The end of night scenes were a sight to behold as Newcastle United lifted the Diriyah Season Cup. OK, it may be far from a major trophy but Eddie Howe's players might just have the taste of trophies after a night of celebration in Saudi Arabia. As the final whistle sounded at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium a spectacular firework display quickly followed.
Before the trophy lift the players walked around the stadium and were applauded by Al-Hilal fans standing on their seats. They were warmly accepted by local fans and it felt very special to witness. A blast of Queen's We Are the Champions probably felt far-fetched at first but the players soaked up the moment, as did Howe and has coaches as they left with medals around their necks!
After the trophy lift at the podium, Newcastle players were then told to celebrate with their fans. The Blaydon Races blared out and as the players left the field it was followed by Lindisfarne's Run for Home. It all felt quite emotional and quite apt after a positive week for the players, staff, fans and media over in Riyadh.
Relief on the injury front
Joelinton and Chris Wood both walked out of the stadium in good spirits after a couple of injury scares in the 5-0 win. Wood came off with a back injury while Joelinton felt a muscle strain. There was concern as Joelinton was helped off the field with a physio but by the time the players left the ground he was walking unaided and with a huge smile on his face.
After two goals and a strong performance that's probably no surprise. But now he will look to transfer that back to the Premier League and cups.
Loris Karius shows what he can do - and has probably guaranteed a new deal
The former Liverpool keeper made a string of key saves in the first half as he made his long-awaited debut for Newcastle. Karius has had to wait since September to play for United. And it is clear that an extension is in the offing for the German. Eddie Howe admitted as much after the game but nothing is struck just yet.
For now, he remains in contention to play against AFC Bournemouth in the League Cup. If he is as good as he was in Saudi Arabia Newcastle have a more than able deputy.
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