The journey from the North East of England to Baku, Azerbaijan, is a grueling trek covering more than 2,500 miles. For the 2,000 Newcastle United supporters who braved multiple flights and long hours of travel, the reward was a footballing masterclass that will live long in the memory.
Newcastle didn’t just win; they dismantled Qarabag with a clinical efficiency that felt almost surgical. By the time the final whistle blew on a 6-1 victory, the Magpies had all but secured their place in the Champions League last 16. While the scoreboard told one story, the smaller details the chants, the sideline drama, and the individual milestones offered a deeper look into the current state of Eddie Howe’s squad.
Nothing captured the atmosphere in the stadium better than a cheeky chant that echoed from the away end during the first half. As the goals flew in, the Toon Army broke into a loud rendition of “Geordie boys taking the p—.”
It was a classic piece of British football humor, but in reality, the players were doing the exact opposite. Far from mocking their opponents, Newcastle showed Qarabag the ultimate respect by playing at full throttle.
They didn’t field a weakened side or coast through the motions. Instead, they went for the jugular from the very first minute. The opening 45 minutes were explosive, and had a few more chances gone their way, the 5-0 halftime lead could easily have been eight or nine.
This intensity is a hallmark of Eddie Howe’s management. Even with a massive lead, the manager was visibly frustrated during the second half when his team finally took their foot off the gas.
To the average observer, “coming off the gas” is a logical way to save energy for future matches, but for Howe, it represents a dip in the elite standards he demands. He expects his players to maintain their focus for the full 90 minutes, regardless of the scoreline. You can be certain that despite the five-goal margin of victory, the post-match analysis in the dressing room included a firm reminder that complacency has no place in a Champions League campaign.
At the heart of this victory was Anthony Gordon, who has firmly established himself as a versatile weapon in Newcastle’s attacking arsenal. Starting the Scouser through the middle proved to be a stroke of genius. It took Gordon only three minutes to find the back of the net, and he didn’t stop there.
By the time he walked off the pitch, he had bagged four goals, including two expertly taken penalties. Earlier in the season, Gordon filled the central striker role out of necessity while the club waited for others to regain fitness. Now, however, he is making a legitimate case to be the first-choice option in that position. His speed, movement, and composure in front of goal make him a nightmare for defenders who are used to more static center-forwards.
However, the night wasn’t without its strange moments. As the players headed toward the tunnel at halftime, a heated argument broke out between Gordon and Kieran Trippier. While “handbags” on the pitch are common, seeing teammates clash while leading 5-0 is rare.
This led to a surprising role reversal for Joelinton. Usually, the big Brazilian is the one at the center of any scuffle, often needing to be held back by his own coaching staff. This time, he played the role of peacemaker. Joelinton stepped in to usher Trippier toward the dressing room, trying to calm the situation down.
In a moment of high tension, Trippier actually pushed Joelinton away a move that many fans joked was a brave choice considering the Brazilian’s formidable physical presence. It was a peculiar sight, but it showed the raw competitive fire that exists within this squad even when they are winning comfortably.
While Gordon took the headlines for his goals, the heart and soul of the performance were reflected in Jacob Murphy. When he hammered home the sixth goal—aided by a significant deflection his celebration was pure, unadulterated joy.
To see a player celebrate the sixth goal of a blowout as if it were a last-minute winner in a cup final is exactly why the fans adore him. Murphy represents the innocence and passion of a player who is truly “living his best life” at his boyhood club. It was a refreshing reminder of why we love the game beyond the tactics and the transfer fees.
Finally, the night provided a long-awaited milestone for young Sean Neave. The academy product has been a picture of patience, spending countless games on the bench over the last year. Incredibly, he even has a Carabao Cup winners’ medal from nearly eleven months ago despite never having played a single minute for the first team at that time.
Howe finally gave him the nod for the closing stages in Baku, handing him a debut he will never forget. With the second leg at St. James’ Park now looking like a formality, there is every chance that Neave and other fringe players will get even more significant minutes in the return fixture.
Newcastle now turns its attention to the next round, where European giants like Chelsea or Barcelona likely await. The win in Baku was more than just a victory; it was a statement of intent. The Magpies are no longer just happy to be participating in Europe; they are here to dominate. Whether it’s through the clinical finishing of Gordon, the joy of Murphy, or the newfound maturity of Joelinton, this team is proving they belong on the biggest stage.
