BBC Sport comments from ‘neutrals’ – Interesting on Newcastle United after defeating Arsenal

The Mag

·08 de janeiro de 2025

BBC Sport comments from ‘neutrals’ – Interesting on Newcastle United after defeating Arsenal

Intriguing to read through these BBC Sport comments, following on from Newcastle United deservedly defeating Arsenal, at the Emirates.

United making it seven wins in a row.

Vídeos OneFootball

The comments from neutrals especially telling…

A lot of it different to what Newcastle United fans had come to expect from the BBC Sport ‘neutrals’.

The BBC Sport comments from neutrals in the past had been overwhelmingly a catalogue of abuse aimed at NUFC supporters.

Particularly stuff about the Newcastle United owners and the media-inspired pile-ons that NUFC fans have become used to, when blamed for who now owns their club.

On this occasion though, the politics (almost!) entirely absent, concentrating on matters on the pitch…

The BBC Sport readers comments from neutrals, Arsenal fans and the odd Newcastle United supporter also contributing:

‘Well played Newcastle a fully deserved win against Arsenals strongest team, the commentary team did their best to suck the ball into the Newcastle net.

The ref did all he could with the 50-50s all going Arsenals way (Parteys dive deserved an Oscar).

Looked like they were trying to massage things and help to get Arsenal a goal back before the next leg.’

‘I’m an Arsenal fan but it’ll be a miracle if we turn this tie around. Newcastle are flying at the moment so let’s put some respect on their name. We’re not all like the delusional lot on AFTV…’

‘Arsenal fans should be embarrassed by how many empty seats there were at the end of the game. True fans ?’

‘The irony of Arsenal fans fuming about time wasting.’

‘Disappointed with the loss, we missed a couple of Gilt edge chances before Isaks first.

Newcastle very good, got the second and shut up shop.

I don’t think there was much between both, but Newcastle had the better finishing and shut the game down with their defending.

Not impossible to win at St James but it’s a mammoth task.

Newcastle very good and credit to them.’

‘no chance of beating newcastle on their home patch and 50,000 geordies roaring them on…you are living in north london fantasy land.’

‘Newcastle are on a good run, Arsenal are having a blip, so somewhat of a foreseeable result tonight. Going into a game with genuine confidence makes such a difference and Newcastle have it in bucketloads at the moment. I really hope they will something this season… they deserve it.’

‘One team came to win while the other played 10 men behind the bible…all through the duration of the game.’

‘All those sitting around me were still supporting but well aware that Newcastle were better in most areas.’

‘Arsenal fan for well over 64 years and of course I want them to win but ultimately really good football is what we all want.’

‘And that striker should have been Isak. I’ve basically had enough of MA trying to prove he can do more with Citeh cast offs than Pep could.’

‘Arsenal were woeful; never looked like scoring. As the home team, you’d expect them to have lots of possession, but that doesn’t mean there was little between the sides. Arsenal are miles away from a Premier Leaghue winning team. I write as someone with no interest in either team. In fact, I dislike Newcastle as they have bought success with dubious money.’

‘Oh the irony of Arteta theatrically looking at his watch on 83 minutes.’

‘Should have been neutral watching this game but was supporting Newcastle all the way thanks to Arteta’s continuous ‘tactics’, especially after the Brighton game. Programs his team to cheat in all areas with Mr Arteta himself always standing outside his area. 4th official do your job. Well done Newcastle.’

‘I’m not a Newcastle supporter, ( nor Arsenal ) but on my way through Kings Cross station, and seeing so many Black and White scarfs, what a fantastic turnout by the Newcastle Fans on a 8oc k/o on a Tuesday evening !! Rewarded by a fine performance.’

‘When we (Crystal Palace) drew against Newcastle, their supporters showed humility and were balanced in their views! When Arsenal beat us twice in a week, their supporters showed nothing but arrogance which was just surreal. So tonight I was supporting the Geordies ! Well done so far guys and hopefully you will get it over the line at home

‘Agree with you 100% , Most Arsenal fans could not kick a ball at any level and go home early if they are losing ? Good luck to Newcastle in the second leg.’

‘Oh my, Arsenal looked so lost. They really do seem to have morphed into Stoke City circa 2010. It’s not just the NFL coaching of their set pieces, it’s the “gamesmanship”, the fakery of injuries, the cynical fouling, the appealing for everything, has Arteta run out of ideas or has he simply reverted back to his Everton days?’

‘Geordies enjoying North London these days!’

‘Man City fan … love watching Newcastle just hope they go on to win it…

Eddie Howe has the team so well organised.’

‘(Arsenal fan) Do you like Newcastle coz of both owners are from a democratic country?’

‘Love to see a biased commentators team get beat. We’ll done Newcastle.’

‘I decided to make a cuppa halfway through the second half.

On the way to my kitchen, I accidentally brushed past my tv and 5 Arsenal players fell over.

Very businesslike from Newcastle.’

‘Newcastle played to win at Arsenal which was brave, though not untypical. The massive difference was how well organised and structured Newcastle were when they didn’t have the ball. A big step forward for a likable and exciting team who deserve to win something!’

‘Great result Geordies, go on and win second leg then the final. West Brom fan here supporting Toon Army all the way.’

‘Empty stadium at the end.

Arteta looking at his watch.

Crowd booing time wasting by the keeper…Priceless.’

‘A few thousand Geordies made that sound like a home fixture for Newcastle. Pathetic home crowd atmosphere.’

‘Newcastle deserved winners! As a neutral would like to see them.

Finally win a Trophy! Class Team.’

‘Fair play Newcastle, they clearly wanted that more than arsenal, disappointed to lose at home or any game but this one is a bitter pill to swallow. Take nothing from Newcastle but arsenal were not good enough and didn’t have any ideas or create anything.’

‘Facts Newcastle signed joelinton as a striker played him in midfield and outclassed declan rice.’

‘He wasn’t ever a striker just played out of position by clueless Bruce.’

‘Not a fan of either team but it was on telly so I watched. Newcastle were better and Arsenal were embarrassingly dirty. I suspect Newcastle will prevail easily in the second leg at St James.’

‘My team were dreadful. NU made them so. Well done Newcastle. Go on and win it. Yr fans have suffered for over 50 yrs. Well played.’

‘Lewis Hall is a significant baller. Magnificent defensive play…outstanding!’

‘To all the lazy mediocre jump on the latest bandwagon pundits out there who haven’t got an original thought in their head, why would Isak want to join the arsenal.’

‘Arsenal fans got their wish, seeing Isak score at the Emirates.’

‘Newcastle’s lines after the substitutions were amazing. A real show of how to defend properly, not something we’ve seen of Newcastle in past years. Well done Eddie Howe. Newcastle will do well if they carry on like this.’

‘Oh yes, I do hope the Toon make it to the final and I hope we do too (Liverpool). I’d love to have a beer with these guys again. Like Liverpool fans (regardless of the haters) REAL fans!’

‘Tonali was outstanding tonight and could easily have got motm. Hall had a great game as well. Joelinton was once again a beast and both Gordon and Isak can do no wrong lately. They will be in for a tough game at SJP and it should be a great atmosphere. Rest a few players at the weekend and then go again in the league. The Toon are on the march!’

‘(Arsenal fan) Well, I don’t think that could have gone any worse from an Arsenal point of view! It will have to be some effort on the second leg! Well played Newcastle.’