To say last night was a rollercoaster of emotions would be an understatement.
Nervous ahead of kick-off, knowing a win was essential, angry at awful refereeing decisions, and left wondering ‘what if’ as 10-man Newcastle looked to be heading towards a 1-1 draw against Man Utd.
Then came Will Osula with THAT wonder goal. He will grab the headlines and highlights of his goal will be watched for years to come, but there were some huge performances at St James’ Park.
Everyone played their part, but Eddie Howe was full of praise for three players in particular after reacting to the win and Osula’s big moment.
That trio was Kieran Trippier, Aaron Ramsdale and Joelinton. Others could’ve featured, but all three played vital roles in different periods of a huge 2-1 victory against an in-form Man Utd side playing most of the game with a man advantage.
Discussing Trippier, who was outstanding against Matheus Cunha after a tricky start, Howe hailed his ability to keep going through cramp and do the ‘little things’ constantly that many won’t notice.
“Vintage Kieran. He was feeling cramp and the effects of the speed of the game. And he’s playing every week. It’s a tough challenge for someone who is 21, never mind someone who is Kieran’s age (35).
“He was magnificent for us today. Not just in how he played, but his experience, his game management, his know-how. The little things people might not see. His experience is invaluable to us.”
Ramsdale, making his first start in the league since Boxing Day, made some crucial saves to keep the game level, and Howe spoke highly of his work off the pitch leading up to this moment.
“We’ve worked with him before, but he’s done an incredible amount of work with the coaches.
“His attitude to his work has been faultless. He’s been improving and his training performances have been really good, which is in part why he got his chance today. I’ve been hugely impressed by his work behind the scenes.
“He’s trop draw and a great person. Delighted for him that he got that moment today to make those saves and really make the difference for the team.”
And despite Osula grabbing the limelight, no can deny just how imperious Joelinton was in midfield today, with his performance today reminiscent of the 2025 Carabao Cup final.
Howe nailed it in his pre-match assessment, saying the big man at his best is like having two players in one, discussing the importance of keeping him fit after a recent injury.
“When he plays like that, it’s almost like having two players! He’s an incredible player.
“When he’s fit and at his best. And again he’s a player we lost recently, so we have to be careful we don’t lose him again. He’s probably played more than I wanted him to. But he’s so important to the team.
“We need him at that kind of level, which takes a lot. It takes a lot to get a player to that level and keep him there. So fingers crossed we can keep him fit.”
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