Just three days short of a year since Newcastle United overwhelmed Paris Saint-Germain on that famous Champions League night at St James’ Park, Eddie Howe’s side laboured to a deserved, if uninspiring, 1-0 victory over fourth-tier AFC Wimbledon.
Despite Newcastle’s 18 shots, 78 per cent possession and dominant territorial share, they only forced three saves from Owen Goodman, while their solitary goal came via a Fabian Schar penalty.
Even that spot-kick was controversial, with infuriated Wimbledon manager Johnnie Jackson labelling the penalty “dodgy”, given that Darren Bond, the referee, did not award it, and his assistant only belatedly did so, following an apparent foul from Joe Pigott on Miguel Almiron.
Regardless, Newcastle have booked themselves a Carabao Cup last-16 tie at home against Chelsea. The Athletic’s Chris Waugh analyses the key takeaways from St James’ Park…
William Osula is a rough diamond — and patience is very much required
Newcastle’s present centre-forward shortage felt frustratingly inevitable due to Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson’s respective injury records.
With toe and hamstring problems respectively, neither is likely to feature at Everton on Saturday, with Anthony Gordon in line to deputise through the middle once more. The England international is described by Howe as Newcastle’s “third striker”. This confirms summer signing Osula’s status as a “project player”.
The 21-year-old failed to score in the league for Sheffield United — he played 786 minutes across 21 top-flight appearances for a side cut adrift at the bottom last season — and has only managed eight goals across his senior club career.
Yet, at 6ft 4in, with rapid speed, agility, and flexibility to play across the frontline, Newcastle’s recruitment team spotted genuine promise. Jason Tindall, the assistant head coach who worked briefly with Osula at Bramall Lane, provided a positive appraisal, while Paul Mitchell, the sporting director, led the £10million ($13.3m) move for the Denmark Under-21 international.
Having made his debut as a substitute at Fulham, Osula’s first start began in frustrating fashion.
As a lone striker up against three centre-halves, Osula found himself peripheral. During the first half, he fumbled an opportunity when played through, conjured only one shot off target and managed nine touches, just two in the box.
After the break, the signs were more encouraging; rather than ignore his smart, probing runs, team-mates found Osula more often. During the second half, Osula had 10 touches, three in the area, and produced two shots, one of which he narrowly directed wide.
“You saw his qualities — his pace and power,” Howe said. “But he’s still got a lot of work to do.”
Newcastle insiders are adamant Osula has unique raw ingredients to be a fearsome forward. However, they acknowledge that he also represents a calculated gamble because he has yet to prove he can be a prolific finisher.
Patience is required and Osula is unlikely to start in the Premier League any time soon, regardless of Isak and Wilson’s fitness.
Odysseas Vlachodimos makes his bow — could he play at Everton?
The strange case of Greece’s No 1 goalkeeper, who was signed for £2om from Nottingham Forest in June but had failed to make a matchday squad until this week.
Vlachodimos moved in the opposite direction to Elliot Anderson as Newcastle scrambled to comply with profit and sustainability rules (PSR), but had not appeared to be in Howe’s plans, given the head coach wanted to bring in Burnley’s James Trafford.
But, having opted against heading out on loan, Vlachodimos remained on Tyneside, worked hard, showed his professionalism, and earned a surprise debut as a half-time substitute. Martin Dubravka made his first domestic start of the season but was forced off at the break following a collision with Omar Bugiel.
Although John Ruddy was sent to warm up first, it was Vlachodimos who was introduced. The 30-year-old could not have asked for a kinder debut, with Wimbledon failing to muster a shot until the 95th minute. Even so, Vlachodimos claimed a cross well and distributed nicely, completing 11 of 12 passes.
“I’m pleased to give an opportunity to any player that deserves it,” Howe said. “His attitude since coming in has been excellent.”
Even so, Vlachodimos appears to be third-choice keeper (at best) and it would be concerning if he was required to start at Everton.
Dubravka’s knee problem must be assessed, while Nick Pope, the No 1, was unavailable due to a knee complaint of his own. With doubts over both, Vlachodimos may at least feature in a Premier League squad for Newcastle for the first time — and possibly even play.
Stadium expansion update is desperately required
Newcastle are yet to release the findings from their feasibility study into how St James’ can be expanded, despite publicly stating they were “imminent” in July, but the club have an undoubted need for increased capacity.
For a third-round cup tie against League Two opposition, hastily rearranged and only confirmed eight days before, Newcastle boasted an almost sell-out crowd of 51,739.
Increasing the capacity beyond 52,300 — whether at St James’ or by moving to an alternative site — is required because it will allow a greater number of fans to see their team. Crucially, the revenue generated would also significantly boost Newcastle’s PSR position.
Second-string side stumble — but cup dream is alive
Howe described this tie as “instantly forgettable” and, while he was relieved to progress, he lamented Newcastle’s ponderous and often toothless attacking display.
With eight changes from the Manchester City draw, Newcastle were always likely to lack rhythm, yet nobody staked a strong case to retain their place for Saturday. Almiron may have won the penalty but he lacked end product, Joe Willock’s decision-making was poor, while Sean Longstaff worked hard without ever dominating.
This XI was able to overcome Wimbledon, but they stumbled through, rather than sauntered.
Howe may have extended his impressive Carabao Cup record with Newcastle to played 12, won 10 (including shootouts) and lost two. But, on this evidence, for Newcastle to progress beyond Chelsea, never mind advance through the competition and end that agonising 55-year-and-counting wait for silverware, Howe must surely field a stronger side in future rounds.
(Top photo: George Wood/Getty Images)
