Newcastle United rise above Birmingham City antics after shock BBC admission – 5 things

Newcastle United battled through a physically intense match against Birmingham City, proving their resilience just days after securing a spot in the Carabao Cup final.

Despite Eddie Howe making nine changes to the lineup, his team showcased the mentality and determination required to succeed at the highest level. Facing an aggressive opponent that pressed high and disrupted play, Newcastle had to match their intensity.

The match saw several heavy challenges, with Dan Burn forced off due to a groin injury and Fabian Schar sent crashing into the advertising boards after having his shirt pulled. The physicality disrupted the flow of the game, but Newcastle maintained composure.

Even after enduring strong tackles, including Joe Willock being clipped by Willum Willumsson, the visitors stayed focused, and Willock eventually scored the decisive goal in the 82nd minute, calmly slotting the ball between Bailey Peacock-Farrell’s legs after initiating the move.

Callum Wilson made a memorable impact in his first start since May 4, delivering a commanding performance. Determined to make up for lost time after battling injuries, he seized control midway through the first half, outmuscling defenders before swinging a dangerous cross to William Osula.

Osula set up Willock, whose shot crossed the line despite Peacock-Farrell getting a hand to it. Wilson wasn’t done, showcasing his instinctive goal-scoring ability minutes later.

Osula’s powerful effort was parried away, but he quickly regained possession and worked the ball to Sean Longstaff, who played in Tino Livramento. Though Willock and Osula couldn’t convert the cross, Wilson reacted first, turning in the rebound at the third attempt. His contributions were crucial in dismantling Birmingham’s resistance.

The FA Cup tie, broadcasted by the BBC, carried the potential for an upset, with Birmingham unbeaten in 18 games and having suffered only one home defeat all season.

Newcastle’s past struggles in similar fixtures—being taken to penalties by Blackburn, knocked out by Sheffield Wednesday, and losing to Cambridge United—served as a reminder of how dangerous these matches could be.

Birmingham demonstrated why they were so difficult to beat, storming forward from the first whistle. Within 18 seconds, they won a corner and took the lead moments later when Ethan Laird volleyed home a knockdown from an unmarked Keshi Anderson. St Andrew’s erupted as home fans taunted Newcastle, sensing a major shock.

Newcastle responded, turning the game in their favor but knowing Birmingham wouldn’t go down easily. The hosts, renowned for recovering points from losing positions, equalized just before halftime through a spectacular long-range strike from Tomoki Iwata.

However, Newcastle maintained their composure, and Willock delivered the late winner, sealing victory in a match that tested their character.

William Osula’s performance stood out, as he adapted seamlessly to his first outing on the right wing. The young forward not only played a key role in two goals but also displayed remarkable resilience.

When knocked down by Marc Leonard, he quickly got back to his feet, regained possession, and won a free kick while surrounded by multiple defenders. His refusal to be intimidated was evident when Jay Stansfield fouled him just before halftime.

As Osula stood his ground, Birmingham players swarmed him, prompting teammates like Bruno Guimarães, Emil Krafth, Dan Burn, and even goalkeeper Nick Pope to intervene.

Though booked for his reaction, Osula continued to battle, later shrugging off a challenge from Keshi Anderson and sending the powerful defender to the ground. His physicality and determination added a new dimension to Newcastle’s attack.

Nick Pope’s return provided another key storyline. Once a guaranteed starter, Pope found himself behind Martin Dúbravka, who had impressed with seven clean sheets in 13 games.

Despite being available again, Pope had yet to regain his spot. However, he delivered a timely reminder of his abilities with crucial saves that kept Newcastle in the game. After conceding early, he recovered to produce an excellent reflex stop when Anderson volleyed a set-piece towards goal.

Minutes later, Newcastle equalized, underscoring the importance of his intervention. Late in the match, with Newcastle leading 3-2, Pope made another vital save, instinctively sticking out a foot to prevent a scrappy equalizer from a Birmingham corner.

This victory reinforced Newcastle’s ability to navigate tough challenges and maintain composure under pressure. Despite physicality, an early setback, and a resilient opponent, they emerged victorious, keeping another path to silverware open.

Their ability to grind out results, adapt to different match situations, and rely on squad depth suggests they are developing into the formidable team they aspire to be.