Newcastle had activated Gordon, Wilson, and Barnes upfront. Mbuemo and Wissa were the attackers for Thomas Frank as Ivan Toney was the big absence for this game.
The game started with the two teams studying each other and allowing each other to play in the midfield. Newcastle played from behind creating with Botman and Schar. The central defender had his first shot in the 27th minute.
Collins cleared a ball in the 28th with Newcastle that was trying in a corner kick. Wilson was 1v1 with Pinnock, who defended well and cleared the ball, preventing the striker from a scoring opportunity.
The game needed an extra moment to be more attractive and in both squads, they knew that the first goal would change not only the result but the whole platform of the play.
Newcastle start attacking and insisted on the first goal
Trippier crosses for Wilson in the 38th, but his header ended wide. This was only one of the few chances, but the availability of the squads in a constantly changing game needed an increase in actions and also to change the intensity of the game. This needed to be done by both teams and also implementation of new tactics should be responsive within the conditions of the game.
The first half ended with Rico Henry replaced by Rasmussen due to injury and with Frank dealing with a forced sub.
Newcastle intensified their attacks in the second half and tried with both wings with Burn and Tripper.
Callum Willson scored in the 58th minute, but his goal was ruled out for offside.
Gordon is tackled in the zone by Flekken in the 61st and Graig Pawson judged it as a penalty.
Calum Wilson scored in the 64th and Flekken received a yellow card. Newcastle found the advantage and what was more important the determination of a winner. Frank needed to recalculate the match.
CLINICAL. 🎯
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) September 16, 2023
Callum Wilson slams the penalty into the top corner and we're in front at St. James' Park! 🙌
GET IN!!! https://t.co/x81gPL1gse pic.twitter.com/N9cN0hV6Po
Brentford had to make it with a goal disadvantage and with Newcastle which was under a good squad spirit and with physicality in their side. The concentration of Frank’s side must be maximal in order to not concede and Newcastle had a goal to defend.
The game with no subs
The boys of Eddie Howe were under real pressure in the last week after the loss to Liverpool with 10 men.
Newcastle had a corner in the 73rd and they could not make too much as Flekken cleared the ball. Burn initiates a strong cross in the 75th on the left side, but his shot is deflected for a corner. Trippier crossed from the corner flag, but Newcastle could not convert into a header.
Newcastle had not used a single sub until the 80th minute and Howe had nothing to change. His team was playing in a robust manner and left nothing to Brentford.
Mbuembo touches the ball with his right hand and Pawson awards a penalty after a Trippier header. VAR invites Pawson to see the episode and the decision is not a penalty.
The match saw Brentford attack in the end, but they were not able to push forward or find spaces in order to create in the third part of the pitch.
Nine minutes were added on and Brentford hoped for a chance to turn the match in their favour. They could not find the goal of the equalizer as the match ended with Newcastle’s narrow advantage.
