Newcastle return to winning ways

Newcastle United won their first game after three straight defeats with a 1-0 victory at home to Brentford.

The two sides were evenly matched which made for a somewhat uneventful first half at St James’ Park.

Yoane Wissa would likely have given Brentford the lead midway through the second half had he managed to get on the end of a cross across the face of the goal.

But it was Newcastle who probably had the best chance of the first half when a corner from the right was headed down with Bruno Guimarães able to get a headed effort on target from close range but goalkeeper Mark Flekken was able to get in the way.

Refereeing decisions came into focus in the second period, first when Callum Wilson’s goal was ruled out for a foul on Flekken. The Brentford goalkeeper did probably suffer a soft foul but should have been stronger in the first place.

Perhaps to even out that potentially incorrect decision, Newcastle were awarded a soft penalty. Anthony Gordon made sure he made contact with Flekken as he pounced on a loose ball before going to ground.

Craig Pawson pointed to the spot and Wilson made no mistake from the spot, firing an effort into the right corner past the glove of Flekken, who had a rough five minutes.

The referee awarded Newcastle another penalty in the 80th minute for a handball against Bryan Mbeumo. The Bees’ forward had been trying to defend a cross into the box but was out-jumped for a header that then bounced down and onto his arm.

But after consulting the VAR monitor, Pawson reversed his decision, which again had been a soft one.

Despite that reprieve, Brentford couldn’t garner momentum to attempt to find an equaliser in a game that – besides that one penalty – had few chances in total.

That result moved Newcastle up to 11th in the Premier League with six points while Brentford stay just above them in tenth thanks to a superior goal difference.

THREE POINTS AT ST. JAMES' PARK! 🙌🙌 pic.twitter.com/QTOf1fMIg0

— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) September 16, 2023