Injuries and suspensions are Eddie Howe’s biggest concern as his in-form team heads down to the London Stadium to face West Ham Utd on Sunday afternoon.
 
With Anthony Gordon missing out after picking up his fifth red card in seven games Howe would normally have called upon summer signing Harvey Barnes to fill the slot vacated by Gordon but with Barnes out with a foot injury Howe could be forced to make a tactical adjustment to his line-up, particularly if Joelinton hasn’t overcome his own injury problems.
 
It has been a stop and start season for the Brazilian and having lasted only four minutes after coming on as a substitute against Burnley, he was forced to sit out Wednesday’s encounter against PSG. According to Eddie Howe, Joelinton is in contention for selection but whether he decides to air on the side of caution and give him more time to recover will become apparent when the team sheet is handed in.
 
Callum Wilson could also be in line for a return to action. Wilson has missed the last three games through injury and while Howe will not consider risking the England International unless he is 100% fit, the player himself will be itching to face West Ham, a club against whom he has previously scored 12 goals in 13 Premier League appearances.
 
Sven Botman will not be risked as he continues his recovery from a slight knee problem and with Jamaal Lascelles slotting in so well in Botman's absence Howe will not be too concerned about the Dutchman’s absence.
 
Reflecting on Wednesday night’s victory Howe was asked at his press conference whether the win over PSG had altered expectations at the club had this to say:
"My expectations are 'can we win our next game?' I know it's a bit dull but I'm not looking three or four weeks ahead. The PSG win doesn't alter my expectations. Games are going to come thick and fast so we can only look at the one in front of us.
"The better you get, the harder, then it becomes to get even better. We're looking to push those small margins."
And on talk of a new contract for Sean Longstaff Howe said: "Sean has been vital for us, so I'm sure things will pan out well for him."
 
West Ham meanwhile come into the game fresh from their 2-1 win at Freiburg that set them on the path to winning their Europa League group.
Moyes has injury doubts over Michail Antonio who missed the win at Freiburg along with Aaron Cresswell and Ben Johnson.
 
Moyes also has a decision to make on whether to stick with the impressive Mohammed Kudus or bring back Said Benrahma. 

There are not enough superlatives top describe the feeling of euphoria that hovered over Tyneside in the hours and now days that have passed since PSG departed head down following their humbling by Eddie Howe’s Geordie Galactico’s.
 
Few could have imagined at 7.55pm as the Champions league anthem blasted out around an effervescent that the outcome of what they were about to witness would be so comprehensive a victory that even the world’s best player would barely gain a mention.
 
Older fans have lived out on passing down to their children and grandchildren the “I was there” account of Tino Asprilla and his Barcelona demolition of 26 years ago; omitting of course to mention that Barcelona came so close to sharing the spoils that night. 
 
But on Wednesday night the younger generation were handed their own “I was there” moment. One which they themselves can call their own for years to come. And in Dan Burn and Sean Longstaff they had two extra gold nuggets; two Geordie goal scorers to get one over on with their elders.
 
30 minutes before kick off the streets around the stadium were eerily empty of footfall but inside St James’ Park the place was bouncing with both teams warming up under a cacophony of noise being generated by both sets of supporters and as the referee blew his whistle to start the game the decibel level notched up even higher. In spinal tap terms it went up to eleven!
 
And there it stayed, for the next ninety minutes and more. The noise level barely dropped and nor did the pace of the game as the players of both teams went about their job.
 
By now we all know that Almiron put the magpies ahead on 17 minutes. converting the rebound after Donnarumma in the PSG goal could only parry Isak’s shot. 
 
On 35 minutes, or was it 36 or 37, a long-awaited VAR conference held somewhere in the ether of UEFA land was finally concluded and Dan Burn’s header was confirmed as a goal after long debate that undoubtedly covered such topics as handball, offside and quite possibly the effects of Brexit on the prevailing price of fish; so long did it take for the goal to be given.
 
The frantic pace of the first half was matched in the second and within 5 minutes of the restart it was 3:0.
Sean Longstaff, having won the ball in midfield to start the move found himself breaking onto the box and meeting in his stride a slide rule pass from Trippier. He fired in a shot that cut across the PSG keeper, who inadvertently diverted the ball into the net off what appeared to be the underside of his arm having readjusted after anticipating wrongly that Longstaff would aim for the near post.
 
PSG pulled one back five minutes later through a glancing header from Lucas Hernandez but that was as much as the visitors had to offer as Newcastle defended admirably and without panic as and thought of a PSG foothold slipped away. And when Fabien Schar fired in a fourth in time added on, the party that started hours earlier kicked on.
 
The Parisian drummer packed up and headed for the exit leaving only the massed choir of rejoicing Geordies to sing their hearts out without the accompaniment while waving their flags and hailing their conquering heroes.
 
What a night!

 It was mixed news from Eddie Howe on the injury front at his press conference on Tuesday afternoon ahead of his team’s champions league clash with PSG tomorrow night.
 
Asked about Callum Wilson Howe said “we think he won't make tomorrow but it'll be close. As it stands, he won't make it’ 
On Joelinton it’s a similar story and Sven Botman is definitely out. However, the news on Tonali was more positive with Howe stating that the Italian International is “fine”.
 
With Harvey Barnes and Joe Willock out with long term injuries and Emil Krafth not named in Howe’s champions league squad as he continues his recuperation Howe must be relieved that the rest of his squad came through Saturday’s game unscathed.
 
On the game itself Howe was quick to point out the role that the crowd will play tomorrow night. “They will bring their noise, enthusiasm, and love for the game. We need to use that powerfully in our performance. You can use too much emotion in home games, but I think we have got the balance right”.
 
Asked about Mbappe Howe said “It's very difficult to combat him. Our defensive record has been strong, our team performance has been strong. It's never down to one player. I don't believe in man-marking. We need to do well in our units, nullify the space and hopefully keep the best player in the world quiet”.
 
Kieran Trippier also faced the press and naturally Kylian Mbappe was the name that the press sought his opinion on. And like a true professional her didn’t disappoint. “This is football. This is the level you want to play at. You want to be against the best players and the best teams.
Paris have got unbelievable players. Mbappe is one of the best in the world, but they've got quality all over the pitch but on our day, we can hurt anyone”.
I've played against him on his debut for Monaco when I was at Spurs. I played against him for England on my debut quite a few years ago.
He's a fantastic player. You want to play against the best in the world. It will be a great occasion for the club and a game we think we can win”.
 
Asked if he considered Mbappe to be the best player in the world Trippier said” He's certainly one of the best in the world. He's been incredible but every single game we always prepare how we can win the game and hurt the opposition. Tomorrow is no different. You always have to respect the opposition, but you have to find a way to win”.
 
Trippier will be directly facing up to the French superstar as Mbappe  is expected to turnout in his favoured left-wing berth and when asked about the prospect Trippier said “It's a challenge I'm ready for. I've played against plenty of good wingers and tomorrow is no different. Champions League is where I want to play”.
 
Asked about his son’s love for Mbappe, Trippier had those present laughing as he informed those assembled “I was having banter with him last night. He wants to walk out with him tomorrow night and not me! I'm not happy! I've told him if he gets to walk out with him, don't look at me in the tunnel!”
 

Champions League football returns to Newcastle on Wednesday evening following a 20-year hiatus as head coach Luis Enrique brings his PSG to St James’ Park.
Enrique himself lined up alongside such esteemed players as Xavi, Sonny Anderson, Luis Figo, Rivaldo De La Pena, and Nadal against Newcastle Utd back in 1997 and scored in the 73rd minute to bring the deficit back to 3:1 in what was the magpies introduction to Champions league football; but his goal was certainly overshadowed by that Tino Asprilla hattrick as Newcastle ran out 3:2 winners.
 
Enrique arrives with a squad brimming with quality; names that rattle off the tongue just like those of the Barcelona squad 26 years ago. Names like Gianluigi Donnarumma, Achraf Hakimi, Manuel Ugarte, Marquinhos, Gonçalo Ramos, Ousmane Dembélé, Milan Skriniar, Lucas Hernandez and of course Kylian Mbappe.
Quality abounds throughout in this PSG squad, but their Achilles heel is often the pressure placed upon them from above to succeed in this competition. 
 
It is no secret that the club owners Qatar Sports Investments (QSI) on behalf of Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, have made it their desire to win the biggest prize in club football but in 12 years that desire has struggled to bear fruit, despite acquiring an abundance of football talent along the way.
 
Neymar, Ibrahimovic, Cavani, Motta, Verratti, Rabiot, Draxler, Thiago Silva and Lionel Messi were all signed with the sole intention of delivering the riches QSI desired, but all failed on the big stage and the elusive prize still evades the envious Qatari owners.
 
And that pressure can pay a handsome dividend for a Newcastle team that is starting to show the sort of form that brought them to this point. A point away from home in their previous Champions League outing in the San Siro showed that they have the doggedness to hang in and thwart some of the best that Europe has to offer and with a run of five games without defeat and no goals conceded they and the St James’ faithful are relishing what the night has in store.
 
Eddie Howe meanwhile will be focussing on his line-up, with Joelinton, Joe Willock and Sven Botman ruled out and Sandro Tonali reportedly a doubt. Callum Wilson was seen at the training ground on Tuesday morning but there was no word coming out on his fitness.
 
The officials for this tie all come from Romania. The Referee is István Kovács. Assistant referees are Vasile Florin Marinescu and Ovidiu Artene, while the Fourth official is Marcel Birsan.
 
VAR is used in the Champions league and the Video Referee is Marco Fritz from Germany. His Assistant is Rob Dieperink from The Netherlands.

Newcastle Utd made it 5 games unbeaten alongside five clean sheets as they eased past Burnley on Saturday afternoon. 
Eddie Howe made two enforced changes from Wednesdays cup win against Manchester City when Callum Wilson and Sven Botman were ruled out through injury; being replaced by Alexander Isak and Jamaal Lascelles.
 
But it was Burnley who got off to the brighter start with Luca Koleosho going close with a fine run and shot that slipped across the face of Pope’s goal.
And it was Koleosho again on for minutes as he dispossessed a nervous looking Dan Burn before squaring the ball to Zeki Amdoun whose effort was blocked by Nick Pope.
 
This new found “slow out of the blocks” Newcastle was starting to frustrate sections of the crowd as they barely got out of second gear as Burnley’s possess and passing game was making the visitors look the most likely to score but all that changed on 14 minutes when Kieran Trippier chased down and dispossessed Aaron Ramsey before playing the ball off to Miguel Almiron. The Paraguayan moved forward, took aim, and fired an unstoppable shot past Trafford and nestled into his far corner.
 
And from that moment there was no looking back as Newcastle took hold as Burnley flattered without troubling Pope’s goal. Elliott Anderson had two good efforts to put Utd further ahead, but he was thwarted by Trafford; as were Trippier and Longstaff.
 
It looked like the toon army were going to have to settle for a tense final twenty minutes until that is, the ever resourceful and energetic Anthony Gordon was tripped in the box and Isak dispatched the resulting penalty.
 
Burnley went close late on when Pope was forced to tip an effort from Al-Dakhil over his own crossbar. 
 
Joelinton replaced Anderson on 64 minutes only to depart back down the tunnel on 68 holding his hamstring and looks extremely doubtful for the visit on PSG on Wednesday night.
 
Speaking after the game Eddie Howe said: "It was a tough game - Burnley are a really interesting team. Vincent (Kompany) has done a great job. They play a very dangerous style and if you aren’t perfect with your press, they can hurt you. But we deserved to win.
 
"Maybe a shaky start in the first ten minutes when they gave us problems, but we recovered really well, and from maybe the tenth minute onwards, we looked comfortable - but I would have liked us to be a bit more clinical."
 
"We didn't want to change too much - though we still moved (Fabian) Schar. Height is a big thing for us from set plays at both ends of the pitch and Jamaal's (Lascelles) leadership is key as well. I felt he deserved it after his great performance on Wednesday."
 
On Botman he confirmed that he is suffering with a knee problem that's serious enough to keep him out until the international break. “We hope that after that he'll be close to being fit."
On Wilson, Howe said: "Callum has a very minor hamstring problem.... whether we see him about before the international break, I don't know. I hope we do, but there's no guarantee."
 
And on Joelinton Howe confirmed what everyone thought: "It looks like a hamstring problem. It doesn't look serious but was enough for Joe, who never complains of anything, to go down and come off."
 
Vincent Company meanwhile was very philosophical about his team’s performance “At the moment it’s not happening but it’s important to retain the belief. 
 
"Newcastle are a top side but we stayed in the game for long periods, and we had our moments. That’s important. No one said it would be easy. It’s supposed to be tough; it's not supposed to be easy, going to St James' Park.
 
"But we started well, stayed in the game and then probably made a mistake that put the game a bit away from us. I can't fault the team for the performance.
 
"I think there are plenty of managers who have come here, especially with promoted teams, who have said to win games here, to get a result, you need to have a little bit of luck on your side and to take your key moments, and I feel we were exactly the opposite there.
 
"We knew that (pressing) was their strength, so it’s a moment to create chances. In the first half, the first 10 to 15 minutes, it’s in those moments we created chances and even in the second half.
"But the game happened with the bits in between, the mistake, the penalty and Newcastle are a top side, they showed it’s a really tough place to come to. From our perspective, we were in the game and that’s important."

Newcastle Utd are back in Premier League action on Saturday afternoon when Burnley are the visitors to St James’ Park for a 3pm kick off.  Yes, that's right 3PM. On a Saturday.
Eddie Howe will be hoping his side continue where they left off in their previous league game against Sheffield Utd, although he will first have to check in with his medical team to see who he has available before making his team selection.
 
Alexander Isak limped off with what looked like a calf problem in the Magpies victory over Man City in midweek while Bruno Guimaraes and Paul Dummett both required the services of the physio during that game.
Callum Wilson and Sven Botman missed the fixture due to respective hamstring and knee issues picked up at Bramall Lane while Martin Dubravka and Dan Burn both missed out due to illness.
Harvey Barnes and Joe Willock are both ruled out while Emil Krafth continues his rehabilitation from the ACL injury suffered last season.
 
Howe does however have Joelinton back in the squad and available following a short absence with a knee problem. 
 
Burnley head coach Vincent Kompany has his own injury worries with several key players likely to be unavailable. Summer signing Nathan Redmond is not expected to feature having missed the last three games through injury and he was joined on the treatment table this week by Marcus Benson.
Michael Obafemi, Hjalmar Ekdal and Darko Churlinov will also miss the trip through injury while Lyle Taylor misses out as he serves the third game of his three-game ban.
 
Speaking to the press ahead of the game Kompany said: “Newcastle is a big test if I’m honest. I’d always put it on the calendar as a big test.
 
“It’s difficult to predict because of the threats and the weapons they have, but there is something there for us in terms of having a good performance and hopefully a result as well”
“There are not many harder away grounds that are harder than that ground. I’m really interested in seeing where the team is against that level away from home. It’s something I’m looking forward to. If you play well at St James’, it’s not just about playing well, we want the result like every other game. It’s not arrogant to say that, why else are you in the Premier League?
“But a performance at St James’ Park should give you the feeling that you can perform everywhere in this league. That’s what you’re in the game for. For every tough opponent, every team of that calibre, there is a small opportunity to do something special and that you’ll be remembered for."
 
The referee for this game is Thomas Bramall, and his assistants are Simon Bennett and Dan Robathan. Fourth official is Matt Donohue and the two people with the unenviable task of deciding what is or isn’t a handball, an offside or whether a player is “active” or not are Jarred Gillett and Scott Ledger as they occupy the VAR ejector hot seat.
 
 

Raval's Grand Soirée: Celebrating the 25th National Curry Week Amidst Football's Return to Champions League Glory!

​In a pioneering collaboration, Raval Restaurant in Gateshead has teamed up with Steve Wraith of NUFC MATTERS, Toon Radio, and luminaries such as Adam Pearson, Matthew Renton, and John "Gibbo" Gibson. Together, they're taking the 25th anniversary of National Curry Week (2nd-7th October) up a notch, acknowledging curry's myriad contributions to British society.

From 2nd to 7th October, Raval is poised to roll out a bespoke menu.

And on 4th October, from 3pm onwards, the venue will metamorphose into a football celebration hub. A tempting 20% discount beckons NUFC MATTERS YouTube subscribers. For the discount you must book online at ravaluk.com using the code NUFC MATTERS 2023.

At the core of this celebration stands the iconic Chicken Tikka Masala, Britain's beloved dish. Raval's award-winning Tikka Masala is crafted with fresh ingredients and authentic Indian spices, all while introducing a British twist. Void of artificial colors and staying true to the rich taste of India, it signifies Raval's dedication to quality and tradition. Each order underscores Raval's commitment to the 'Feeding Families Northeast' cause.

Highlighting the Indian curry industry's annual contribution of £4 billion to the UK economy and the employment of over 100,000 individuals, Raval's festivity stands as a grand salute to this momentous input. It embodies a heartfelt nod from Newcastle Gateshead and the entire Northeast, all the while celebrating the beloved British dish, Chicken Tikka Masala.

Raval, renowned as the Best Indian Restaurant outside London and rubbing shoulders with Michelin-starred establishments in the capital, promises more than a meal – it's a sensory journey.

Now's the moment to rally behind their team, showcasing their unwavering love, as they immerse in both football and food. Delve into this majestic celebration at Ravaluk.com and keep pace with the exhilaration on socials @ravalrestaurant.

Juliet Sanders, CEO of Feeding Families, expressed her enthusiasm, saying, "We are delighted that Raval have chosen Feeding Families as their charity to support. The people of the north east are passionate about food and football, and we are equally fervent about assisting those currently facing hardships. By uniting, and contributing in any way we can, we hold the power to effect monumental change across the region. Let's rally behind our team and community in unison!"

Nas Islam, Raval's spirited Manager, emphasises, "Eat well, do good; it's curry with a purpose. Relish what you adore while backing a noble cause."

Steve Wraith echoes, "Football and food are the pulsating heartbeats of our community. A thriving Newcastle in sports means a bustling, vibrant region, both economically and emotionally."

About Raval Restaurant:
Nestled near the Tyne Bridge, Raval emerges as a luminous culinary beacon. Here, age-old traditions fuse with contemporary innovation, transforming each meal into a unique culinary experience.

Newcastle United are back in action in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday when they face Manchester City at St James’ Park. Kickoff is 8pm and the game is live on Sky.
 
The only bad news emanating from Eddie Howe’s pre match press conference was that Harvey Barnes will be out for “months rather than weeks" after hobbling off at Bramall Lane.
 
On Barnes, Howe said “I think it is an injury to the lower part of his foot just below the two. I think it is quite a substantial injury. We’ve had it scanned and we are waiting on what’s next, whether there’s surgery or not.”
“I don’t think it was from a tackle it was just pushing off to run, very unlucky. I don’t want to get too technical because I’m not qualified to do so but very unlucky.”
 
With a congested fixture programme ahead, Howe indicated that he would be making changes to his line-up with Burnley visiting Tyneside on Saturday and PSG making their first visit to St James’ Park for their Champions League clash next Wednesday.
 
Alexander Isak, Sandro Tonali, Jacob Murphy, Tino Livramento, Lewis Miley, Jamaal Lascelles, Martin Dubravka, Paul Dummett, Matt Ritchie, and Lewis Hall are all under consideration for the starting line-up as Howe manages his squad. 
Joelinton is reported to be back in training and Emil Krafth is continuing his rehab from what was a serious knee injury
Joe Willock remains sidelined.
 
Pep Guardiola has his own injury worries and has even joked that he may have to select himself such are his concerns over injuries and workload as City play the first of three consecutive away games starting tomorrow.
 
Rodri is suspended after his dismissal against Nott’m Forest, but Kelvin Phillips will start, while Jack Grealish and Mateo Kovacic are expected to return. John Stones, Bernardo Silva, and Kevin De Bruyne are all out through injury. Kyle Walker, Ruben Dias and possibly Erling Haarland may be rested but that still allows Guardiola the option of calling up the likes of Stefan Ortega, Nathan Ake, Rico Lewis, Jeremy Doku, and world cup winner Julian Alvarez.

The referee is Chris Cavanagh. He will be assisted by Ian Hussin and Matthew Wilkes, with Sam Allison the fourth official. There will be no VAR in operation  as it isn't used in the Carabao Cup until the semi-final stage. 

​The tie will be decided on the night with penalties if the teams are level after 90 minutes

Eddie Howe rang the rotational changes that he hinted of at his pre match press conference on Friday as Harvey Barnes, Miguel Almiron and Callum Wilson came in to replace Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Alexander Isak who all took their places on the bench.
 
And it brought a positive start to the game as Newcastle started on the front foot against a Sheffield side looking for their first win of the season.
 
An effort from Callum Wilson on six minutes saw his effort saved by Fotheringham.
 
On the 9th minute however, Howe was forced to make an early substitution when Harvey Barnes went down with what appeared to be a leg injury. He was replaced by Anthony Gordon.
 
On 12 minutes a fine cross by McAtee saw the ball drop to Thomas, but the Blades fullback failed to make the most of the opportunity handed to him as he tamely knocked the ball wide of the six-yard box and out for a goal kick.
 
Newcastle once again seemed to be lacking the fluidity in midfield that served then so well last season, with passes going astray as the Blades stretched the game left and right, with Almiron and Anderson struggling to get into the game.
 
However, on 21 minutes Newcastle got the breakthrough when Anthony Gordon did well to keep the ball in play on the byline before pulling the ball back to Sean Longstaff, who rolled the ball in from 9 yards past the helpless Fotheringham.
 
Three minutes later and it could have been two as Newcastle failed to exploit a mistake by Fotheringham whose clearance went straight to Gordon, but his Crossfield ball was too long for Almiron, and it rolled out for a goal kick. 
 
On 27 minutes Ahmedhodžić was booked for a nasty challenge on Gordon and from the resulting free kick. Callum Wilson just failed to get a touch and the ball went straight out for a corner.
 
Gordon was certainly looking the liveliest of Newcastle’s front players as he continued to run at the Sheffield defenders, and he won a corner with a fine run that Newcastle worked well as Fotheringham was forced to tap a deflected shot over his cross bar from neat short corner play by Trippier.
 
Trippier opted to send the follow up corner in as a deeper in-swinger and it was met by a diving Dan Burn who nestled the ball into the bottom corner to make it 2:0
 
On 33 minutes a terrible tackle by Jack Robinson on Sean Longstaff took man and ball and the Sheffield player was rightly booked 
And it proved costly for the Blades when Trippier's free kick was met by Sven Botman whose well placed header dropped into the far corner for 3:0. 
 
In the celebration that followed, Elliott Anderson was struck by a bottle thrown from the stands but thankfully did not suffer any ill effects.
 
Gordon was then denied a penalty when he was tripped in the area by Bogle, but nothing was given, and Sheffield survived.
 
Newcastle were now dominant and Sheffield Utd had lost all their shape as well as their discipline and following another fine run, Gordon played in Wilson whose effort was smothered by Fotheringham with the resulting corner came to nothing as Gordon shot went high and wide into the stands.
 
In the final minutes of the first half Gordon again threatened with yet another fine run and his resulting shot was tipped over the bar for a corner. 
 
Benny Traore replaced Bogle at the start of the second half as Heckingbottom tried to inject something different into his team, reshuffling his back four and hoping for some something positive emerging from his front men. 
 
Newcastle should have had a free kick on 48 minutes when Longstaff tried to play a one two on the edge of the box only to be  brought down, however referee Stuart Atwell waved play on.
 
Sven Botman was in the wars on 53 minutes when he went down heavily in an aerial challenge and seemed to be struggling but he was soon back on his feet to no ill effect.
 
On 55 minutes some brilliant football saw Bruno slide a pass towards the advancing Fabien Schar who slipped a pass through to Trippier. His perfectly flighted cross landed on the head of Callum Wilson who had the simplest of chances to nod it in from 4 yards to make it 4. And in doing so Newcastle created a bit of history as they had never previously scored four goals in a game at Bramall Lane.
 
On 60 minutes Newcastle thought they has a fifth when Gordon fired in an effort from 12 yards only for his shot to be parried by Fotheringham into the path of Almiron whose slotted it into the net, however  it was ruled out for offside. One minute later and it was five however when the majestic Gordon cut in from the left and fired in a right foot shot that flew across the despairing Fotheringham and into the bottom corner.
 
67 minutes and it was six for Newcastle as Bruno Guimarães threaded another trademark slide rule pass that split the Sheffield defence and Almiron got his goal, slotting it past the keeper with ease. 
 
Howe then rang the changes bringing on Livramento, Tonali and Isak for Trippier, Almiron and Wilson but that didn’t stop the onslaught as Bruno got the goal that his performance deserved on 73 minutes, when he latched on to a misguided shot from Longstaff and nestled the ball into the top corner from 10 yards.
 
Anderson then went close on 79 minutes when his header met a corner from Tonali only to be tipped over the bar by a stretching Fotheringham.
 
Howe introduced Lewis Hall on 80 minutes replacing Guimarães who left the field to exalted applause from the 4000 travelling supporters behind Fotheringham’s goal.
 
As the last five minutes of the game approached the play was down to walking pace as Newcastle sat back and Sheffield pondered on where it all went wrong; conceding seven. 
 
But they didn’t have long to ponder when on 87 minutes Alexander Isak piled on the misery when he latched on to a poor header and broke clear to slot the coolest of efforts into Fotheringham’s goal with the keeper left on his backside. 

​8:0. Eight different scorers and a record away win for the Magpies.

Oh; and yes. Another clean sheet!

Speaking to the press ahead of Sundays fixture Eddie Howe was his usual philosophical and diplomatic self when it came to assessing the opposition describing this as a “Difficult game".  
​"Brammall Lane is a tough place to go any time of the year. They’re a good team, a direct team who will ask questions physically. A counter attacking team whose set plays are very strong. There are Lots of areas of their team that can hurt us if we’re not right so big challenge is to mentally approach the game like we did the Brentford match where we were spot on in our mind set and need to get all the basics right if we are going to do well from this game”.
 
Howe gave little else away regarding his squad, simply adding that he was “still missing the two Joe's in midfield but apart from that I think we're good. We hope with Joelinton that he could possibly be back sooner, but with Joe Willock it will definitely be after the international break." Martin Dubravka is expected to be available after reporting unwell before the Milan game.
“We're going to have to rotate the squad. We don't want to make wholesale changes in any one game. I don't think that does our rhythm any good. Tweaks as we go along”.
 
On Callum Wilson, Howe stated that they were always monitoring Callum, his load, and his training to get the best out of him. “That doesn’t change whether it’s a single-game week or a three-game week, we have to monitor his training and make sure we give ourselves and Callum the best chance of staying fit through the season.”
 
Questioned on the midweek European adventure Howe responded to the question of what the game had taken out of his squad saying Those that played haven’t trained. Physically they can’t — that would be negative taking more energy from them. We probably won’t train fully before Sunday. We will be ‘training’ — but not to our maximum level” He added `’I don’t think anyone can measure emotionally what Milan took out of us”.
 
Asked about his surprise selection of Jacob Murphy against Milan and his reaction to the pre match anthem, Howe responded: “Jacob was magnificent last year. He's very reliable, you know what you're going to get from him. He did a really good job for the team.
I've seen the video. I don't know if he's overwhelmed but he's just taking it in. Rightly so, for a lot of our players. I think Jacob was savouring that moment.
Magnificent last year Always contributed, very reliable never lets us down is an attacking threat as well and does a good job for the team”
 
Howe also responded to a question regarding his goalkeeper Nick Pope, who put in an outstanding performance on Tuesday Night. He referred to him as a highly motivated individual who always wants to train and puts himself forward to do more as he wants to do more as he wants to maximise every moment of his career. He described him as highly driven; a great professional and his last two displays were ‘really good”.
 
The hosts meanwhile have numerous injury concerns.
Daniel Jebbison and Rhys Norrington-Davies remain out with long-term problems.
John Fleck, Rhian Brewster, Max Lowe, Ben Osborn, John Egan, and George Baldock are also out through injury.
Ollie McBurnie is suspended after picking up two yellow cards in their last outing: the 2-1 defeat to Tottenham.
 
As a club the Blades were rocked on Thursday by news of the death of Sheffield Women’s player Maddy Cusack.
In a statement the club said: "Sheffield United Football Club is devastated to report the sad news of the passing of Maddy Cusack. Maddy, a women's team player since 2019 and marketing executive for the Football Club, passed away on Wednesday."
 Maddy had been with Sheffield Ladies for the previous five years had just signed a new player contract in July.
 Her cause of death has not been revealed.