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'Take away from that baby face and this is a mature man playing in midfield'published at 08:51 24 February
08:51 24 February
Image source, Getty Images
Former Premier League striker Troy Deeney has praised the "maturity" of Newcastle United academy graduate Lewis Miley, after the 18-year-old scored in Newcastle's 4-3 win over Nottingham Forest.
Speaking on Match of the Day 2, Deeney said Miley gives Eddie Howe another "great option" in central midfield.
"Take away from that baby face, this is a mature man playing in midfield," he added. "To drop Sandro Tonali and put Lewis Miley in there shows the confidence Eddie Howe has in him.
"When you watch him, he plays it and he doesn't just stand there and watch, he gets after the ball again and keeps himself as an option.
"He is always in space. He has always got time because he plays it and goes forward again.
"He isn't happy just watching his work, you can see his tenacity. How many times does he win headers? It's like he says: 'No problem, let's keep the ball alive.'
"These are all the scrappy things you don't get in under-23s football, such as doing your job at the back post where most young players would switch off.
"He is from the Toon and you can tell he wants this so bad. This isn't somebody who plays under-23s football, this is someone who is a mature young man."
Isak scores 50th league goal but Newcastle hang onpublished at 16:47 23 February
16:47 23 February
Alex Brotherton BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
Newcastle looked to be heading for a landslide victory after four goals in 11 first-half minutes put them 4-1 up against Nottingham Forest, but a slack second half performance almost cost them dear.
The home side reacted brilliantly to Callum Hudson-Odoi's opener, with Lewis Miley, Jacob Murphy and Alexander Isak all getting on the scoresheet.
On his 76th Premier League appearance Isak scored his 50th goal in the league; only six players have reached that milestone quicker.
The second half was a different story, with the hosts looking shaky at set-pieces and unable to control the game.
"I don't know whether it was because we were protecting the lead and that subconsciously affects our performance," Magpies boss Eddie Howe told BBC Match of the Day after the game.
"I have to remind myself that we won the game and ultimately that's the most important thing."
There's plenty for Newcastle to work on, but with 12 games left to play they are fifth in the table.
'We didn't manage the game well but happy with the win'published at 16:37 23 February
16:37 23 February
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Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live: "I am trying to control my thoughts and stay positive. We have won the game and that is what we needed to do.
"I thought it was a great performance in the first half and we were everything we weren't at Manchester City. 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 an 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 start 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."
On Alexander Isak reaching 50 Premier League goals: "It is huge and when he plays like he did in the first half he is massive for us. He showed his pace and the timing of the run was excellent. Big player."
Newcastle 4-3 Nottingham Forest: Key statspublished at 16:11 23 February
16:11 23 February
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Newcastle United have won 13 of their last 16 games in all competitions (L3). Since the first match of this run on December 14th, it is the most wins by any Premier League side.
Alexander Isak scored his 49th and 50th Premier League goals, making him the highest scoring Swedish player in the competition's history, overtaking Freddie Ljungberg (48).
Newcastle 4-3 Nottingham Forest - send us your thoughtspublished at 15:59 23 February
Sutton's predictions: Newcastle v Nottingham Forestpublished at 11:01 23 February
11:01 23 February
As the BBC's predictions expert I always try to go with my head and not my heart.
That's what I am doing with this game, which is big for both teams in the battle for the top four.
I'd love to say my boyhood club, Nottingham Forest, will respond to their defeat at Fulham but this game is actually quite simple for me to predict because I am expecting Newcastle to bounce back from their woeful performance and result against Manchester City last weekend.
I just think there will be a big reaction from Alexander Isak, who was kept really quiet by City, and a real response from their whole team.
Howe on Botman, Joelinton and new contractspublished at 11:25 21 February
11:25 21 February
Marissa Thomas BBC Sport journalist
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Nottingham Forest (kick-off 14:00 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
On whether defender Sven Botman will be fit for the game against Forest: "I don't think he will be fit and available for this weekend. We are going to have to see how things stand over the weekend for next week. He is making progress but just not as quickly as we wanted him to. He is very much on track, just not quite ready."
Injured midfielder Joelinton is "doing really well" but Howe didn't give a timescale for his return.
Howe was keen to praise goalkeeper Martin Dubravka after he signed a new contract with the club, stating: "Pleased to sign Martin to a new contract, I thought he was important in January and we definitely didn't want to de-stabilise the team or the group with a departure in a position we couldn't afford. Delighted that he is staying."
Howe also spoke about a new contract for defender Emil Krafth: "With Emil, his character and attitude stands out. He is a reliable, consistent performer, but his versatility and ability to play different roles is so important for a small squad to have a player who can cover various positions. Whenever he has played this year he has been very, very good. I think he fully deserves his contract extension."
Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood was praised heavily by his former manager, who said: "I think he has been outstanding. Chris, when he came to us, helped us in a really difficult situation fighting relegation. We felt we needed a focal point in that position, somebody who could take a lot of pressure off of us as a team and give us a physical presence. I thought he did all of those things and was outstanding for the team. I'm delighted for him on a personal level because he is a great character and gave everything for us."
'Consistent' Dubravka 'more than capable of filling Pope's shoes'published at 09:20 21 February
09:20 21 February
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Former Newcastle defender Steve Howey believes the new contract for goalkeeper Martin Dubravka is "very good news" for the team.
He told BBC Radio Newcastle: "He's certainly been more than capable of filling Nick Pope's shoes.
"His performances since he took over from Pope have been excellent. Like all goalkeepers, sometimes if you make an error it leads to a goal, but he's been very consistent.
"There was talk of him going over to Saudi Arabia, so the deal from Newcastle is probably a very good one that he's happy with."
'I have a really special connection here' - Dubravka signs new dealpublished at 17:49 20 February
17:49 20 February
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Goalkeeper Martin Dubravka says Newcastle "holds a special place in my heart" after signing a new contract with the Premier League club.
Dubravka, 36, has made 178 appearances for Newcastle across all competitions, keeping 54 clean sheets, since joining initially on loan in 2018.
This campaign, the Slovakia international has featured 14 times, keeping seven clean sheets.
"I had a really positive discussion with the gaffer and sporting director and we all agreed that it would be best if I stayed here," Dubravka told club media.
"I have a really special connection here with the club, the staff and the fans. My children were born here, so they are Geordies now, and this club holds a special place in my heart.
"I feel that the team is in a really good place at the minute, with how we are doing in the league and obviously being in two cup competitions is really exciting."
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe said: "Martin is a high-quality goalkeeper who has performed brilliantly for Newcastle United over the years.
"He has stepped back into the team recently and performed very well, demonstrating his value within a strong goalkeeping unit.
"It's no secret that he had options to move on in January, but he deserves huge credit for keeping his focus. We are delighted Martin is staying with us."
Newcastle have not disclosed the length of Dubravka's new contract.
'I love playing for Newcastle' - Krafth extends dealpublished at 17:28 20 February
17:28 20 February
Image source, Getty Images
Defender Emil Krafth says Newcastle "feels like home" after signing a one-year contract extension with the Magpies.
It means the 30-year-old is set to stay with the club until the end of the 2025-26 season.
Since joining from French side Amiens in 2019, Krafth has made 93 appearances for Newcastle.
Having spent a number of weeks out with a broken collarbone, the Sweden international has featured eight times across all competitions for Eddie Howe's side this campaign.
"I'm delighted to extend my time at Newcastle United for another year. It's an exciting time to be part of this club," Krafth told club media.
"We have a lot to play for throughout the rest of this season and I'm looking forward playing my part in helping the team finish the season in a positive way.
"It feels like home here for both me and my family, having been here for such a long time. We all enjoy everything about being part of this club and I love playing for Newcastle United."
Newcastle boss Howe said: "He is an incredible professional in the way he trains, plays and conducts himself. He offers us versatility in defensive positions, which is vital to have, along with vast experience and a steadying influence.
"He will continue to be an important part of our squad on and off the pitch."
'Howe has not had the luxury to spend cash and keep competition for places'published at 10:28 19 February
10:28 19 February
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Journalist Matty Hewitt believes Manchester City's January spending "shows the struggles" Newcastle are facing against their top four rivals.
City invested over £200m in players over the window where PSR restrictions limited the Magpies.
"The one thing with Newcastle - and I think Eddie Howe summed it up perfectly at the weekend - is that the highs are so high and the lows are so low," Hewitt told the Total Sport: Newcastle United podcast.
"You just have to take a look at the games they lost - Bournemouth, Forest, Man City - where Newcastle were in the league you would look at those games as ones they could win.
"Bournemouth absolutely blew them apart, that was the most disappointing of the three.
"Every trip to the Etihad over the last few seasons has been one you want to forget.
"The way City were able to reinvest £200m into their squad over the January transfer window and Newcastle were not able to bring in anyone again shows the struggles that they're having against top four rivals.
"Strength and depth wise with City there is still levels to this.
"Joelinton is a massive miss in that midfield area. Prior to the game I watched City and Real Madrid and I didn't think they were great and they haven't been great this season.
"But, it just goes to show what happens when you can invest in the squad like that. Howe hasn't been able to do that. It's not just about spending all this cash, it's having the luxury to do that and keep competition for places.
"He's lost Almrion on the right hand side - whatever your opinion was of him it's still a body and competition. To not be able to replace him means he's just lost a body. "
Gossip: Magpies stand firm on £100m-plus Isakpublished at 07:45 19 February
07:45 19 February
Liverpool are prepared to offer 25-year-old forward Darwin Nunez plus cash in exchange for Newcastle United's £100m-plus rated forward Alexander Isak, who has scored 17 Premier League goals this season. (Football Insider), external
However, the Magpies will not allow their best players to leave if they miss out on qualifying for next season's Champions League. (Daily Mail), external
'Several things' behind volatile displayspublished at 17:08 18 February
17:08 18 February
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We asked for your views on Newcastle United's up and down form, after our fan writer described the "constant oscillation between good or great performances and poor performances" this season.
Here are a handful of your thoughts:
David: There are several things here. Firstly, the squad is too small, particularly the number of players competing for first team starting places. The players know they are going to start each week. Secondly, there is limited ability to freshen up the team with newly-bought players. We've not bought players for three transfer windows. Then Eddie Howe sticks with his favoured starting XI, meaning some players are never dropped even after a few poor games. Finally, our eyes are on the Carabao Cup.
Lewis: I didn't think it was just Newcastle. Every team has been up and down, except Liverpool.
Stevo: Sport, and football in particular, is unpredictable. Some games you win, some games you lose. Newcastle United have always been inconsistent, but recently we have been much more competitive and much more entertaining. We have an excellent manager and we should be a lot more appreciative for the progress we have made.
Constantinos: Not big enough first team players and no competition for their position - that's why we see a very inconsistent performance every week. The new rules only benefit the big six teams in this league.
'Whiplash!'published at 12:40 18 February
12:40 18 February
Charlotte Robson Fan writer
Image source, PA Media
I'm getting a bit tired of this, if I'm honest. Not writing this fan column, obviously. Don't panic. What I'm getting tired of is the constant oscillation between good or great performances by Newcastle United and poor performances, after which I wonder who in this club really wants to be here. Whiplash!
Are we good? Are we terrible? Do we have one eye on the Carabao Cup? I hope not, because that game is a month away and the Premier League is not taking a pause on fixtures so that we can think about it.
It was strange as a fan to see players so disengaged at Manchester City when about 10 days before they were comfortably getting under Arsenal's skin and advancing us to a cup final.
I know we are not the only team in the league with inconsistent form but what is important to remember is that I only care about Newcastle United and us doing well.
The seemingly selective passivity of this Newcastle side is a hard thing to stomach. One can point to Manchester City's ability to strengthen in the January window, personified by Omar Marmoush scoring a hat-trick against us, as a reason that Saturday did not go our way.
It is true we have not brought in a first-team player in three windows and that Eddie Howe should (and probably does) feel hard done by in that respect, but Manchester City's ability to buy is not why we lost to Fulham,Bournemouth or West Ham this season.
I appreciate players like Bruno Guimaraes coming out and saying that it was not good enough - but nobody is telling me why. Why did we put in almost no tackles? Why did we allow so much space and deference to our opponents?
There are many questions, yet again, as we go into Sunday's game against Nottingham Forest at home. Based on this season, that match will be an 8-0 win for Newcastle and I will be writing jubilantly next week.
Man City 4-0 Newcastle - the fans' verdictpublished at 08:55 17 February
08:55 17 February
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Manchester City and Newcastle.
Here are some of your comments:
Man City fans:
John: Great performance from the boys, and what a signing Omar Marmoush is. At last, someone to help out Erling Haaland up front. Pep Guardiola's signings are usually slow starters but this lad has hit the ground running. I'm not sure it will be as easy against Real Madrid though.
Brian: Wonderful and enjoyable. For the first time in three months we played as a team. Great January transfer business is delivering dividends. Marmoush is a class act if he can find space and ball. Savinho is on fire and Nico Gonzalez is proving to be the midfield general we needed. The confidence is high and this win will add thirst for more. A new set of players are bonding and if we adopt the same approach against Real Madrid, we are most certainly good for a few goals. This was a good day at the office.
Dave: What we witnessed was a sneak preview of what is to come. A few more additions in the summer and I think City will be purring again. To all the Pep doubters... keep watching.
Pat: We made Newcastle look like a mediocre team. So many outstanding performances but I felt John Stones and Gonzalez truly stood out and completely controlled Alexander Isak. Up front, Marmoush and Savinho were superb and had the Newcastle defence chasing shadows.
Newcastle fans:
Duncan: Alan Shearer called out the Newcastle players a few weeks ago about them only trying in the big games. Well they obviously listened because they don't turn up for them now. Newcastle looked like it was them who were riddled with injuries and played against Real Madrid last Wednesday. That performance was as bad as the half-time entertainment shown during the Super Bowl! If the 'one eye on the final' excuse is used then they need to take a long, hard look in the mirror and question their professionalism. The away supporters should be compensated fully for that performance. Disgraceful.
Richard: Brighton,Brentford,Bournemouth,Fulham,West Ham and now City. Games where we just don't turn up. We don't even offer a glimmer of resistance. And they just keep happening. It's worrying. Eddie Howe needs to identify the factors that are causing these performances and sort them out. Displays like this are ruining our season.
Andy: Woeful display. We never seem to make any impact in games unless we come out flying from the start. Looks like our European dreams died on Saturday.
Tom: Abysmal performance from Newcastle United. The players need to forget about Wembley and concentrate on the here and now. To get anything from here all the players had to be at their best. Unfortunately, none of them were. However, all is not lost. Beat Nottingham Forest next week and we'll be right back in it. One positive was the performance of Lewis Miley. Excellent again when he came on.
Image source, Getty Images
