Newcastle United fans will remember October 4th, 2022 for a long time. It was the night that local heroes like Sean Longstaff helped Newcastle defeat PSG 4-1 in the Champions League.
The return of Champions League football to the North East for the first time in 20 years was expected to be a magnificent night inside St James’ Park.
The atmosphere inside the stadium before kickoff was unlike anything I’d ever witnessed – and then the game began.
Newcastle pulled it off. They actually carried it out. And they did it with a group of Geordies fulfilling every fan’s fantasy.
On a night when Kylian Mbappe was anticipated to steal the show, the 25-year-old from Tyneside stole the show.
Sean Longstaff was incredible against PSG
Sean Longstaff was picked to Eddie Howe’s starting XI, and he belongs there. On Wednesday night, he demonstrated why he should be the first name on the teamsheet.
The academy graduate put on a tremendous performance, displaying no signs of jitters against a side as good as PSG.
Longstaff was outstanding even before he discovered the net.
A clever run allowed Kieran Trippier to pick him out inside the box, and the midfielder made sure he took his shot early. That clearly took Gianluigi Donnarumma by surprise, as Longstaff’s effort went underneath him to send St James’ Park wild.
Nick Pope sends hilarious message to Longstaff after Newcastle’s Champions League win
Following an amazing night on Tyneside, Longstaff took to his official Instagram account to reflect on the 4-1 victory over PSG.
He wrote: “A night we’ll never forget! Champions league football is back at St James park!”
His post prompted replies from various Newcastle players. Jacob Murphy wrote ‘so proud of you bro’, while Bruno Guimaraes added ‘one of us’.
But the best reply came from Nick Pope.
He wrote: “Tommy is proud, so am I.”
For reference, Tommy is the name if Longstaff’s cat, who recently celebrated its first birthday. That was what all the meowing was about after the win against Sheffield United.
Trust Pope to send a message like that after such an emotional night for Longstaff! It’s very funny from the Toon goalkeeper, but he was quick to remind Longstaff that he is proud of him.
Everyone is. It was a magical night, made all the more special by Longstaff and Dan Burn getting on the scoresheet.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cx_oqt9IlVI/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=95ced5b1-5138-40c0-9013-2685396eeb54&img_index=1
