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According to Eddie Howe, Newcastle still has the potential to have a remarkable season. While their performance may not have reflected this, the possibility of winning their first trophy since 1969 and obtaining a significant title since Neil Armstrong’s moon landing remains thanks to a remarkable act by Martin Dubravka.
Despite making numerous impressive saves, the Slovakian goalkeeper’s time filling in for the injured Nick Pope has been difficult. He has let in 30 goals in just 16 games. This number could have been even higher during the match at Ewood Park. However, Dubravka’s impressive performance during the 120 minutes, including saving two shots in the penalty shootout, helped secure Newcastle’s spot in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
They took the long route and did it the hard way in a match that finished some 70 minutes later than it might, first because kick-off was delayed, then because extra-time and penalties were required. Newcastle’s display was scarcely the required reaction to their evisceration at Arsenal; they could have had few complaints if they were eliminated by a bottom-half Championships side. Yet penalties, which proved their undoing in the Carabao Cup, resulted in salvation. They live to fight another day and the choruses were either of Dubravka’s name or of Wembley.
The goalie ensured that Newcastle’s dream of Wembley remained a possibility.
Unfortunately, Dubravka was unable to play in the game against Arsenal due to being sick. However, he was able to return for Newcastle’s next game and proved to be in top form, showcasing his sharp reflexes and agility. Despite allowing a goal from the opposing team Blackburn, Dubravka made an impressive save from a powerful shot by Dilan Markanday, deflecting it onto the crossbar. Although Szmodics was able to score off the rebound, it was an overall exceptional performance from Dubravka, who has had an amazing season with 24 goals so far.
Their battle lasted throughout the night, with Dubravka impressively stopping the leading scorer in the Championship in the first half. He made an even better save during extra time and his standout moment was when he swatted Tyrhys Dolan’s angled shot away from the goal, though there were numerous other impressive ones
Their duel lasted all night long: Dubravka made a fantastic save from the top scorer in the Championship in the first half, and an even more spectacular one in extra time. His most impressive stop was when he deflected Tyrhys Dolan’s shot away from the goal, although there were several others to choose from throughout the night.
Szmodics displayed a level of sharpness that Newcastle was missing for an extended period of time. He moved around with intent and his goal exemplified the determined attitude within the Rovers’ team. Despite only winning one of their previous thirteen Championship games and experiencing the departure of midfield star Adam Wharton and manager Jon Dahl Tomasson, Rovers refused to be an easy target for Newcastle. They made a sensible decision in appointing John Eustace as their manager, unlike Birmingham who made the mistake of dismissing him for the allure of Wayne Rooney. Rovers also had the three most noteworthy moments in the first half.
Szmodics caused the game to go into overtime and Blackburn had opportunities for further goals.
(Images captured by Action Images through Reuters)
Newcastle has survived for another day, but there is room for improvement.
The start of the game was delayed by 15 minutes, causing a slow beginning to most of the action. However, when Blackburn joined the match, it sparked a competitive atmosphere. If the game had been two hours instead of two halves, there would have been more action in the second half than the first.
Before Jamaal Lascelles’ header was stopped by Kyle McFadzean, Newcastle did not create any significant opportunities. However, after Sean Longstaff sent Gordon running towards the goal, Aynsley Pears prevented the shot from going in. Later on, Miguel Almiron, who had been substituted in, assisted Gordon in scoring with a sidefooted shot. Newcastle’s attacks were quiet for the rest of the game, until Aynsley Pears made a fantastic double save from Gordon and Longstaff in extra time. Both players had a chance to score, as did Guimaraes with a stunning goal-line clearance by Scott Wharton.
Howe altered his initial lineup by replacing five players and making three substitutions at the one-hour mark. This time around, he had a bench to utilize, unlike earlier in the season. Almiron contributed to the goal and Anderson, who was substituted in for the penalty kicks, remained composed under pressure.
Gordon had fired Newcastle in front
However, the performance throughout the match was inconsistent and lacked confidence, quality, and creativity for a significant amount of time. Blackburn exhibited a greater sense of determination when attacking compared to Newcastle. This was one of many criticisms as Howe selected a starting lineup that cost £200m, a price tag higher than what Rovers could afford with their team consisting of loaned players, free transfers, and academy graduates, accumulated for approximately £10m.
They had the determination to even the score, but they also got help due to a mistake from Lascelles, who played in place of Sven Botman while he was resting. This was yet another example of Newcastle’s carelessness and tendency to make avoidable mistakes.
They managed to escape unpunished with the help of their goalie. This spared them from any additional humiliation in a tournament where they suffered two of Howe’s most embarrassing losses: against Cambridge and Sheffield Wednesday. The analysis of their season can be put on hold. Alternatively, if they achieve success in the FA Cup, it may be disregarded entirely.
Source: independent.co.uk
