‘Seeing Bruno bring out the team sheet…okay, they’ve taken it properly, really seriously’ – Graham Alexander | OneFootball

Graham Alexander has been reflecting on Newcastle 4 Bradford 1.

The League One leaders blown away by Newcastle United, fortunate that it wasn’t seven or eight, which it could and should have been with the number of clear chances NUFC created.

Bradford boss Graham Alexander declaring; ‘Seeing Bruno bring out the team sheet, I thought, right, okay, they’ve taken it properly, really seriously.’

In actual fact, only four players who started for Newcastle against Barcelona, also started against Bradford.

This despite seven changes made to the NUFC team that played Bournemouth on Sunday.

A clear indication that Eddie Howe is building a really strong squad at St James’ Park.

Graham Alexander reflecting on Newcastle 4 Bradford 1:

“Seeing Bruno bring out the team sheet, I thought, right, okay, they have taken it properly, really seriously.

“But I think that is great credit for our players to go up against these players, even the players that they have brought on as subs, top internationals…multi-million pound players.

“I think the team learnt a lot in terms of the level of opposition they were up against.

“We learnt what a Champions League team looks like up close.

“But the biggest thing is holding our heads high, making sure we commit to the game, which we did.

“We came up against a top opponent and they punished us with real quality.

“But the players kept in the game, stayed in it, scored a fantastic goal and gave our supporters something to cheer about.

“Newcastle are a top team.

“They have got a great starting line-up and had great subs coming on.

“I think they showed us great respect at every level.

“We understand that we are not going to face Newcastle every week, so we are not going to be despondent.

“I think it was a great game for us and a great reward for what we have already done in the cup, beating two Championship teams away from home.

“I think it has been a productive run for us.

“Our most important game this week was always going to be Saturday and that’s still in front of us.”

Newcastle 4 Bradford 1 – Wednesday 24 September 2025 7.45pm

(Stats via BBC Sport)

Goals:

Newcastle United:

Joelinton 17, 75 Osula 19, 87

Bradford:

Cook 79

Possession was Newcastle 77% Bradford 23%

Total shots were Newcastle 27 Bradford 6

Shots on target were Newcastle 11 Bradford 3

Corners were Newcastle 6 Bradford 4

Touches in the box Newcastle 66 Bradford 6

Newcastle team v Bradford:

Ramsdale, Krafth (Trippier 61), Thiaw, Botman (Alex Murphy 89), Hall (Livramento 61), Bruno, Joelinton, Miley, Gordon (Barnes 61), Osula, Elanga (Woltemade 69)

Subs:

Pope, Lascelles, Tonali, Willock

(Newcastle v Spurs drawn out in Carabao Cup fourth round – Newcastle United fans react – Read HERE)

(Newcastle 4 Bradford 1 – Instant Newcastle United fan/writer reaction – Read HERE)

Newcastle United fixtures (All of the Champions League matches will also be available to watch on TV in the UK):

Sunday 28 September– Newcastle v Arsenal (4.30pm) Sky Sports

Wednesday 1st October: Union SG vs Newcastle United (5.45pm)

Sunday 5 October– Newcastle v Forest (2pm) Sky Sports

Saturday 18 October – Brighton v Newcastle (3pm)

Tuesday 21st October: Newcastle United vs Benfica (8pm)

Saturday 25 October – Newcastle v Fulham (3pm)