Wor Flags told Newcastle United to ‘get into them’, and they delivered.
The pre-match display got the tone just right, as the Newcastle United players prepared to bounce back against Liverpool after a couple of really disappointing displays.
Initially, a different display was planned. Wor Flags were going to pay tribute to Kevin Keegan, a legend for both clubs.
However, Wor Flags opted to postpone their King Kev tribute in favour of a call to arms for Eddie Howe and his players.
As the Newcastle United XI came onto the pitch, they were greeted with a message of ‘get into them’ and ‘we’re not here to be popular, we’re here to compete’. Meanwhile, the Gallowgate was full of individual flags that paid tribute to the Magpies’ current heroes.
Wor Flags got behind the team, and the team responded. Newcastle drew 3-3 with Liverpool, but it could have been so much more. Bruno Guimaraes thinks Newcastle deserved to win, and it is hard to argue with the skipper.
Martin Keown says Newcastle put Liverpool on the backfoot
There was so much to admire about Newcastle United’s performance, as summed up by Martin Keown on BBC Match of the Day.
“Mentality of the team, the work rate – exceptional,” he said.
“The atmosphere there was incredible. They really set about their opponent, getting bodies forward at every opportunity. Look at those bodies flying forward. Full-back trying to overlap.
“Liverpool were on the backfoot for large periods of that first half.
“[Newcastle were] Pressing high, everyone doing their jobs, not letting Liverpool settle or dictate as they’ve done so far [this season].”
Aggressive Newcastle United need consistency
We have seen hints of this Newcastle United team returning this season. There have been flashes of the high intensity style that made us so difficult to play against during the 2022/23 season.
Teams should not like visiting St James’ Park and playing against Newcastle. That is what Eddie Howe wants from his players. As he said, they are not here to be popular.
But Newcastle United were very popular on Wednesday night, as the Toon Army stuck with a team that showed the passion and desire that has perhaps been missing at times this season.
Now the challenge is to play with that aggressive style on a consistent basis, which is easier said than done. Not every game is underneath the floodlights at St James’ Park against a ‘big six’ club like Liverpool.
There will be games against lesser sides when Newcastle will have more of the ball and have to force the issue themselves, rather than rely on turnovers. That is something that Newcastle have struggled to do this season, and it is a challenge that Eddie Howe must overcome.
But Newcastle were back to their imposing best against Liverpool. Now they need to do that on a regular basis.
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