It was a grubby defeat on a filthy winter’s night, but one that can be traced back to the summer for Newcastle United.
Then, they spent £250million on six players. Here, two of them started, three came on and one was unused. None of them had an overly positive impact, as has been the case all season, save for defender Malick Thiaw.
A ruinous close-season, losing Alexander Isak and bringing in at great expense a collection of signings whose collective return has been paltry, has left them fragile and exposed.
Yoane Wissa started against his former club and did very little. Likewise fellow striker Nick Woltemade, who joined him at half-time. Jacob Ramsey and Anthony Elanga were also second-half introductions whose campaigns have been under-whelming to say the least. Thiaw looks tired, much like the rest of the team.
Newcastle took the lead and immediately lost control, a surrender they would repeat when believing they had rescued a late point. In the end, they deservedly lost the game and, for the first time this season, there were more than a pocket of boos to accompany a wet and miserable conclusion. At least, that is, for Eddie Howe and his weary side.
Yoane Wissa struggled against his former side as Newcastle were beaten 3-2 at home
For Keith Andrews and Brentford, the outlook could not be sunnier. This come-from-behind triumph moved them into the top seven, level on points with champions Liverpool. Few were predicting that on the back of a summer in which they lost several stars, including Wissa.
How sweet for Brentford, then, that his replacement, Dango Ouattara, was the 86th-minute match-winner. By then, Wissa was back in the dugout, substituted after another stodgy display. He was not alone from a Newcastle perspective.
The hosts were in front when Sven Botman headed in midway through the first half but they trailed by the break. Then, in the 79th minute, Bruno Guimaraes scored a penalty and we expected a home onslaught. Yet, once more, Newcastle were as scruffy as the weather.
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe was in a reflective mood after the full-time whistle
Sensing a home waywardness, Mathias Jensen dropped a brilliant ball over the top and Ouattara ran free before smashing through Nick Pope. In truth, the contest had the right outcome and the game’s best player had decided it. He was one of several who shone for the visitors.
For example, Vitaly Janelt, the sort of diligent midfielder who can go unnoticed. Not here. At 1-0 he cleared from the line before heading the 37th-minute equaliser from Ouattara’s cross. Igor Thiago converted a penalty in stoppage-time after Jacob Murphy had handled.
Newcastle were level when Guimaraes stole a yard on Michael Kayode and was tripped by the defender as they ran towards Anthony Elanga’s low cross. Guimaraes tucked home from 12 yards. From nowhere there was belief inside St James’ Park and a home roar went up in anticipation of another goal. They got it, only not at the end they wanted.
‘I’ve no issue with the supporters’ reaction,’ said Howe. ‘They are reacting to what we deliver. We have to turn that around. I’ve obviously not been doing my job well enough. I’m annoyed and angry with myself.’
