Newcastle United on Sunday avenged their EFL Cup final loss against Manchester United as Joe Willock and Callum Wilson clinched a 2-0 win that lifted the Magpies into third place in the English Premier League.
Eddie Howe’s side were beaten 2-0 by Manchester United at Wembley Stadium five weeks ago in their first major final for 24 years, but Newcastle might swap silverware for a lucrative UEFA Champions League spot and second-half goals from Willock and Wilson at a raucous St James’ Park moved them closer to that ambition.
Newcastle’s third successive league win — and their first against the Red Devils since 2019 — took them above their fourth-placed opponents on goal-difference.
Photo: AFP
They sit one point ahead of fifth placed Tottenham Hotspur, who were to visit Everton yesterday, as the race hots up to qualify for next season’s Champions League via a top-four finish.
It is 46 years since Newcastle last finished above Manchester United, but the Magpies, fueled by Howe’s astute management and the financial backing of their Saudi Arabian owners, now have a rare chance to emulate that feat.
“We were frustrated not to lead at halftime, but I felt if we performed the same way it would come. Thankfully it did,” Howe said. “If you’re playing well that’s the most important thing. That gives us a great chance of achieving a special season. If we can maintain our position I’ll be very happy.”
Manchester United are without a win in their past three league games, thrashed 7-0 at Liverpool and then held to a goalless draw by lowly Southampton before the setback on Tyneside.
Their’s first major trophy in six years was supposed to be the start of a new golden era, but instead they have failed to score in three successive league matches for the first time since February 2020.
It was a dispiriting start to a busy run of nine fixtures this month as Erik ten Hag’s men look to nail down a top-four finish, while aiming to advance to the UEFA Europa League semi-finals and the FA Cup final.
“I hate to say it, but they were better [than us] today, especially their determination, passion and desire. They wanted to win more so they won,” Ten Hag said. “It wasn’t good enough. We allowed them too many chances. You have to be hungry and give everything, every game. We have to deal with the setback and learn a lesson. I believe we’ll bounce back.”
Newcastle’s pressure was finally rewarded in the 65th minute when Bruno Guimaraes clipped a cross to the far post and Allan Saint-Maximin headed back toward Willock, who nodded home from virtually on the goal-line.
Wilson put the result beyond doubt after 88 minutes with a clinical close-range header from Kieran Trippier’s free-kick.
In Sunday’s other game, West Ham United scrambled out of the relegation zone as Nayef Aguerd’s first goal for the club sealed a crucial 1-0 victory against fellow strugglers Southampton.
David Moyes’ side kicked off at the London Stadium languishing second-from-bottom, with Southampton in last place, but Morocco defender Aguerd’s maiden goal since signing from French club Stade Rennais last year lifted the Hammers up to 14th.
West Ham are just one point above the relegation zone, but they have a little breathing space thanks to their first win in three league matches.
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