Alexander Isak blew the roof off of St James’ Park with his 89th minute winner against Fulham, but Toon legend Alan Shearer does not believe the Newcastle crowd were as loud as they have been on Sunday.
The win over Fulham came just a few days after the Magpies’ last home fixture. Eddie Howe’s side faced Leicester on Tuesday night, in what was the club’s biggest game of the season.
There was a sensational atmosphere that night, as a sea of scarves and flags welcomed the players onto the pitch. The noise carried on throughout the game, as Newcastle booked their place in the final four of the Carabao Cup.
But while Tuesday night was electric, Sunday afternoon was slightly more subdued. St James’ Park felt much flatter for the Premier League clash with the Cottagers, as Newcastle moved back up to third in the table.
After the game, Shearer had his say on the atmosphere inside the stadium.
Alan Shearer thought St James’ Park was quiet
The Toon legend spoke on BBC Match Of The Day 2 on Sunday night, and praised Fulham for their performance. And he also commented on the stadium seeming flatter than usual.
“They played really really well Fulham, and made it difficult,” Shearer said.
“I thought it was always going to be difficult after what happened in midweek and the high that they were in, the atmosphere was amazing.
“It was back to reality today and even the crowd were a little bit quieter than they normally are.”
Late drama lifted the crowd
St James’ Park certainly was flat for the majority of Sunday afternoon. There wasn’t the same level of noise that has become the norm over the past 12 months.
While there was a wonderful banner dedicated to Eddie Howe unveiled before the game, the crowd was noticeably quieter than usual.
However, that changed midway through the second half. The penalty incident angered the Toon Army, and saw the decibels increase.
Then the 89th minute occurred, and Isak broke the deadlock. The atmosphere was electric once again, much like it had been during the week against Leicester.
St James’ Park has become a fortress, with Newcastle rarely failing to deliver in front of their own fans. However, Sunday was a rarity when the fans were slightly flatter, despite what was a decent performance from Howe’s men. The atmosphere just wasn’t the same as it has been.
That changed late on, as the Magpies’ incredible Premier League run continues.
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