"When Jose Mourinho arrived on Tyneside and immediately showered Eddie Howe and his players with lavish praise, Newcastle fans feared the worst. Although such worries ultimately evaporated, it took a fine goal from Anthony Gordon and two more from the substitute Harvey Barnes to reassure St James' Park that Benfica's new(ish) manager would not be inflicting any pain on Howe's team."
"Mourinho had predicted that Howe's team would be very, very physical but his Benfica players possessed a bit of an aggressive edge themselves. The visitors certainly delighted in attempting to disrupt Newcastle's early attempts to establish a fluent passing rhythm. It did not help the home cause that two of Howe's key midfielders, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton, began on the bench as they continued their convalescence from illness and injury respectively."
Jose Mourinho arrived on Tyneside and praised Eddie Howe and his players, provoking initial concern among Newcastle fans. Anthony Gordon scored a fine goal and substitute Harvey Barnes added two more to calm the crowd. Benfica, led by Dodi Lukebakio, displayed aggression and sought to disrupt Newcastle's passing rhythm. Sandro Tonali and Joelinton began on the bench due to illness and injury, weakening Newcastle's midfield. Mourinho instructed Benfica to slow the game and dampen the stadium atmosphere, a tactic that produced mixed results. Lukebakio forced a brilliant one-handed save from Nick Pope and later hit a post, after which Newcastle grew more assertive.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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