3 Positives and 3 Negatives to take from Newcastle United 3 Bromley 1 | OneFootball

Sunday afternoon’s match ended Newcastle 3 Bromley 1.

Ahead of each game we ask one of our writers to come up with three positives and three negatives following the game.

An interesting afternoon at St James’ Park  as Eddie Howe’s side played their first home action of 2025.

Plenty to talk about after this one…

On this occasion it is David Punton:

POSITIVES

Cup progress

The main thing is that the job was done.

We’re into the fourth round and the unbeaten run continues. Memories of that day against Cambridge Utd are still pretty fresh, so you have to be wary of giant killers.

It was a cup final for League Two Bromley and they were in dreamland when they stunned SJP to lead after just seven minutes.

The good news is that United didn’t panic, they came back and got the game won without any further hiccups.

Miley’s back

What a fabulous goal from young Lewis Miley on his return from injury.

He looks a shade taller and he’s filled out a bit more. It’s great to see him back and he underlined his potential in fine style.

It was a brilliant hit from the edge of the box and was only heading one place. It was the perfect intervention as Bromley were getting their hopes up at that stage.

If he’d came through the Man Utd academy he’d be getting way more plaudits.

Miley needs a first team pathway. He’s going to be a big player for us.

Where there’s a Will

Osula has had to be patient for his chance.

The raw talent is there and it showed with that explosive finish in the second half, which killed the game as a contest.

It was a solo effort and he despatched that ball into the Leazes goal with power, placement and seemingly consummate ease.

Will’s a great lad, there is no doubt. He plays the game with a smile on his face, so he was a popular scorer.

There will be plenty more to come from him too.

Negatives

Ringing the changes

Eddie Howe opted for nine changes from the side that won away at Arsenal.

This policy always divides supporters, right?

On the one hand Howe needed to rest people after a hectic few weeks of high intensity matches.

On the other hand fans want to see the best players when they pay their money to watch a game. Changes also run you the risk of an embarrassing loss.

Howe got away with it today – but nine changes was a lot.

Opportunity knocks

It’s never easy criticising players.

However, you’d have to say that the trio of Barnes, Almiron and Longstaff didn’t make a strong case to break their way back into our starting eleven on a more permanent basis.

Barnes in particular is a conundrum. He’s got goals in him for sure, but his pressing is less effective, and he can drift out of games.

Here he didn’t take his chance and then an apparent injury set him back and he was hooked at half-time.

Almiron was undoubtedly rusty, as was Sean Longstaff.

Pelters on social media

This brings me on to planet social media.

I saw a lot of criticism on there that seems grossly unfair, especially in the case of Longstaff and Almiron, who have served the club so well.

A few fans seem very keen to throw these players on the scrapheap.

What they need is support, not stick.

Newcastle 3 Bromley 1 – Sunday 12 January 2025 3pm

(Stats via BBC Sport)

Goals:

Newcastle United:

Miley 16, Gordon 49 pen, Osula 61

Bromley:

Congreve 8

Possession was Newcastle 81% (86%) Bromley 19% (14%)

Total shots were Newcastle 18 (9) Bromley 3 (3)

Shots on target were Newcastle 3 (1) Bromley 1 (1)

Corners were Newcastle 7 (4) Bromley 1 (1)

Touches in the box Newcastle 41 (21) Bromley 5 (2)

Newcastle team v Bromley:

Dubravka, Trippier, Schar, Kelly, Targett (Hall 69), Longstaff, Miley, Joelinton (Bruno 46), Barnes (Gordon 46), Almiron (Tonali 84), Osula (Sanusi 69)

Unused subs:

Vlachodimos, Livramento, Burn, Alex Murphy

Newcastle United upcoming matches:

Wednesday 15 January – Newcastle v Wolves (7.30pm) TNT Sports

Saturday 18 January – Newcastle v Bournemouth (12.30pm) TNT Sports

Saturday 25 January – Southampton v Newcastle (3pm)

Saturday 1 February – Newcastle v Fulham (3pm)