Newcastle escaped the San Siro with a point against AC Milan in their Champions League return to mixed reactions, but former striker Les Ferdinand has since complimented the Magpies.
Eddie Howe’s team faced a difficult trip to the Italian heavyweights in the club’s first appearance in the competition in almost two decades, and they were under great pressure for the majority of the game.
Goalkeeper Nick Pope assisted in keeping the scores level, and the game ended 0-0 in a one-sided affair, with Newcastle failing to make a mark in attack.
Nonetheless, Ferdinand has recently stated on EUROSPORT that a draw at the San Siro is an excellent result for the team, especially given the significance of the event.
“First and foremost, it’s great to see Newcastle back in the Champions League, and they’ve done such a fantastic job to get themselves there,” he said.
“It was always going to be difficult for Newcastle to come into this game, as they weren’t playing their best football, but they’re back in the Champions League, which should give everyone a boost.”They went to Milan, to the San Siro, and for many of these players, it was their first time playing in the Champions League, so I think they did very well.
“Held on in the first half, Nick Pope had to make some good saves, but the team itself, to put in a dogged display, and as Eddie Howe said at the end of it, another nil-nil, a clean sheet at the San Siro, they’d be more than delighted with that.”
A good point
Newcastle would have taken a draw at the San Siro before the group stages began. In this group of death, all points gained on the road will be doubled because all four teams have a solid chance of qualifying.
If Newcastle can win their home games, draws away from home will be wonderful outcomes. While they did not play to their best abilities and were arguably fortunate not to concede considering the Milan pressure, the outcome is one that Newcastle will be pleased with.
Games against PSG and Borussia Dortmund will also be challenging, but Newcastle may take comfort in the knowledge that they currently have a point in the group.