Newcastle United made it four wins from their last five matches as they comfortably defeated Brentford 2-0 in the capital on Saturday.
First half goals from Joelinton and Joe Willock handed the Magpies another three points, who are now 14 th in the table and four points clear of the relegation zone.
Eddie Howe’s side were helped by Josh Dasilva’s 11 th minute red card, however they completed the job professionally, and in truth, could have won by more.
Here is how the national media reported the match.
‘Barely gave Brentford a chance’
BBC Sport’s Phil McNulty said: “Eddie Howe's Newcastle United resurgence continues as they made it seven games unbeaten with a thoroughly professional and composed performance to cruise past Brentford.
“Dasilva's rash 11th-minute challenge on Targett presented them with the numerical advantage and they cashed in ruthlessly, with only the excellence of Brentford keeper David Raya preventing a far more emphatic victory margin.
“Newcastle took control and never looked like relinquishing it as their growing confidence and quality barely gave Brentford a chance. And the symbol of the renaissance was Joelinton, who was often derided as a £40m failure early in his Newcastle career but is now flourishing in a deeper role and revelling in his cult hero status with the Toon Army.
“He is a player reborn and sent Newcastle on their way with a header from Fraser's cross, powered low past Raya, who was helpless. The Brazilian celebrated in flamboyant style, shrugging of his team-mates to race the length of the field and celebrate wildly in front of Newcastle's travelling fans tucked in a corner of the Brentford Community Stadium.
“The chant "he's Brazilian, he only cost £40m" rang out at regular intervals - ironic in that for so long he was regarded as an over-priced piece of business. Newcastle's £25m new boy Chris Wood is still struggling and yet to score. He should have struck with a first-half header but the goals are coming from elsewhere and with Howe's side now up to 14th in the table, the clouds that were gathering over Tyneside for so much of this season look to be rolling away.
“It was all done without three of their most influential performers in Allan Saint-Maximin, Kieran Trippier and Callum Wilson - which all bodes well for Howe and his team.”
‘Increasingly convincing Newcastle’
Nick Ames of the Guardian said: “This match will be remembered for what mattered the most: that Christian Eriksen returned, receiving the most rapturous of receptions, to competitive football and completed 38 accomplished minutes for Brentford as a substitute. It was goosebump-inducing to see Eriksen playing again and there were plenty of suggestions he can improve Brentford.
“There were also huge warning signs they will need him to, because this defeat against an increasingly convincing Newcastle may have dire consequences for their season.
“The away side were helped significantly by Josh Dasilva’s early red card but capitalised admirably, scoring well-worked goals through Joelinton and Joe Willock before the interval and seeing things out calmly from there. They move four points clear of the relegation zone but Brentford are careering towards it.
“While it is hard to legislate for an 11th-minute dismissal this was hardly an upheaval of the formbook. Brentford have now taken one point from their past eight games and if a survivor was to be picked between them and Newcastle, who have earned 15 from seven, it would not be a contest.”
‘Demonstration of how far they have come’
Sky Sports’ Joe Shread said: “Howe's Newcastle revolution began with a chaotic 3-3 draw at home to Brentford in November, but the Magpies' 2-0 win against the same opponents on Saturday is a perfect demonstration of how far they have come under his leadership.
“Howe spoke before the game of how much more confident his side now is and that was clear in west London, as they took full advantage of Dasilva's red card to dominate their hosts, recording more than 60 per cent of possession and having more than four times as many shots as the Bees.
“While Newcastle's splurge in the January transfer window has clearly upgraded their squad, the revival of the likes of Fraser and Joelinton is a testament to Howe's work on the training ground. Fraser was a bit-part player under former boss Steve Bruce but has nailed down a role on the wing under the new regime, while Joelinton looks reborn as a marauding midfielder.
“Fraser was a constant thorn in Brentford's side from his position on the left and, as well as assisting Joelinton's goal, he created more chances, attempted more crosses and had more touches in the final third than any of his team-mates.
“Joelinton, meanwhile, will hope he can play Brentford every week - he has just two goals this season, but both have come against Frank's side. His goal - a powerful header after a late run from midfield - was indicative of his new role under Howe.
“The Brazilian attempted more dribbles than any of Newcastle's players as he charged through Brentford's midfield, while he also showed an impressive work rate, winning more duels and regaining possession in the final third on more occasions than any of his team-mates.
“Howe's ability to revive players who struggled under Bruce and mould them into a side alongside his new signings is looking key to keeping Newcastle in the Premier League.”
