Reason and how Newcastle United star ‘escapes’ three-match ban after their FA Cup match win against Birmingham City (2-3)

Newcastle United successfully advanced to the Fifth Round of the FA Cup following a 3-2 victory against Birmingham City on Saturday.
Goals from Joe Willock and Callum Wilson ensured a hard-fought victory for Newcastle United against Birmingham City on Saturday evening, thereby sustaining their aspiration of reaching Wembley for the second consecutive season. In this analysis, we will examine five noteworthy aspects of Newcastle United’s victory against Birmingham City.

Joe Willock’s candid acknowledgement regarding his objective.
There will be extensive discussion, analysis, and written commentary regarding how Newcastle United managed to re-enter the match on Saturday evening. Did it exceed acceptable boundaries?

Replays indicate otherwise. The individual who scored the goal implies a different perspective.

After a difficult week, one that saw Willock the victim of horrendous racial abuse on social media, the former Arsenal man responded in the perfect manner by netting a brace, including the all important winning goal. However, it is inevitable that the primary focus of discussion will pertain to his initial experience.

After a difficult week, one that saw Willock the victim of horrendous racial abuse on social media, the former Arsenal man responded in the perfect manner by netting a brace, including the all important winning goal. However, it is inevitable that the primary focus of discussion will pertain to his initial experience.

Taking advantage of a retreat by Will Osula, Willock directed the ball towards the goal; however, his attempt was thwarted by Bailey Peacock-Farrell, who subsequently blocked the ricochet, sending it soaring over the crossbar.

When questioned about that moment, Willock, with a somewhat playful tone, disclosed that he was ‘convinced’ the ball had indeed crossed the line. “I was certain, which is why I attempted to kick it over the bar on the second occasion.” Willock remarked, his eyes glinting with a playful sparkle.

“I am uncertain, as I believed the ball had crossed the line due to the goalkeeper’s considerable distance from the goal.” I found myself pondering the question, “How is it possible that his arms are not particularly long?” “I must review it again; however, I am pleased that it has been provided to me.”

Possible pivotal moment involving a red card
Following an exhilarating first half, the second period exhibited a markedly more subdued atmosphere as Newcastle United sought to assert control over the match. Sandro Tonali, who substituted for Bruno Guimaraes at halftime, was the principal catalyst for this alteration, as he effectively managed the flow of the game and consistently positioned himself appropriately to mitigate any potential threats.

Another contributing factor to the reduced pace of the match was an extended injury stoppage during which Marc Leonard was carried off the field on a stretcher. The Blues man was given oxygen as he left the pitch, garnering a standing ovation from all four corners of St Andrew’s as he was carried off.

Leonard’s injury occurred after a collision between himself and Lewis Miley, one that showed the Magpies man capture his opponent with his studs. Referee Matthew Donohue did not issue a red card to Miley for the incident, and due to the absence of technology in accordance with FA Cup regulations, no additional measures were implemented.

In a discussion regarding the challenge on BBC, former Birmingham defender Curtis Davies expressed his belief that Miley might have encountered difficulties had VAR been implemented. “I believe that, considering the implementation of VAR and the positioning of his foot, this situation could potentially warrant a red card,” stated Davies. “It served as the catalyst for the subsequent developments in the game.”

A red card issued to Miley for that challenge would have resulted in a three-match suspension.

Wilson has returned to scoring form.
A duration of nine months constitutes a significant period within the realm of football. Such was the duration of time that Wilson had elapsed without registering a goal.

Although he had made only six appearances during that period, it is important to acknowledge that, for an extended duration, he served as Newcastle’s talisman, rendering such a string unprecedented. That sequence concluded on Saturday when he seized the opportunity, as all proficient strikers are inclined to do, by capitalising on a stray ball within the six-yard box to propel the Magpies into the lead.

Although it was aesthetically unpleasing, it was unnecessary for it to possess any additional qualities. During a period characterised by the remarkable performances of Alexander Isak, Wilson reasserted his prowess in front of the goal, reminding all of his exceptional abilities.

Consecutive cup victories: Is this the emergence of a new era for Newcastle United?
Newcastle United secured their position in the Carabao Cup final earlier this week. Their second final in three seasons.

Two years ago, they also had the prospect of participating in the final to anticipate. Nevertheless, their campaign in the FA Cup had already reached its conclusion.

Sheffield Wednesday, at that time competing in League One, secured a 2-1 victory at home against a significantly altered Newcastle United. A recurrence was highly anticipated; indeed, had one engaged in conversation with any Newcastle United supporter prior to the commencement of the match on Saturday, this sentiment would have been evident.

Despite an initial setback, they remained undeterred in securing their advancement to the next round. A highly professional performance over the course of 90 minutes—extended to 106 minutes due to added time—enabled them to navigate a challenging fixture with remarkable success. In his post-match remarks, Howe addressed the challenges encountered by his squad on Saturday.

“The match proved to be quite challenging for our team.” Both mentally and physically, it was evident that several competitors were operating at their limits today. We are pleased to have successfully made it through. Howe communicated this information to the BBC.

“I anticipated that the night preceding the game would prove to be challenging.” The early goal significantly exacerbated the situation, as it completely transformed the atmosphere within the stadium. We successfully established a presence and achieved significant success. During the interval, the focus was on maintaining composure. “I believe our performance in the second half was significantly improved.”

Recent setback due to injury
However, not all aspects of Saturday night were favourable, as Dan Burn was compelled to leave the pitch due to injury. Following the match, Howe confirmed that the defender had sustained a groin injury, characterising it as a significant concern.

Anthony Gordon was also unable to participate in the journey to the Midlands due to a minor quadriceps injury. Both individuals will undergo evaluation prior to the upcoming match against Manchester City on Saturday.