Newcastle 2-1 Manchester United: Jacob Ramsey’s red card in first-half stoppage time failed to tip the match in the away side’s favor as William Osla produced a stunning winner.
William Osla scored the dramatic winning goal late on (Image: Stu Forster/Getty Images)
William Osula came off the bench to score a stunning late goal against Newcastle 10-a-side, handing Michael Carrick his first defeat as Manchester United manager. Jacob Ramsey’s red card created a big chance for United, but they were unable to convert at St James’ Park.
Newcastle got off to a bright start, with Kieran Trippier’s cross whizzing past the post, Harvey Barnes curling just wide of the target, and Brian Mbeumo curling a simple rebounding chance over the bar after a great run and shot from Matheus Cunha. The game changed in the first half’s additional time.
Ramsey was sent off for diving while trying to take a penalty from Sene Lamence, and Anthony Gordon won the spot-kick after a foul on Bruno Fernandes. However, the Manchester United captain made it 1-1 with a free kick to the head of Casemiro in the ninth minute of stoppage time.
United failed to make the most of their numerical advantage and Gordon should have made it 2-1 to Newcastle with a clear chance from a corner kick. Lenny Yolo then had a powerful header saved by Aaron Ramsdale at the other end, but Newcastle’s goalkeeper did well to push back Joshua Zirkzee’s shot.
These saves proved crucial as Osla burst onto the pitch from the bench and scored a beautiful finish in the 90th minute. Here’s the talking point.
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1. Ramsey is sent off.
The match had been meandering for 45 minutes, then suddenly came alive. As Ramence came out to get to the ball, Ramsey went down as referee Peter Banks got his attention. Initially, the fans at St. James’ Park were delighted, believing that the midfielder had been fouled for a penalty.
However, Banks appeared to consult with the linesman and gave Ramsey a second yellow card for simulation. When replays showed what had happened, a possible gray area, he walked away in a disappointed tone. Lamence didn’t foul Ramsey, but this wasn’t a “traditional” dive either. The Newcastle player probably had half an idea of the punishment that might befall him. In the end, his gamble didn’t pay off, leaving the Magpies with 10 men.
Jacob Ramsey receives a second yellow card for diving (Image: AFP/Getty Images)
2. Trading goals
Just as the stadium was starting to gear up for a difficult night, Gordon darted forward and drew a clumsy foul from Fernandes, who immediately looked guilty. Newcastle’s No. 10 pulled himself together, kept his cool and slotted the penalty straight down the middle to beat Lamence.
There was no time to enjoy the moment, however, as Lewis Hall committed a similarly clumsy foul on Nousser Mazraoui, giving Fernandes the perfect opportunity to atone for his mistake. He did just that and Casemiro whipped a perfect ball into the box past Ramsdale to bring United level at the break.
The less said about his “6-7” celebration, the better.
Casemiro nods Manchester United level from a free-kick (Image: Ash Donelon/Getty Images)
3. No width
According to a report from BBC Sport this morning, Michael Carrick is in desperate need of a winger, with Amad Diallo being the only one in his current squad, with Cunha currently out of his left-wing position. United let go of Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho and wasted money on Anthony and Jadon Sancho.
The lack of options in the wide areas was painfully evident in the second half at St James’ Park, with Carrick’s side unable to capitalize on their advantage. They looked heavy in possession many times and were unable to provide service to a frustrating Benjamin Sesco up front.
United struggled to break down Newcastle (Image: George Wood/Getty Images)
4. The magpie’s good fight
Newcastle’s home form in the Premier League has been terrible so far, with Aston Villa, Brentford and Everton all winning in recent weeks. For a team that prides itself on maintaining a daunting atmosphere for the away team, this was hugely disappointing and put pressure on Eddie Howe.
Howe will therefore be happy with his team’s performance against an in-form United side who have struggled due to Ramsey’s red card. Bruno Guimarães’ absence has been keenly felt, but Joelinton and Sandro Tonali have been excellent and combative in midfield.
Manchester United suffered a disappointing loss to Newcastle (Image: George Wood/Getty Images)
5. Osra’s moment of victory
Newcastle needed a hero. William Osla appears. Although he has been a regular substitute, he has made few appearances in place of Howe this season. His speed on the counter-attack and beautiful curling finish into the corner excited the fans, and Carrick returned home bitter.
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