Newcastle United 1-0 Brentford: Callum Wilson penalty eases pressure on Eddie Howe

Callum Wilson scored from the penalty spot as Newcastle United beat Brentford in a scrappy game at St James’ Park to ease the scrutiny on boss Eddie Howe.

Wilson converted after Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken fouled Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon.

Brentford’s best chance fell to Aaron Hickey early in the game but Nick Pope stood up well to save with his chest.

Howe heads to San Siro in better spirits

The chewing gum might have been gnawed more intently, but otherwise there was little in the sanguine Howe’s touchline demeanour in the technical area to indicate he was feeling the pressure.

Victory over a Brentford team unbeaten in seven league games before this encounter helped lift the Magpies to 11th place as they notched their second win of the season.

In keeping with his persona, there was no outpouring of emotion from Howe at the final whistle – his mind doubtless already on Tuesday’s Champions League opener at San Siro against AC Milan.

In attempting to ignite their season Howe made five changes to his starting line-up, but Brentford’s enterprise was the more polished in the early stages.

Hickey went close while Yoane Wissa was unable to apply the decisive touch to Mathias Jensen’s fizzing delivery shortly after. What the Bees lacked was a cutting edge in attack as the ongoing absence of Ivan Toney – suspended until January – was acutely felt again.

Newcastle finished the first half the stronger and Bruno Guimaraes saw his diving header at the back post saved by the feet of Mark Flekken.

More to follow.

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