Manchester United's three-match winning streak in the Premier League came to an end after they lost 0-1 to hosts Newcastle in round 14.
Newcastle's dominance was evident in the fact that center-back Fabian Schar had four shots on goal by the 80th minute, more than the entire Manchester United team combined. The home side's attack also squandered numerous opportunities, before midfielder Anthony Gordon scored the only goal early in the second half with a close-range tap-in.
Anthony Gordon (number 10) celebrates Newcastle's only goal in their win against Manchester United at St James' Park, Premier League matchday 14, on December 2, 2023. Photo: PA
Newcastle dominated the first half, with 14 shots, seven times more than the visitors. The home side's most dangerous chance came from a free-kick by defender Kieran Trippier that hit the crossbar in the 38th minute. He ran a short distance to celebrate, thinking he had scored, but the ball bounced off the goal line and went wide.
The controversial incident occurred in the ninth minute, when defender Diogo Dalot's right-footed clearance struck his own left hand inside the visitors' penalty area. However, neither referee Robert Jones nor Michael Salisbury believed Newcastle deserved a penalty.
The incident shows goalkeeper Andre Onana rushing out but failing to catch the ball. Photo: Reuters
Man Utd had only one notable chance in the first half, a left-footed through ball from Bruno Fernandes to Alejandro Garnacho who raced down the left side of the penalty area. The 19-year-old midfielder fired a low left-footed shot towards the near corner, but goalkeeper Nick Pope parried it away.
After squandering chances in the first half, Newcastle finally opened the scoring in the 55th minute from a counter-attack. Defender Trippier delivered a perfect cross to the far post for Anthony Gordon to tap the ball into the empty net, before the Manchester United defense had time to settle into position.
Newcastle only slowed down the pace of the game in the final 20 minutes, allowing the visitors to retain more possession in the opponent's half. However, Man Utd's only dangerous chance then was a volley from defender Sergio Reguilon from outside the penalty area, which Schar cleared before the ball went into the net.
For the first time in about half a century, Newcastle beat Man Utd in two consecutive matches. Eddie Howe's team climbed to fifth place, pushing the "Red Devils" down to seventh.
Newcastle's victory was deemed "fully deserved," according to the British newspaper The Guardian . "Newcastle played with intent and tactical skill for 100 minutes, while Man Utd only managed to keep up with the home side for 15 minutes," the newspaper wrote.
Hoang An
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