‘Look very average’ - Alan Shearer delivers Newcastle United v PSV verdict after 3-0 Champions League win
Newcastle United latest news: Alan Shearer has reflected on his former side’s Champions League win over PSV Eindhoven.
Newcastle United secured their qualification for the knockout rounds of the Champions League with a 3-0 victory over PSV Eindhoven at St James’ Park.
The Magpies have never progressed beyond the group stage in any of their previous Champions League campaigns, including their adventure two years ago as they finished bottom of a group containing Borussia Dortmund, PSG and AC Milan. The newly-formatted competition, though, offered them a better opportunity to play knockout football and that is something they have achieved with a game to spare.
Yoane Wissa’s strike less than nine minutes into his first ever Champions League start laid the perfect platform for Eddie Howe’s side to build on. When Wissa then turned provider as he dispossessed Yarek Gasiorowski to set up Anthony Gordon with an unmissable opportunity, Newcastle knew they had more than one foot in the next round.
A trademark Harvey Barnes strike in the 65th minute put the cherry on the icing on the cake to secure a comfortable win for Eddie Howe’s side. Wissa and Barnes’ goals ensured the pair’s respective good form continued, whilst Gordon’s goal on the stroke of the half-hour mark ensured he tied level as Newcastle United’s all-time top Champions League goalscorer.
Unsurprisingly, the man he tied at the top of that scoring chart is one Alan Shearer. Shearer, as always, took to X after the match to reflect on his former side’s win on Wednesday night.
He wrote: ‘A big win for the Toon and made PSV look very average at best. #NEWPSV #championsleague’.
Harvey Barnes reacts to Newcastle United’s win v PSV Eindhoven
Newcastle United’s performance against PSV can be very accurately described as a clinical one. The visitors put up a fight and were brave against a relentless Magpies press.
However, they came up against a well-drilled Magpie’s side that took their chances when presented to them, with PSV boss Peter Bosz undoubtedly frustrated with the ease that his side presented chances to their grateful hosts.
Barnes, is almost the definition of clinical in-front of goal at the minute and spoke to TNT Sports post-match as he reflected on his side’s win: “It's a good step in the right direction for us,” Barnes said. “We've been on a good run of form away from the Champions League, but we knew it was important to take it into tonight. Obviously a special night.
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“They're a team that want to play out, we're a pressing team and want to get after them. Both of the first two goals came from that, it's something we noticed before the game and executed really well. The quality comes through and in the end it's a comfortable one.”
Newcastle United end their league phase campaign with a trip to reigning European champions PSG next week. The Magpies know all too well of the quality their opponents possess, but Barnes backs his team to cause an upset in the French capital.
"We know what we can do when we turn up against teams. We had a sour taste after the game there a few years ago, so it's one we want to go there and put right. Massive challenge, they're a quality side, but why not?"
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