1 pen), Miley, Murphy 
2023/24 lost 1-3 Isak (pen)
2022/23 won 2-0 Schar, Wilson
2017/18 lost 2-3 Mitrovic, Aarons (LC)
2016/17 won 3-1 Ritchie, Gayle 2 (Ch)
2009/10 won 2-0 Ameobi, Enrique
1998/99 won 2-0 Shearer 2
1996/97 won 5-0 Asprilla, Ferdinand 2, Shearer, Elliott
1996/97 lost 1-2 Ferdinand (FAC)
1995/96 won 3-1 Lee 2, Ginola
1994/95 won 2-1 Fox, Lee

Carabao Cup:
Pot 6 update

The Pot 6 ballot for Carabao Cup Final tickets will close at Noon on Tuesday. Ballot winners will receive emails by 5pm on Tuesday, with seat selection open from Noon on Wednesday for 24 hours.

Find full details of the process online here

PS: Dawson & Sanderson travel agents have a small number of seats available on their charter train. 

Standard class places cost £169 return (match ticket not included). The train will run direct from Newcastle to Wembley Central, walking distance from the stadium. 

Approximate journey time is 5 hours 30 minutes each way - no alcohol can be bought or consumed.

Bookings via 0191 261 4888 or in person at Dawson & Sanderson, 124 Northumberland Street, Newcastle.

Bucket list:
Hat giveaway

As modelled by a certain local musician, the Shearer reversible bucket hat from Tyneside-based Football Bobbles is ideal for winding your way down on Baker Street and along Wembley Way come March 16th.

Available to buy here, we have one up for grabs and to stand a chance of winning it, email your answer to this question to [email protected] subject Hats:

How many times did Alan Shearer play at Wembley Stadium for Newcastle United? 

Closing date is 2pm on Wednesday February 26th. No age limit, open to anyone on the planet. Delivery only to UK addresses. One entry each please per person.

Old boy:
Dawson exits City 

Former Newcastle U21 coach - and briefly interim first team boss - Ben Dawson has left his post on the Leicester City coaching staff.

The 44 year-old moved to the Foxes last July to work under Steve Cooper, taking charge of the side for once game in November and remaining at the King Power Stadium when Ruud van Nistelrooy was appointed. 

Dawson spent a decade at the Magpies that included a stint in charge of the senior side in 2019, between the departure of Rafa Benitez and arrival of Steve Bruce.

U21s:
Alty Cup test next

Newcastle U21s are in National League Cup quarter-final action away to Altrincham on Tuesday night.

It's a 7.30pm kick-off at Moss Lane and admission is £5 adults and £2 concessions, payable in cash at the gate.

An outcome must be achieved on the night - if the tie is a draw after 90 minutes it will then go to penalties.

The tie is live on National League TV here (requires a subscription)

There's free radio commentary online here

Quarter-final ties:
 
25.02.2025 Altrincham v Newcastle U21s
25.02.2025 Sutton United v Man United U21s
11.03.2025 Aldershot v Leeds United U21s
11.03.2025 Braintree Town v Brighton U21s

PS: United's Northumberland Senior Cup semi-final tie away to Heaton Stannington has been rearranged, from Monday March 3rd to Tuesday March 11th.

Kick-off at Grounsell Park remains 7.30pm and tickets for the original date will be valid. Anyone now unable to attend can gain a refund by emailing the host club [email protected] with their order number.

U18s:
Double delight 
for youngsters

Newcastle U18s  3  Liverpool U18s  1

Saturday saw Newcastle U18s win only their second home league game of the season, doing the double over Liverpool following a 3-2 away success last September. 

In mild and sunny conditions at Little Benton, the Reds took an early lead; Schofield Lonmeni pushing down the right and Joe Bradshaw's pull back dispatched by Kareem Ahmed with a first time shot in only the fifth minute.

Clear-cut chances for either side were in short supply from that point; Josh Sonni-Lambie's shot pushed on to the crossbar by home 'keeper Will Anderson in the 26th minute and United's Kasey Wooster similarly grazing the goal frame two minutes before the break.

It took just six minutes of the second period to bring the equaliser, substitute Kyle Fitzgerald advancing down the right before the overlapping Henry Johnson crossed low to the back post for Michael Mills to fire in.

That gave the home side added impetus and with the visitors looking vulnerable, further Newcastle goals weren't long in arriving.

A back heel by Michael Mills towards the left hand corner flag on the hour gave Sam Alabi the chance to centre - centre forward Kacey Wooster in the right place to finish from six yards via the underside of the bar.

Mills almost got another a minute after the restart but Reds' 'keeper Bailey Hall denied him at the near post.

With 15 minutes remaining Hall brought down Fitzgerald in the box and Wooster made no mistake from the spot with a confident low conversion for 3-1.

That left a travel-sick Reds side with just one point from a possible 21 on the road so far this season. 

Team: Anderson, Johnson, Bloomer (Epia 85), Watts, Craggs, Cogdon, Waddani (Fitzgerald 46), Harper (O'Donovan 66), Wooster, Alabi, Mills (Durrant 85.
Sub n/u: Holland.

Loan lads:
Danes blood Travis 

Magpie loan watch:

Travis Hernes (AaB):
The midfielder made his senior bow for Aab from the bench during Sunday's 0-4 loss away to AGF in the Danish Superliga. Travis arrived on 79 minutes, after the scoring was complete.

Harrison Ashby (QPR)
Harrison was an 80th minute substitute as QPR lost 1-2 at Portsmouth in the Championship on Saturday. All the goals had been scored by that point, including one for Pompey's ex-Mag Matt Ritchie.

Isaac Hayden (Portsmouth) 
Isaac started the game and played just over an hour in the Championship home win over QPR (see above).

Alex Murphy (Bolton Wanderers)
Alex started the game and was subbed in the 89th minute of the 2-1 home win over Leyton Orient in League One on Saturday.

Charlie McArthur (Carlisle United)
No sign of Charlie in the squad for the goalless home draw with Gillingham in League Two on Saturday.

Max Thompson (Chesterfield)
Max was on the bench for the single goal defeat at Swindon Town in League Two on Saturday.

Joe White (MK Dons)
Joe came on in the 62nd minute as MK Dons lost 0-2 at Bradford City in League Two on Saturday. The second goal had just been scored before Joe joined the action.

James Huntley (Spennymoor Town)
Moors won 3-1 at Kidderminster Harriers in the National League North on Saturday. James wasn't in the matchday squad.

Miodrag Pivas (Willem II)
Sparta Rotterdam (a) Eredivisie, Sunday March 2nd.

U21s:
Gone with the wind

Arsenal U21s  4  Newcastle U21s  1

Match report

Update:
Reds paired with PSG

Following Friday's last 16 draw for the Champions League, Liverpool's fixture list leading up to their Carabao Cup Final against Newcastle is now set:

Wed 26.02.2025 Newcastle (h) PL
Tue 04.03.2025 or Wed 05.03.2025 PSG (a) CL
Sat 08.03.2025 Southampton (h) PL
Tue 11.03.2025 or Wed 12.03.2025 PSG (h) CL
Sun 16.03.2025 Newcastle (n) CC 

That compares to Newcastle's schedule:

Wed 26.02.2025 Liverpool (a) PL
Sun 02.03.2025 Brighton (h) FA
Mon 10.03.2025 West Ham (a) PL
Sun 16.03.2025 Liverpool (n) CC

Squad:
New deals for duo 

Newcastle confirmed on Thursday that two players have agreed new contracts to extend their stay at SJP. 

Defender Emil Krafth has signed a new 12 month deal while goalkeeper Martin Dubravka put pen to paper on an extension of undisclosed duration.

Meanwhile, contract talks with defender Fabian Schar are reportedly continuing.

That leaves Jamaal Lascelles, Jamal Lewis and Callum Wilson in the final months of their SJP deals, along with goalkeeping pair John Ruddy and Mark Gillespie.

The Athletic have written in recent days that a new contract offer for Wilson is unlikely but that is tbc.

Update:
Old boy acquitted

The trial of former Spanish Football Federation supremo Luis Rubiales for sexual assault concluded on Thursday with a guilty verdict and a fine but no prison term.

The charge followed the televised kiss between Rubiales and Spanish international Jenni Hermoso after full time in the 2023 Women's World Cup Final against England.

Rubiales was acquitted of a further charge of coercion related to events that followed the incident, along with three other officials accused of the same offence.

One of that trio was ex-Magpie Albert Luque - who at the time was Sporting Director of the Spanish men's team and originally called as a witness before further investigations resulted in the charge.

2024/25:
Etibad

Manchester City  4  Newcastle  0

Match report 

2024/25:
Liverpool (a)

Wednesday night sees Newcastle face Liverpool in the Premier League at Anfield in what is a dress rehearsal for the Carabao Cup Final at Wembley next month.

It's an 8.15pm start live on TNT Sports and United's 3,000 tickets are sold out.

The game will be shown live at WonderBar in The Gate, which opens at 10am.

City centre bars with live TV coverage include:

The Dog & Parrot on Clayton Street West
The Prince on Pudding Chare

Team: To follow

Coral rate this game as follows:

NUFC win 9/2
The draw 18/5
LFC win 8/15

New customers receive a £40 bet when staking £10 (T's & C's apply). Find those markets online here 

LFC: Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley miss out.

Ahead of our visit, a 2-0 win for Arne Slot's side away at Manchester City on Sunday left them 11 points clear at the top of the table.

Liverpool have now lost just once in 27 PL games so far this season, a 0-1 home defeat by Nottingham Forest last September. That game was also the last time that the Reds failed to find the net in the PL.

Referee: Chris Kavanagh - fourth toon game of the season for the Manchester-based official following the 2-1 PL victory at Wolves, 2-0 Carabao Cup win home against Chelsea and 1-2 PL loss to Fulham at SJP.

VAR: Matthew Donohue

UK TV: Live on TNT Sports

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