Anyone who visited St. James’ Park on Saturday afternoon would have considered having paid for a ticket to see the match between Newcastle and Luton Town, counting for the 23rd round of the Premier League. Even though the outcome was not ideal for the Magpies, a four-goal draw is rare, and reflects an intense and nervous game.
If the hosts secured the lead on the result twice, thanks to Longstaff’s goals, at 7 and 23m, the hatters’ response was relentless, now by Gabriel Osho, at 21m, and by the experienced Ross Barkley, at 40m. In a first part of stop and response, fans barely guessed what was about to happen.
Four goals in 14 minutes
Visitors – who during the week they thrashed Brighton – they returned better from the dressing room and, at 59m, Morris scored a penalty. Three minutes later, Adebayo joined the “party”, extending the lead, scoring his fourth goal in two matches.
For the first time since 1982, Luton Town have scored more than four goals in consecutive Premier League games. In fact, this was the hatters’ 15th goal in the last six matches.
And it was after losing 2-4 that Newcastle reappeared on the field. At 67m, Trippier reduced, and, at 73m, Barnes restored equality. Concentrated doses of goals to challenge the fans’ cardiac resistance.
The Magpies’ fourth goal closed the score, even though another 27 minutes had passed. After resuming the path of triumphs in the League during the week, the Newcastle set its pace again, parking in ninth place, with 33 pointswaiting for the outcome of the meeting between Chelsea and Wolverhampton.
In turn, Luton Town, who have a game behind them, continue to be a headache for their opponents, adding points in the marathon for maintenance. The hatters are in 16th place, with 20 points, one more than Everton, second to last.
A rout with a rout is paid
In the duel between seagulls and eagles, Brighton beat Crystal Palace, 4-1, avenging the “humiliation” during the week, against Luton Town. The score was already looking like a rout at half-time (3-0), thanks to Dunk’s early goal – in the third minute – as well as goals from Hinshewood and Buonanotte, in the 33rd and 34th minutes.
Roy Hogdson’s team only responded after 71m, through Mateta. However, it was a “no” afternoon for the London eagles. Especially because, at 84m, the seagulls decided the game, by João Pedro.
De Zerbi’s team takes seventh place, with 35 points, equal on points with Manchester United, who will still play this round.
As for Crystal Palace, they occupy 14th place, with 24 points, ringing alarm bells in the fight for maintenance.