Danny Murphy has picked out some key statistics to show how much Newcastle United wanted to win against Manchester United.
Newcastle were dominant from start to finish and can feel somewhat hard done by that the game only finished 1-0 and very nearly ended up being a draw.
Danny Murphy analysed the game on Match of the Day and picked out some key statistics which showed just how determined Newcastle were against Man United.
Newcastle were prepared for a battle
Everything about Newcastle’s performance felt like they were fighting for the manager and for the fans, whereas the same could not be said for most of Man United’s players.
It’s a wonder how Erik ten Hag’s team were above Newcastle in the league prior to the game, but that certainly isn’t the case any more.
As Murphy suggested, Newcastle won the game in the middle of the pitch with their energy and physicality despite having a 17-year-old Lewis Miley making just his third start in the Premier League against Man United.
Both teams had to play in the Champions League during the week, but with the energy Newcastle showed on Saturday night you’d have been forgiven for thinking Man United were the only team with a hectic fixture list.
On Match of the Day, Murphy said: “I thought they were brilliant all over, yes out wide but physically in the middle of the pitch as well. Duels won 65% to 35% tells you everything, aerial duels won, off the ball runs.
“They were physically better, their energy was better, it was a phenomenal performance considering their game midweek and Eddie Howe can be proud.”
Newcastle’s midfield dominated Man United
Both Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes were at their best once again in the middle of the park, and the greatest compliment you could give to Miley was that he did not look out of place or likely to make an error at any point in the game.
It’s very rare to find a 17-year-old who is so calm and composed on the ball in such big games, but the academy graduate is making an impressive case for himself not to be dropped when players eventually return from injury.
Sean Longstaff and Joe Willock are now going to have the added pressure of knowing Miley is right there waiting to take their position, but it’s a brilliant situation for Eddie Howe to be in.
Newcastle are known the be in the market for a new midfielder in January, but with performances like these in the last three games you struggle to see how anyone can come in and improve it.
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