October 4th 2022 will live long in the memory for Newcastle United fans. It was the night that local heroes like Sean Longstaff helped the Magpies beat Paris Saint-Germain 4-1 in the Champions League.
It was tipped to be a spectacular night inside St James’ Park, as Champions League football returned to the North East for the first time in 20 years.
The buzz inside the ground before kickoff was like something I’ve never experienced before – and then the actual football started.
Newcastle did it. They actually did it. And they did it with a bunch of Geordies living out every fan’s dream.
On a night where Kylian Mbappe was expected to steal the show, he was overshadowed by a 25-year-old from Tyneside.
Sean Longstaff was incredible against PSG
Sean Longstaff was named in Eddie Howe’s starting XI, and that is exactly where he belongs. He should be the first name on the teamsheet, and he proved why on Wednesday night.
The academy graduate produced an outrageously good display, showing no sign of nerves up against a team as good as PSG.
Longstaff was spectacular, and that was even before he found the net.
A clever run allowed Kieran Trippier to pick him out inside the box, and the midfielder made sure he took his shot early. That clearly took Gianluigi Donnarumma by surprise, as Longstaff’s effort went underneath him to send St James’ Park wild.
Nick Pope sends hilarious message to Longstaff after Newcastle’s Champions League win
Following an amazing night on Tyneside, Longstaff took to his official Instagram account to reflect on the 4-1 victory over PSG.
He wrote: “A night we’ll never forget! Champions league football is back at St James park!”
His post prompted replies from various Newcastle players. Jacob Murphy wrote ‘so proud of you bro’, while Bruno Guimaraes added ‘one of us’.
But the best reply came from Nick Pope.
He wrote: “Tommy is proud, so am I.”
For reference, Tommy is the name if Longstaff’s cat, who recently celebrated its first birthday. That was what all the meowing was about after the win against Sheffield United.
Trust Pope to send a message like that after such an emotional night for Longstaff! It’s very funny from the Toon goalkeeper, but he was quick to remind Longstaff that he is proud of him.
Everyone is. It was a magical night, made all the more special by Longstaff and Dan Burn getting on the scoresheet.
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