Two On The Trot From The Spot: Newcastle Narrowly See Off League 2 Opposition With Schär Penalty

(Photo: Scott Llewellyn | MI News) Credit: MI News; Sport /Alamy Live News

Newcastle United 1 (Schär, 45’+1’ Pen)
AFC Wimbledon 0

Venue: St. James’ Park
Attendance: 51,739
Referee: Darren Bond

For the second game in a row, Newcastle found their only goal from the penalty spot, with Fabian Schär converting just before half-time.

The opening 45 minutes were notably lethargic. While The Magpies brought great intensity and tempo against Manchester City over the weekend, tonight’s game saw them get off to a sluggish start, characterized by lateral build-up play.

It took a clever set-piece routine from a corner just before half-time, along with two Newcastle players going to ground, for the hosts to break down Wimbledon’s well-organized defense. A penalty was awarded, and centre-back Fabian Schär calmly put it away.

There’s no doubt Newcastle dominated possession in the first half, with Joelinton particularly orchestrating play from midfield. Despite this dominance, the hosts seemed to lack a real spark or cutting edge.

Even when space opened up, Howe’s team was wasteful in the final third, struggling to deliver a killer pass or get a solid shot away when chances did present themselves.

Although the visitors failed to register a shot, Wimbledon arguably had the best chance of the half. Striker Omar Bugiel found himself one-on-one with Martin Dúbravka, but the goalkeeper did well to smother the Lebanese international’s attempt.

Unfortunately, Dúbravka came off worse from the 50/50 collision and had to be substituted at half-time. Harvey Barnes, who seemed to be Newcastle’s liveliest player in the first half, was also replaced during the break.

To manager Eddie Howe’s credit, the introduction of Bruno Guimaraes had a massive impact on the game. The Brazilian completely reinvigorated Newcastle’s attack, pulling the strings in midfield and creating numerous chances for the home side.

Newcastle’s £20 million striker William Osula finally made his first start on Tyneside, though he struggled in the first half. The ex-Sheffield United forward had a couple of half-chances but couldn’t keep his shots on target.

That said, Howe will likely be more pleased with Osula’s efforts in the second half. Although the 21-year-old still failed to hit the target, he found himself on the end of a few decent chances and put the Wimbledon defense under more pressure.

The introduction of Anthony Gordon and Lewis Hall just after the hour mark injected energy into the team. Tino Livramento, in particular, improved as the game went on, setting up several guilt-edged chances that could have allowed Newcastle to extend their lead had they been more clinical.

Howe’s second-half substitutions saw Newcastle move up a few gears. The build-up play became more dynamic, with more clear-cut chances and a renewed sense of urgency and intensity.

Howe will be disappointed to have had to deploy his key players so early. Even more concerning for Newcastle will be the fresh injury worries. Goal scorer Fabian Schär joined Dúbravka on the potential injury list moments before the final whistle.

Although Schär’s withdrawal seemed precautionary, Newcastle will undoubtedly be anxious about the Swiss defender’s fitness in the coming days, especially with senior centre-backs Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles already sidelined through injury.

The result sees Newcastle progress to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup, where they will face Chelsea.