One goal was enough to book Newcastle United a place in the final 16 of the Europa League over Metalist Kharkiv in Ukraine this evening.
A strong start from the Magpies ensured that their opponents were on the back foot for large parts of the first half and it was a penalty from Shola Ameobi in the second 45 minutes that put the Premier League outfit in front.
While Metalist tried to force a breakthrough in the final 20 minutes of the encounter, Newcastle goalkeeper Tim Krul was in impressive form between the sticks to keep the Ukrainian side out.
Sports Mole takes a look back at the 90 minutes that unfolded in the European clash.
Match statistics:
Metalist:
Shots 16
On target 8
Possession 59%
Corners 4
Fouls 18
Newcastle:
Shots 8
On target 4
Possession 41%
Corners 3
Fouls 22
Was the result fair?
Newcastle United would have felt aggrieved if they had been knocked out of the Europa League at the round-of-32 stage. While the statistics show that Metalist had more possession and shots on goal, the Magpies stuck to their gameplan and knew that only one away goal would tip the scales in their favour.
Metalist's performance
For large parts of the game, the Ukrainian outfit looked like the away side. They were expected to come out all guns blazing, but a composed start from Newcastle stopped Metalist from controlling the game. Despite, periods of sloppy play, the home side started knocking on the door when they went one goal down, but they were unable to get through Newcastle keeper Krul.
Newcastle's performance
The Premier League outfit did what they had to do in Ukraine and the gameplan worked perfectly. It was a strong away performance and they showed their intent at the start of the first half by controlling the midfield and creating chances up front. After going one goal to the good courtesy of Ameobi's penalty kick, the Magpies defended in numbers and were able to keep their lead to progress into the next round
Sports Mole's man of the match
Shola Ameobi: This was a tough decision! It was a toss up between Ameobi and Krul, but it had to go to the goalscorer. While Krul was crucial for his side in the last 20 minutes of the match, Ameobi's link-up play and influence up front ensured that Newcastle stayed on top. The striker was also calm and composed when he stepped up to the plate to net the vital away goal.
Biggest gaffe
Metalist forward Jonathan Cristaldo made an early blunder in the match. While it wasn't so much a mistake, it was just one of those unfortunate attempts that don't always come off for some. The forward had a good chance of going one goal to the good in the first half, but as he received the ball on the edge of the area, he completely missed the ball as he tried to launch a shot and was left red faced.
Referee's performance
There was slight concern over Belgium referee Serge Gumienny ahead of the game when it emerged that he had issued seven red cards in his last nine domestic fixtures. While no reds were shown, five bookings were made and he continued to stop the game for silly free kicks.
What next?
Metalist: The Ukrainian side return to their domestic fixtures with a clash against Metalurh Donetsk.
Newcastle: The Magpies go up against Southampton in the Premier League this weekend, while a clash against Anzhi Makhachkala or Hannover awaits them in Europe.
Danielle Joynson
