Anthony Gordon handed Newcastle United the lead from four yards out (Picture: Getty)
Manchester United suffered a damaging 1-0 defeat at Newcastle United on Saturday in what was a poor performance at St James’ Park.
Despite dominating the first-half, Newcastle were unable to find the back of the net before Anthony Gordon deservedly got the winner in the second, becoming the first English player since Alan Shearer to score in four consecutive home games for the club.
The result means that Newcastle have leapfrogged Erik ten Hag’s side in the Premier League table, moving from seventh to fifth, while United have dropped from sixth to seventh.
United will look to get back to winning ways when they host Chelsea on Wednesday while Newcastle return to action with a trip to Everton on Thursday.
Andre Onana, at fault for multiple goals in United’s 3-3 draw with Galatasaray on Wednesday, endured a nervous moment early-on as he flapped at a corner from Kieran Trippier – missing the ball completely before United scrambled it away – and he then had a mix-up in communication with his teammate Diogo Dalot.
Although Newcastle looked more dangerous, the first real chance fell to United as Alejandro Garnacho surged down the left and hit a powerful effort towards the near post, forcing a save from Nick Pope. The Magpies kept attacking, though, with Miguel Almiron inches away from an opener before Onana denied him.
Eddie Howe’s side continued to push as Alexander Isak missed a big chance from eight yards out and Jamaal Lascelles nodded over a free header. More opportunities fell for the hosts with Isak curling a shot just wide from 20 yards and Almiron bending one just wide of the top corner from 14 yards.
Trippier was millimetres from handing the hosts the lead on 39 minutes, with his free-kick rattling the crossbar and bouncing just the wrong side of the goal line, as Newcastle were left scratching their leads at the break that it remained 0-0.
Newcastle started on the front foot once again in the second half and finally went ahead on 55 minutes as Trippier’s inviting low ball through the box was turned home by Gordon from close range, much to the delight of the home fans.
Fabian Schar went forward looking to extend Newcastle’s lead but his dipping effort went just over Onana’s bar as United struggled to create attacking opportunities.
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Out of nowhere, United almost pulled level as Schar was made to clear Sergio Reguilon’s shot on the line and there was a break in play late-on as Newcastle goalkeeper Pope was forced off with injury, replaced by back-up Martin Dubravka.
Maguire then stuck the ball in the back of the net via a deflection from Antony’s shot but the offside flag went up as Newcastle held on for a 1-0 victory.
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A poor performance from the Red Devils.