While there’s undoubtedly a lot of happy Geordie’s out there following Newcastle United’s win over holders Manchester City in the League Cup on Tuesday night, there’s quite a few grumbling Scousers about.
Liverpool may have knocked out Swansea City in the same competition to set up a quarter-final meeting with Championship side AFC Bournemouth, but there isn’t a Kopite around that is smiling about the Magpies rediscovering their knack for scalping the big-boys. Last month, Newcastle boss Alan Pardew’s side couldn’t buy themselves a win, and everyone was calling for both his head and hide, and now he’s taking City to the cleaners?
“This was a victory for our fans. It’s important for us that we just keep this momentum going” said the under fire Magpies manager with only a touch of smugness after knocking Manchester City out of the cup. “I do know what I’m doing. I think I’ve had most of the scalps as Newcastle manager, maybe except Arsenal, and I look forward to playing them.”
Going into the match, social media was alight with allegations that the veteran manager had lost the plot by fielding what was largely considered to be a weakened team at a ground that they’d never won at against a side routinely known for taking the opposition apart. Although he took a bit of a shot at his detractors, Pardew knows that one match doesn’t mean his side have turned the corner quite yet, and while he’ll enjoy his moment in the sun while it lasts, midfielder Rolando Aarons, who opened the scoring at the Etihad Stadium, is absolutely basking in it — and, with good reason.
“It’s unbelievable. I was in the FA Youth Cup only last season, it’s an unbelievable feeling. I’m happy with the graft the lads put in and we got the victory in the end. We are pleased to go through to the next round” enthused the youngster. “When I score goals I can’t remember them until I look at the replay. I am always happy to score and contribute and win the game in the end.”
If Aarons display up wasn’t enough to get the Newcastle faithful excited about their team again, than Ryan Taylor putting in 90-minutes on the night should of. The defender played his first competitive match in 26-months after being ruled out with a knee injury back in August 2012 and it was the 30-year old that supplied the assist as his young team-mate opened the scoring.
“To put those boots and that shirt back on against the champions and for us to give a performance like that is a dream come true,” he told the BBC following the final whistle. “Lots of people have played a part and the people who stood by me deserve more credit than I do. There are no words I can think of, from the medical team to the fans, I can’t thank the football club enough.”
Two matches in one week might be a little bit taxing for Taylor considering he’s been out for so long, but with Newcastle United on the up-swing, he’ll be getting back into a side that’s looking to make things happen — and what better springboard to do that than beating the champs?
–Steven
