Europa League

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Europa League | Group Stage

Dec 6, 2012 at 6pm UK

Bordeaux
2-0
Newcastle Newcastle United

Match Analysis: Bordeaux 2-0 Newcastle United

By Robert Summerscales, Reporter | 06 December 2012

Sports Mole looks back at Newcastle United's Europa League loss at Bordeaux and determines whether or not the result was reflective of the action.

Newcastle United suffered defeat in the Europa League for the first time in their history as they were beaten 2-0 at Bordeaux earlier this evening.

Cheick Diabate found the net either side of half time to help the Ligue 1 outfit finish top of Group D and earn a seeding in the draw for the knockout round.

The Magpies, who named a host of fringe players in their side, finished the group as runners-up.

Below, Sports Mole looks back at the action and determines whether or not the result was reflective of the action.

Match statistics:

Bordeaux:
Shots 13
On target 7
Possession 50%
Corners 3
Fouls 12

Newcastle:
Shots 7
On target 3
Possession 50%
Corners 6
Fouls 12

Was the result fair?

The result was thoroughly fair. Newcastle seemed to have more important business on their minds and were well below par. Bordeaux could easily have won by a wider margin.

Bordeaux's performance

Bordeaux passed the ball well on a difficult surface and frequently troubled the Magpies' defence with the pacey trickery of David Bellion and Henri Saivet.

Newcastle's performance

The Magpies were totally devoid of creativity in the first half - Sylvain Marveaux's dreadful long-range effort was their only shot at goal during the opening 45 minutes. After the break, manager Alan Pardew switched to 4-4-2 and, with the introduction of Vurnon Anita, things improved. However, they still lacked a spark going forward.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Cheick Diabate took both of his goals very well. Judging by tonight's performance, Bordeaux may find it difficult to hang onto the Mali forward in January.

Biggest gaffe

Bellion missed an absolute sitter late in the first half. After Robbie Elliot had saved Saivet's initial effort, the ball rebounded to the former Sunderland man four yards out, but his effort was incredibly weak and it trickled into the grateful arms of the keeper.

Referee performance

Menashe Masiah had a quiet yet effective match. He let the play flow to the benefit of the match on numerous occasions.

What next?

Newcastle: The Magpies travel to Fulham on Monday night, looking to record back-to-back Premier League wins for the first time this season.

Bordeaux: Next up is an away match against Stade de Reims in Ligue 1 on Sunday.