Newcastle United record Eddie Howe's first away win in Champions League in style beating Union Saint-Gilloise 4-0 in Belgium
Newcastle United turned on the style in Belgium this evening, beating Union Saint-Gilloise 4-0 thanks to goals from Nick Woltemade, Harvey Barnes and a brace from Anthony Gordon.
It was the Magpies' first win on the road all season and the first win away from home in the Champions League under Eddie Howe, and they did it in true style.
The hosts started brightly, but Newcastle soon brought the game up to their tempo, and the Belgian's side's only way of coping with the game was seemingly to kick and trip our players to slow the game down.
From the opening minutes, seeing the Union goalkeeper punch a ball out of his box when it was falling into his hands unchallenged for the easiest catch he's ever likely to make, it just felt like it was going to be our night.
Anthony Gordon scored a penalty either side of half-time
It took just 17 minutes for Newcastle to break the deadlock, thanks to a low drive from Sandro Tonali, which was flicked beyond the keeper by Nick Woltemade.
Confusion reigned as Tonali was originally credited with the goal, but TNT commentators believed it was Kevin Mac Allister who diverted it beyond his own keeper, but another angle showed that it was indeed the German striker who got the last touch.
Newcastle doubled their lead just before half-time as Anthony Elanga was brought down inside the box, giving Anthony Gordon an opportunity to score from the spot, which he took emphatically.
Who was your player of the match against Union Saint-Gilloise?
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Nick Pope3%
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Kieran Trippier0%
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Malick Thiaw0%
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Sven Botman0%
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Dan Burn0%
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Sandro Tonali50%
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Bruno Guimaraes0%
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Joelinton0%
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Anthony Elanga15%
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Nick Woltemade18%
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Anthony Gordon15%
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Lewis Hall0%
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Will Osula0%
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Harvey Barnes0%
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Lewis Miley0%
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Fabian Schar0%
Newcastle's season has begun
Anthony Gordon tucked away another spot kick in the second half after VAR picked up on a handball after Gordon had played in a very dangerous ball into the area. It was one of those decisions that probably wouldn't have been given in the Premier League, but it was handball by Champions League rules. Payback for Tino Livramento two years ago.
Then, on 80 minutes, substitute Harvey Barnes timed his run perfectly to get on the end of a Will Osula through ball to lift it over the keeper to make it 4-0.
Newcastle may even feel that they could have had more goals tonight. Indeed, Anthony Elanga seemed to be making a point to Graeme Jones when he was substituted that he still had plenty left to give. It did feel as though his first competitive goal for the club was coming tonight.
While half of the goals came from the penalty spot, it was a much more well-rounded attacking performance from the lads tonight, and that feeling that things are falling into place grows stronger. Seeing the front three of Woltemade, Elanga and Gordon for the first time has filled us with immense positivity.
On to Nottingham Forest on Sunday where we look to build on this. The season starts NOW.
