The first home game of the Premier League season didn’t disappoint. And while we didn’t get the three points, we can certainly take encouragement from the game. Here is our snap verdict on the game.
A dynamic midfield trio
Everyone knew what Harry Arter promised – hard work, hard tackling, and dogged determination – but how would he fit in alongside Camarasa and Ralls? Pretty well, as it goes. Ralls needs a player alongside him who lets him play and that’s what Arter does but Camarasa compliments even more. For a first game in the Premier League, Victor was incredibly impressive. Always looking for the ball, looking for the pass. He might have dwelled on it once or twice but let’s cut him some slack; first game in the Prem and he impressed. As a three, it’s full of creativity, running, and really dynamic. It’s super encouraging for the coming weeks and flies in the face of the Warnock-ball accusations.
Neil Etheridge
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We used to have a goalie called Neil Alexander who never saved a penalty. And now we’ve got a goalie who’s saved two in two. And what a time to do it. Last week was impressive, this was even bigger. Etheridge is calm, composed, and doesn’t give an inch. He made himself big as Kenedy ran up and when Kenedy stuttered, Etheridge didn’t blink. And that was key. While other keepers might have shifted a bit, or given something away, Etheridge didn’t. And he was able to get down low to his left. He made himself a hero. Add that to two very impressive saves earlier in the game and chalk it up as a good afternoon for Etheridge.
Josh Murphy
Murphy impressed in pre-season and he was even more impressive on his Premier League debut. Manquillo couldn’t cope with his pace and was lucky not to see red in the first half for persistent fouling. Indeed, he was so embarrassed (and slightly injured) that he left the game at halftime. But Murphy didn’t relent and stepped it up a notch. He was kicked from pillar to post in the second half and Manquillo’s replacement actually did get sent off for going right through the back of Josh. If this is the beginning, I can’t wait to see how Murphy does over the rest of the season. His pace was electrifying; let’s hope he finds the end product to match.
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Cardiff – the thugs?
We’ve endured a summer of fans worrying about Cardiff coming to the Premier League and causing havoc. And while Arter put in some tasty challenges, Newcastle were guilty of the same. Kenedy really hammered Camarasa off the ball and they were lucky not to be down to 9 men by the end of 90 minutes. Newcastle pushed, pulled, and kicked all game – and we gave as good as we got. I don’t mind us being labeled as thuggish – we do play a direct game and we can rough and tumble with the best of them. But we weren’t the worst culprits today – and we’ll encounter others like Newcastle this season. Also, Craig Pawson might be looking at a game or two in the Championship in coming weeks – big decisions missed (though he got the penalty right) and inconsistency for both sides. That’s two poor weeks in a row from the man in the middle.
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