We all know that playing an away game at St. James’ is never easy. We’ve seen giants fall in this stadium before. PSG, Manchester City, and Arsenal, just to name a few. But there have been many who didn’t believe that Carrick’s winning streak as interim manager of the Red Devils would stop here, especially not this way.
What happened:
In a chaotic ending to the first half, Jacob Ramsey got sent off for a sad attempt at a dive, making him the first player to get a second yellow for simulation in the Premier League since Tottenham’s Yves Bissouma back in 2023.
Just five minutes later, a frustrated Bruno Fernandes clipped Gordon’s heels in the box, conceding a penalty for Newcastle. To no one’s disbelief, Anthony Gordon punished United with a coolly taken shot, right down the middle of the net.
Magpies didn’t have much time to celebrate, though, because in less than 4 full minutes after Gordon’s stone-cold finish, Casemiro headed in an equalizer. Another set piece turned into a header, how inspired! At least Fernandes had a chance to absolve himself by taking that free kick, after making a fateful mistake only a couple of minutes prior.
The Magpies returned to the pitch after half-time, determined not to let the numerical disadvantage stop them from getting their three points. Aaron Ramsdale, chosen instead of Nick Pope for this clash, certainly proved instrumental, having stopped Mainoo’s curling attempt as well as what would’ve been one of Zirkzee’s best goals for United.
Star of The Show
The undisputed hero of the night was William Osula, who came on as a substitute after having barely played this season. After just five minutes on the pitch, he latched onto Trippier’s ball, cut through Malasia doing Ronaldinho-style step overs until finally curling an unstoppable shot right past Lammens! The goalie didn’t even budge! A truly magical shot from almost the far-right corner of the box, superbly landed in the 90th minute, no less.
According to Opta, Osula is now the only substitute to ever score against the Manchester side in the 90th minute.
His goal unleashed absolute chaos at St. James’, as 1. It was a real beauty, and 2. Newcastle won against all odds, in the most unexpected of ways. The Geordies proved that teamwork, determination, and the hunger to win always outweigh sheer numbers and directionless pressure.