Starting off strong: My most memorable Newcastle United opening day matches.
Looking ahead to the Liverpool game, I have looked back at the most memorable Premier League first matches of the season.
The most memorable for me anyway.
Not long to go now until Liverpool visiting St James’ Park on Sunday 23 August.
Newcastle United have won 12 of their 30 Premier League opening day games (not the best average) but there are some classics to look back on:
Newcastle 5 – 1 Aston Villa (2023/24)
Probably the most optimistic I’ve ever felt as a Newcastle United fan.
St. James’ Park was roaring, with a formidable frontline of Gordon, Isak, and Miggy, and a bruising midfield of Joelinton, Tonali, and Bruno.
It was Tonali’s debut for the Magpies and he opened the scoring within six minutes, arriving late into the box to meet a teasing Gordon cross – the fastest goal on Premier League debut for a Newcastle player.
Villa levelled shortly after through Diaby but it was smooth sailing from there. Isak netted twice, with Barnes and Wilson coming off the bench to nick one each. Top of the table after the opening day – it doesn’t get much better.
Newcastle 4 – 0 West Ham (2002/03)
The game came alive in the second half, with all four goals arriving in the last half hour.
The St. James’ Park faithful were treated to two LuaLua backflips after he opened the scoring, before Shearer and Solano both got in on the act.
This game kicked off a positive season for Sir Bobby Robson’s side, who finished third behind Man United and Arsenal, qualifying for the Champions League once again.
Newcastle 2 – 1 Spurs (2012/13)
In Andre Villas-Boas’s first game in charge, Spurs initially dominated at St. James’ Park, with Defoe and Bale both hitting the woodwork.
But Newcastle United got their noses in front early in the second half, after some lovely link up play between Cabaye and Ben Arfa. Ba controlled a Danny Simpson cross and produced a sumptuous curling finish in front of the Gallowgate.
Defoe levelled shortly after for the visitors before Lennon brought down Ben Arfa in the penalty area and the Frenchman tucked away a tidy penalty.
Villas-Boas turned to Harry Kane off the bench in need of a goal but it was too late as Newcastle came away with all three points.