Newcastle beat Brentford to ease pressure on Howe-ZoomTech News

Callum Wilson scored from the penalty spot as Newcastle United beat Brentford in a scrappy sport at St James’ Park to ease the scrutiny on boss Eddie Howe.

Wilson transformed after Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken fouled Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon.

Brentford’s greatest likelihood fell to Aaron Hickey early within the sport however Nick Pope stood up nicely to save lots of together with his chest.

Howe mentioned he “did not see” the incident which prompted referee Craig Pawson to award Newcastle a penalty, however Brentford supervisor Thomas Frank strongly disputed it.

“We have now a keeper clearly pulling out and a participant cleverly letting his leg cling there,” Frank instructed BBC Sport.

“I am satisfied that VAR wouldn’t have overturned the choice, so I believe that is an issue. However as a result of it is not clear and apparent, it is too tight.

“Now we may have a scenario the place Howard Webb will come out and apologise in regards to the scenario and say ‘we’re sorry’. Going ahead these shouldn’t be penalties.”

Howe heads to San Siro in higher spirits

The chewing gum may need been gnawed extra intently, however in any other case there was little within the sanguine Howe’s touchline manner within the technical space to point he was feeling the stress.

Victory over a Brentford workforce unbeaten in seven league video games earlier than this encounter helped raise the Magpies to eleventh place as they notched their second win of the season.

In step with his persona, there was no outpouring of emotion from Howe on the remaining whistle, his thoughts probably already on Tuesday’s Champions League opener at San Siro towards AC Milan – who have been thrashed 5-1 in Saturday’s Milan derby.

In trying to ignite their season Howe made 5 modifications to his beginning line-up, however Brentford’s enterprise was the extra polished within the early levels.

Hickey went shut whereas Yoane Wissa was unable to use the decisive contact to Mathias Jensen’s fizzing supply shortly after. What the Bees lacked was a innovative in assault as the continuing absence of Ivan Toney – suspended till January for betting offences – was acutely felt once more.

Newcastle completed the primary half the stronger and Bruno Guimaraes noticed his diving header on the again submit saved by the toes of Flekken.

Predatory Wilson underlines his qualities

The house aspect rediscovered a few of the depth which had helped propel them into the highest 4 final season within the second half – and Wilson was once more the distinction.

The 31-year-old signed a brand new contract this week which can probably prolong his keep on Tyneside till the summer season of 2025.

His predatory instincts in entrance of purpose have been as soon as once more underlined as he enabled Howe’s aspect to win a match slim on clear-cut probabilities.

Alexander Isak had been given the duty of spearheading Newcastle’s assault of their opening 4 matches, however after a poor run of outcomes Howe turned to skilled goalscorer Wilson.

The England striker was unlucky to have been deemed to have fouled Flekken when he turned the ball house from shut vary shortly after the break.

Nonetheless, when Flekken introduced down Gordon the Newcastle quantity 9 stepped up and emphatically buried the spot-kick.

“He’s a pacesetter within the group, a vocal presence, a constructive man and a goalscorer,” Howe mentioned.

“Put them collectively and he is essential, so I am very completely happy he is staying with us.”

Wilson has scored his previous 11 penalties, a run stretching again to Might 2021, and now has 14 targets in his previous 17 appearances having solely began seven of them.

He ought to be a shoo-in to be within the beginning line-up at San Siro subsequent week.

Howe added: “It was a bitty sport for us. We needed to get set-pieces proper, crosses proper and defensively I used to be more than happy.”