Newcastle United’s FA Cup run continues after a win against Birmingham City at St Andrew’s.
It was a game full of quality, controversy and injury for both sides. Eddie Howe made nine changes to his Newcastle United side and at times it was evident that was the case.
Howe would have hoped that they would have kept up the momentum from Newcastle’s win against Arsenal in midweek but struggled to take control of the game against a Birmingham side who were unbeaten in their last 18 games.
The Magpies found themselves behind after less than two minutes into the game when Ethan Laird’s effort deflected off Callum Wilson’s foot and past Nick Pope.
Howe’s side got their equaliser after 21 minutes in controversial fashion when Joe Willock’s effort looked to have been stopped off the line but the touchline official flagged that it did go in.
Newcastle would take the lead just four minutes later thanks to Wilson’s close-range effort but were pegged back again through Tomoki Iwata’s stunning finish.
Willock won the tie for Newcastle late on with a neat finish through the legs of Bailey Peacock-Farrell to secure their place in the fifth-round draw.
A concern for Howe is that Dan Burn came off 10 minutes into the second phase. Sven Botman missed the Birmingham game through injury and Lloyd Kelly, their other option, is now playing for Juventus.
After an entertaining back-and-forth encounter, here’s how the players rated.
Nick Pope – 6
Motionless for Birmingham’s first goal, was clearly thrown off by the huge deflection off Wilson’s foot. Cannot be put to blame for the second, however, it was simply unstoppable. With his future in the England squad in question, Pope needs to do more to impress Thomas Tuchel.
Tino Livramento – 7
Worked hard to get into the game after the Magpies went behind early on. Linked up well with Osula down the right-hand side and stayed tight to his man throughout.
Emil Krafth – 6
Needed to impress in his first start of the season. Krafth was cool, calm and collected on the ball but left much to be desired defensively. Missed a header before Stansfield nodded wide but made up for it with his passing.
Dan Burn – 5
Struggled to deal with the pace of Birmingham’s front line throughout the game. Was booked early on and felt like he was second best to everything throughout.
Came off due to injury 10 minutes into the second half – a big worry just five weeks away from the Carabao Cup final.
Matt Targett – 5
Given his chance after it looked like he was going to leave Newcastle in January – he struggled throughout. His attempted clearance went as far as Iwata who rifled in Birmingham’s second.
The former Aston Villa man was booed by the home fans throughout and always looked nervy under pressure.
Sean Longstaff – 6.5
A confusing performance performance from the Geordie midfielder. Failed to close down Iwata for Birmingham’s second and consistently failed to spot the runners. Will claim the assist for the Magpies’ third goal.
Bruno Guimaraes – 6.5
Was his usual, aggressive, press-resistant self. Guimaraes worked his way around the pitch and made sure his presence was felt in the first half. Taken off for Sandro Tonali at half-time.
Lewis Miley – 6.5
A fairly calm performance from the 18-year-old. Miley spent a lot of time looking for the safer passes rather instead of advancing the play.
There is undoubtedly a quality player in there but Howe needs to keep him in and around Newcastle’s first-team squad to continue his development.
William Osula – 8
Howe teased that he may start playing on the wing, he did just that against Birmingham.
Played a neat knockdown to Willock for the leveller and was unlucky to not score Newcastle’s second. He had an open goal but his effort clattered off his other foot before Wilson scored – it will go down as an assist.
Toon fans can expect to see Osula playing in that position more often.
Callum Wilson – 8
Endured a very quiet start but played a huge part in the Magpies’ turnaround with some brilliant movement in the build-up for Newcastle’s equaliser and a calm finish amongst the chaos for the second.
Ethan Laird’s effort deflected off his foot for the first goal but there was not much he could do about it.
Howe will be pleased with his contributions in his first start since April 2024.
Joe Willock – 9
A player who grew into the game magnificently, Willock enjoyed lots of time on the ball throughout the game and initially struggled to work his way past Laird.
Was fortunate for his first goal as it did not look in but that will not bother him in the slightest. Made up for it with a lovely finish for his second and Newcastle’s third.
Substitutes
Sandro Tonali – 6
Came on for Guimaraes at half-time and added some stability to the midfield. Did not make too much of an impression, however.
Fabian Schar – 6
Took a huge bump into the advertising hoardings just after the hour mark. Howe would have preferred to keep him on the bench but Burn’s injury forced him on.
Jacob Murphy – 6
Looked lethargic at times. His poor crossing left much to be desired. Unlucky not to score late on after getting around the goalkeeper before his effort was cleared off the line.
Alexander Isak – N/A
Came on in the dying seconds.
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