Newcastle United had two massive games this weekend, and sadly they both ended in defeat.
First it was Eddie Howe and the men’s team, who welcomed world champions Manchester City to St James’ Park. It was an incredibly exciting game, but one that ended with the Magpies losing 3-2 after Pep Guardiola’s side netted a late winner through Oscar Bobb. 
It was a tough result to take for Toon fans. They watched their side sit back and try to protect their lead in the second half, only to be torn apart by the returning Kevin De Bruyne.
The result leaves Newcastle down in 10th in the Premier League, after Chelsea jumped above them following their 1-0 win over Fulham.
On Sunday it was the Newcastle women’s turn, but they also suffered defeat to a side from Manchester.
The Lasses took on Women’s Super League side Manchester United in the FA Cup, and were backed by a brilliant travelling support at Leigh Sports Village. However, they were unfortunately knocked out of the competition as Becky Langley’s side were beaten 5-0. 
Two huge games. Two defeats. But there is pride from co-owner Amanda Staveley, who has delivered a message to supporters. Amanda Staveley admits ‘it wasn’t our weekend’ as Newcastle men and women lose
Staveley has taken to her official Instagram account to express how proud she is of both teams, declaring that ‘we are united’.
She wrote: “Very proud of both our Men’s and Women’s team performances. It wasn’t our weekend, but we will come back stronger. I’m also overwhelmed by the support of our amazing fans – some who were travelling at 6am this morning! We Are United.” Newcastle should be proud despite defeats
Even though both games ended in defeat, there absolutely should be pride from both camps.
For the women, getting to an FA Cup clash with Manchester United was an achievement in itself. Given the gulf between the two sides, it was always going to be a huge challenge.
The amount of supporters who made the journey was tremendous, and will only increase the club’s desire to reach the WSL as soon as possible so they can regularly play against teams of the same calibre as Man United.
As for the men, they took on the greatest team in world football right now and fell short. It was nearly a famous victory in black and white, but Howe’s side just did not have enough to hold on.
There have been plenty of complaints from fans, but context is required. The defeat was not down to a tactical blunder from Eddie Howe. It was the lack of ability to change the game from the bench, combined with the mental fatigue of trying to hold on to what you have got.
But we gave Manchester City a scare, and on another day we could have beat them. Saturday’s loss hurt, but our day will come.
Leave a Reply