Birmingham 2 Newcastle 3 – Instant Newcastle United fan/writer reaction | OneFootball

Birmingham 2 Newcastle 3 – Saturday 8 February 2025 5.45pm

Instant fan / writer reaction from some of our regular contributors on The Mag.

What a sweet win after the treatment our players took tonight. At times it was like a rugby match.

Deservedly into the next round.

Well done lads.

Thank you for a brilliant week,’

Jamie Smith:

‘A horrible experience.

Disgraceful coverage as ex Birmingham player Matthew Upspn cheered them on from the commentary box, the narrative was one of the magnificent resurgence of mighty Brum and the half time was devoted to twerking for their American owners.

Worrying to see Dan Burn hobble off but probably pleased that Schar and match winner Willock seem ok after a series of assaults from this shower of cloggers.

Now for another fortnight of consolidation punctuated only by the formality of a trip to Man City.

With the league cup final looming, a benign fifth round draw at home would be extremely welcome.’

David Punton:

‘The battle of Birmingham! What a cup tie!

A pulsating game, played in a brilliant atmosphere, and we’ve eked out way into the fifth round despite nine changes to team.

A week is a long time in football and that Fulham defeat feels like ages ago already,

Into the league cup final and now a place booked in round five of the FA Cup thanks to Willock’s brace. Straight through the keeper’s legs.

Willock needed that tonight and credit to Tonali for that second half too.

An embarrassment against League One oppo has been averted.’

Tony Mallabar:

‘Along with, were the moon landings fake?

Another mystery comes along to baffle us, how did Birmingham end the game with 11 players on the pitch after kicking and fouling our lot from the kick-off?

NGE made several changes with Osula getting a run out.

But as soon as Tonali came on we never looked in any trouble, hopefully a home draw in the next round.’

Mark Jankwoski:

‘We got off to the worst of starts but showed our class to make sure we progressed over lively opposition.

Big performances from Willock and Osula and an encouraging return for Callum Wilson.

Birmingham will likely be happy with the shift they put in, but apart from some thuggish tackles, our win was never really in question.

After the ridiculously hard route we’ve had to get to the League Cup final, I’ve got my fingers crossed for a nice home draw in the 5th round.’

Birmingham 2 Newcastle 3 – Saturday 8 February 2025 5.45pm

(Stats via BBC Sport)

Goals:

Newcastle United:

Willock 21, 82 Wilson 26

Birmingham:

Laird 1, Iwata 40

(Half-time stats in brackets)

Possession was Newcastle 63% (63%) Birmingham 37% (37%)

Total shots were Newcastle 16 (7) Birmingham 11 (6)

Shots on target were Newcastle 9 (5) Birmingham 6 (5)

Corners were Newcastle 3 (1) Birmingham 3 (1)

Touches in the box Newcastle 35 (14) Birmingham 19 (11)

Newcastle team v Birmingham:

Pope, Livramento, Krafth, Burn (Schar 55), Targett, Longstaff, Bruno (Tonali 46), Miley, Willock, Osula (Isak 104), Wilson (Murphy 55)

Subs:

Dubravka, Ruddy, Trippier, Hall, Neave

Newcastle United upcoming matches:

Saturday 15 February – Man City v Newcastle (3pm)

Sunday 23 February – Newcastle v Forest (2pm) Sky Sports

Wednesday 26 February – Liverpool v Newcastle (8.15pm) TNT Sports

Weekend of Saturday 1 March –  FA Cup fifth round (TBC)