Arguably judging on the basis of this game it most certainly was Newcastle United's best performance in the Premier League this season.
Steve McClaren’s men came out of the starting blocks all guns blazing against Tony Pulis’ side, with the woes and misery of the Everton game seeming to have worn off as the players attacked and fought for their lives in this must win game.
Crosses were being flung in, left right and centre from Moussa Sissoko and Andros Townsend, who asked constant questions of the Baggies back line, clearly illustrating a strong desire for goals with Aleksandar Mitrovic as the target man. The team in midfield had also perked up as Daryl Janmaat and Chiek Titote were the primary architects of Newcastle’s attacking play, striving up the pitch and making vital interceptions to stop the rare West Brom attack.
It was a near perfect performance for the Magpies as evidenced by the 69% of overall possession and accumulating 16 shots on goal, proving the desire for attack that has so long been absent from the Newcastle side and St. James' Park.
Shelvey and Townsend – the verdict
Jonjo Shelvey lit up Newcastle’s attacking play today in a similar style performance seen in his debut. His long accurate balls allowed Newcastle to get behind Pulis' side and get on the front foot whilst asking serious questions for Jonas Olsson and Craig Dawson, who were looking somewhat shaky in front of Ben Foster’s goal.
Shelvey was the man of the moment, stepping up in front of adversity and commanding the game which Newcastle desperately needed to do this match.
As for Townsend, he too almost had a perfect debut. His attacking style of play as a classic winger is something that has been long absent from a Newcastle side, and thankfully that space has been filled by the ex-Tottenham Hotspur man. Many questioned his move, but Newcastle fans for one will be rejoicing it now.
His penetrating runs down both flanks and ability to take on the opposition without hesitation was a key factor in the Magpies' victory today. His sterling moment came during the second half as he checked Chester to fire a shot on goal which hit the post.
Newcastle’s new signings may prove vital for them securing a place in the Premier League next year, providing McClaren a huge advantage as Newcastle’s evident quality can only be improved over the summer.
Mitrovic can score
Mitrovic has had an unfortunate start to his Newcastle career. A young man whose arrival of the club has granted him four goals, however, that tally could easily have been double if his finishing was up to scratch.
Today’s game has proved that the Serbian international can actually be a dangerous player, exploiting Shelvey's terrific through ball to score the only goal of the game. Almost all of the Newcastle fans were pleased that the goal came from this striker, as it will help to give him such a confidence boost for the rest of the season.
With finishing added to his game and ever increasing experience in the Premier League, the Newcastle forward will only get better and add to his all round play. This game he was the man that grasped the opportunity of victory with both hands as his performance was arguably the best the fans have seen him. The 21-year-old held the ball up for his teammates, shrugged off the defence and most importantly gave the fans confidence for the future.
The new, the old and the adversity
The arrival of Saido Berahino to St. James' Park was something widely anticipated.
The man who so nearly joined Newcastle during the January transfer window could hypothetically have cased their downfall in this game. Incredibly, this story nearly came true as Berahino provided the only real opportunity for Pulis' side as his shot was deflected after a superb block from Fabricio Coloccini.
This game also issued the return of fan favourite and local Geordie, Steven Taylor. His absence after a five month period due to a long-term hamstring injury has been long overdue, and it’s fair to say his arrival back into the Newcastle first team has been one filled with character, grit and determination.
Rolando Aarons is another player who made an unlikely appearance this game, starting his third game in the Premier League. His role at left back today was impressive as the youngster showed confidence and maturity on and off the ball.
The only complaint – more Goals.
As mentioned, Newcastle had a near perfect outing on the pitch today, playing with real flare and adding intensity and purpose to their play which so many of their fans were craving and expecting this game.
The only worrying thing that can be credited to their play today is the absence of goals. In Newcastle’s current position in the league, the side in black and white cannot be indecisive in front of goal and should bury every opportunity they create.
Potential goals could have come from Wjinaldum, whose header after a swinging cross from Townsend was just begging to be put in the net, however the home superstar lifted the ball over Foster’s goal. Additionally, attempts were made from Sissoko whose striving run past Craig Gardner into the box was dragged wide.
Overall McClaren should be happy and content with Newcastle’s performance today. In a game where they truly needed to show grit and determination, the home side went out onto the pitch and pulled it out of the bag. Newcastle now look set to advance on their recent win as they play Guus Hiddink’s revitalised Chelsea next week.