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When It Rains, It Pours By Steve Bruce.
After the failed acquisition of Saudi Arabia and a Covid outbreak, Newcastle’s year hit a new low in humid West London last night when the Brentford Championship knocked them out of the Carabao Cup.
And Josh DaSilva’s winning goal came just after Bruce, often criticized for his negative tactics, threw two forwards looking to reach the club’s first semi-final in 15 years.
Only another late stop by Karl Darlow prevented former Newcastle striker Ivan Toney from scoring a well-deserved second to put the can lid on Toon’s horrible night.
But it was a reflection of both clubs that Brentford’s victory was not really a surprise.
Even Thomas Frank made six changes and started with two of his best players, Toney and Bryan Mbeumo, on the bench.
(Image: PA)
The vibrant Bees reach the first major semi-final in their 131-year history by beating a fourth Premier League team in this competition to extend their unbeaten streak to 14 games.
Thomas Frank’s stylish team came within 90 minutes of spending their first season at the new Community Stadium in the top flight before losing the playoff final to Fulham.
They are now 90 minutes away from another trip to Wembley.
Newcastle have yet to reach the semi-finals in this competition since 1975, and have now played four teams that were in the Champjonship last season in the last four games and won just one.
The contrast between two clubs, one on the rise and the other in seemingly permanent decline, is stark.
(Image: Pool via REUTERS)
Frank said: “I am delighted in many ways, first of all, to step over the line and create a new chapter in Brentford history.
“It is a huge step for the club and shows how far we have come. Owner Matthew Benham deserves great credit.
“And also the way we did it. We deserved to win and we could have had more.
“I think they were as strong as they could get. We made changes and still won them.”
Dasilva, man of the match, added: “We lost autmotic by two points last season and then in the playoffs. I don’t think we are that far away. It’s good to beat the Premier League teams. “
Brentford was a particular threat from set pieces, while standout DaSilva was a constant threat from the right. Saman Ghoddos deflected her low crossover towards the ground and against Toon’s bar before the break.
Callum Wilson and Ryan Fraser forced Brentford goalkeeper Luke Daniels to save in the first half.
And the England forward took advantage of a fumble from Pinnock a minute before the break, but strayed too far as he circled Daniels. Tarique Fosu then came back to block Ritchie’s low shot.
Bruce had deployed a strong side and tried to break the deadlock by dispatching Dwight Gayle and Joelinton after 65 minutes.
Within a minute, a sloppy defense allowed Sergi Canos to cross from the left and DaSilva, man of the match, swept home.
Andy Carroll came in with 10 minutes to watch four Toon forwards to no avail.
As the song Celebration played full time, the stadium announcer shouted with joy: “Carabao Cup Semifinal. Merry Christmas!”
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