When a football team wins a match 4-0, the story almost always writes itself. The headlines will celebrate the goal scorers, the players who provided the exciting moments that fill the highlight reels.
For Newcastle United, their commanding victory away at Union Saint-Gilloise in the Champions League was a perfect example of this. The attacking players rightfully took a bow.
Nick Woltemade continued his promising start with another goal, Anthony Gordon showed immense composure to score two penalties, and Harvey Barnes came off the bench to add a fourth. It was an attacking display full of confidence and clinical finishing.
However, for those who look a little closer, there was another, quieter story unfolding during that match in Belgium. While the forwards were grabbing the goals, the foundation for this impressive victory was being laid at the other end of the pitch.
The 4-0 scoreline tells you that the attack was ruthless, but the clean sheet tells you that the defense was immovable. This aspect of the performance, though less glamorous, might be just as important for the team’s long-term prospects in the competition.
The statistics show that the home team, Union Saint-Gilloise, managed to have 17 shots over the course of the game. This means that Newcastle’s defense was under pressure at various points.
They had to be organized, focused, and resilient to keep the ball out of their net. And at the very heart of this defensive effort was Sven Botman.
The Dutch defender put in a performance that was so solid, so reliable, that it didn’t just impress the fans and pundits; it earned the immediate respect of his own teammates.
After the match, Botman took to social media to celebrate the win. The response from his fellow players was very telling.
Winger Anthony Elanga replied to the post with a single brick emoji. In the modern language of social media, this is a clear and powerful compliment. It signifies that Botman was a “brick wall,” an impassable barrier that the opposition simply could not break down.
He wasn’t the only one to chime in. New striker Nick Woltemade used two road closure emojis, humorously suggesting that getting past Botman was an impossible task.
Even his central defensive partner, Malick Thiaw, commented with a simple “Top Bro,” highlighting the strong understanding and mutual respect that is quickly developing between them.
This kind of organic praise from within the dressing room is incredibly valuable. It shows that the players themselves recognize and appreciate the unglamorous, hard work that allows the flashy attackers to thrive.
Botman’s performance was a masterclass in the fundamentals of defending: being in the right position, making crucial clearances, and using his physical presence to dominate opposing forwards.
He doesn’t need to do anything spectacular; his job is to be a constant, reliable presence, and against Union SG, he was exactly that.
This return to form and fitness is particularly sweet for Botman. Last season was a frustrating one for him, marred by a serious knee injury that significantly limited his playing time.
For a long period, the team had to manage without one of its most important defensive pillars. His return to the starting lineup has coincided with a noticeable strengthening of the team’s defensive structure.
Manager Eddie Howe has never been shy about his admiration for the defender, and having him back, fit and confident, is like making a major new signing.
The camaraderie shown on social media after the match is a glimpse into a squad that is united and fighting for each other.
When the defenders are celebrating the attackers, and the attackers are praising the defenders, it creates a powerful team spirit. This unity will be crucial as Newcastle looks to turn their season around.
The victory in Belgium was a fantastic start, but the real test is maintaining that level of performance. If they can build on this, with a brick wall like Sven Botman at the back and a vibrant attack at the front, their chances of enjoying more famous European nights look very good indeed.
