Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang rolls back the years
Marseille 2 - 1 Newcastle United
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang rolled back the years as the experienced Marseille striker struck twice in quick succession to floor Newcastle United in the Champions League.
Author | Anthony Gates
Stadium | Vélodrome
Newcastle’s difficulties on the road continued as the hosts recovered from an early setback, with the 36-year-old former Arsenal and Chelsea forward inspiring the turnaround in a charged atmosphere in the South of France.
Harvey Barnes had given Newcastle the ideal start with a composed finish in the sixth minute, following a superb headed clearance on the line from Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg to deny Malick Thiaw.
But the visitors, who have managed only one away win all season, retreated and allowed Marseille to seize control, creating a steady stream of chances for Aubameyang. The Gabon striker was wasteful before the interval but emerged rejuvenated for the second half.
The second 45 minutes saw Marseille go up a level
Barely a minute after the restart, 17-year-old Darryl Bakola slid a pass into the right-hand channel behind Newcastle’s defence. Nick Pope rushed out in anticipation of Aubameyang’s run but was stranded as the forward guided a precise finish from a tight angle.
Marseille doubled their lead four minutes later when Timothy Weah burst past Tino Livramento and delivered a low cross that Aubameyang met ahead of Fabian Schar at the near post.
The goal sparked jubilant celebrations from Roberto de Zerbi on the touchline, and the Marseille manager was again punching the air at full-time as his side secured their second win of the campaign. The result lifts them to nineteenth in the standings, while Newcastle sit eighth.
There's a familiar theme developing
As strong as Newcastle have been at St James’ Park, their troubles on the road persist, even when they strike first.
Eddie Howe’s side have now taken the lead in three successive away matches, against Marseille, Brentford and West Ham, yet have lost all three. This latest setback will feel particularly painful, coming so soon after an impressive league win over Manchester City.
Newcastle could have few complaints. They failed to build on their early advantage and were fortunate to reach the interval in front after Marseille passed up a series of opportunities.
The hosts emerged for the second half with renewed purpose, Aubameyang in particular. Howe had suggested beforehand that the striker looked as sharp as ever, and the Marseille forward duly proved him right.
Newcastle contributed to their own downfall from the restart, surrendering possession and losing key duels in the Marseille half before Nick Pope’s misjudged charge off his line. Anthony Gordon was left with his head in his hands as Aubameyang swept in the equaliser, and matters deteriorated further minutes later when the striker struck again, leaving Fabian Schar floored.
Howe turned to his bench, bringing on Lewis Hall, Lewis Miley, Anthony Elanga and record signing Nick Woltemade, but the visitors never truly threatened an equaliser.
They remain a surprisingly fragile proposition away from home, with just one win in all competitions on their travels in the past seven months, a 4-0 victory at Union Saint Gilloise in the Champions League.
