just in : Newcastle United Dominates Girona in Pre-Season Friendly

In a highly anticipated pre-season friendly, Newcastle United showcased their dominance with a commanding 4-0 victory over Girona at St. James’ Park. The match, which took place on August 9, 2024, served as a critical warm-up for both teams ahead of their respective league campaigns. From the outset, Newcastle United set the tone, demonstrating their superior form and fitness.

Sean Longstaff opened the scoring early in the 4th minute, giving Newcastle an immediate advantage. The Magpies maintained their momentum, with Jacob Murphy doubling the lead in the 14th minute and Anthony Gordon adding another just two minutes later. Longstaff then secured his second goal of the match in the 38th minute, putting Newcastle firmly in control.

Girona, despite their efforts, struggled to keep pace with Newcastle’s relentless attack. The Spanish side, which had recently secured a 2-0 win over Napoli, found themselves overwhelmed by the Premier League team’s aggressive play. Newcastle’s defense, led by Fabian Schar and new signing Lloyd Kelly, effectively neutralized Girona’s attempts to counterattack, ensuring a clean sheet for the home side.

Key Players Shine for Newcastle United

Several Newcastle players stood out during the match, contributing significantly to the team’s success. Sean Longstaff, with his two goals, was undoubtedly the star of the game. His ability to find the back of the net early and consistently put pressure on Girona’s defense was a testament to his growing confidence and skill.

Jacob Murphy and Anthony Gordon also played crucial roles, each scoring pivotal goals that helped secure the victory. Murphy, who has been a consistent performer throughout pre-season, once again demonstrated his value to the team. Gordon’s goal, coming shortly after Murphy’s, highlighted Newcastle’s depth in attacking options.

Fabian Schar, making his first pre-season appearance, provided much-needed stability in defense. His partnership with Lloyd Kelly, another new signing, looked promising, suggesting that Newcastle’s backline could be a formidable force in the upcoming Premier League season. Bruno Guimaraes, another key player, showed his versatility and work rate in midfield, controlling the pace of the game and assisting in both defense and attack.

Girona’s Struggles Highlighted in Defeat

For Girona, the match against Newcastle United was a sobering experience. Despite their recent success against Napoli, the Spanish side was unable to replicate that form against the Magpies. Girona’s head coach, Michel, had hoped to build on their victory in Italy, but his team was outmatched in nearly every aspect of the game.

Girona’s defense, which had been solid against Napoli, was exposed by Newcastle’s swift and clinical attack. The absence of key players due to injury, including Ladislav Krejci and Gabriel Misehouy, was felt deeply, as Girona struggled to cope with Newcastle’s offensive pressure. Jhon Solis and Viktor Tsygankov, also out due to thigh problems, left Girona with limited options, further hampering their performance.

The few opportunities Girona managed to create were quickly snuffed out by Newcastle’s defense. Striker Abel Ruiz, who had not featured against Napoli, was unable to make a significant impact, leaving Girona without a clear attacking threat. The team’s lack of cohesion and sharpness was evident, raising concerns ahead of their La Liga opener against Real Betis.

Looking Ahead: Newcastle’s Promising Pre-Season Form

Newcastle United’s victory over Girona adds to a largely successful pre-season campaign, with the Magpies now having won four of their six pre-season fixtures. The team’s performance in this match bodes well for the upcoming Premier League season, as they prepare to face Southampton in their opening game.

Eddie Howe, Newcastle’s manager, has reasons to be optimistic. The team’s attacking depth, defensive solidity, and overall fitness levels appear to be in good shape, setting the stage for a potentially strong start to the season. With new signings like Lloyd Kelly integrating well and key players like Bruno Guimaraes and Sean Longstaff hitting their stride, Newcastle fans have much to look forward to.

Girona, on the other hand, will need to regroup quickly. With their La Liga season just around the corner, Michel will be keen to address the issues exposed in this match. The return of injured players and further tactical adjustments will be crucial if Girona hopes to compete effectively on both domestic and continental fronts this season.