Rio Ferdinand commended Eddie Howe and Newcastle United for brilliantly executing a “flawless” game plan in their remarkable 4-1 victory over Paris Saint-Germain at St James’ Park on Wednesday. The goals from Miguel Almiron, Fabian Schar, and the local duo of Dan Burn and Sean Longstaff secured this historic win. Ferdinand expressed, “Their performance was impeccable in every aspect. They embraced high-risk, pressing football, and it yielded impressive results.”
Newcastle United were “perfect all over the pitch” in their thumping 4-1 win over Paris Saint-Germain, says TNT Sports expert Rio Ferdinand
Miguel Almiron gave the Magpies a dream start as UEFA Champions League football returned to St James’ Park for the first time in 20 years.
Local lad Dan Burn doubled Newcastle’s lead with a powerful header – confirmed after a lengthy VAR review – before fellow Geordie Sean Longstaff netted a third.
Lucas Hernandez got a goal back to breathe some life into the match for PSG, but a 91st-minute Fabian Schar wonder strike sealed victory for Newcastle.
Eddie Howe was asked how Newcastle planned to cope with the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele before the game, and Ferdinand said he wouldn’t have needed to touch a “Plan B”.
“It was a team game plan, they set it out, and they stuck to it, to a man.
“They were perfect all over the pitch. They played high-risk football, pressing football and it paid off.
“These fans have to take some credit as well, the way that they’ve played their part.
“What is at the heart of this? What is at the heart of a performance like that? What do you need on a day like this? Desire, the work ethic, the intensity, all of those layers they had. And the quality.”
St James’ Park was in a celebratory mood after the game as Newcastle leapfrogged PSG to top the so-called ‘Group of Death’.
AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund drew 0-0 in Group F’s other tie, and the Magpies welcome the latter to the North East for their next Champions League fixture.
As the players showed their appreciation to the fans following the game, Ferdinand encouraged them to enjoy “one of those nights” that will stay with them for the “rest of their careers”.
“Dan Burn, what a great story, as well you’ve got two local lads [Burn and Longstaff] getting on the scoresheet, what a moment,” said Ferdinand.
“The guys on the pitch, stay out there for as long as you can, stay out there and soak this up because this is the type of night you don’t get many of, and it will stay with you for the rest of your career.
“It was such a perfect performance, tonight is one of those nights for Newcastle.”
Howe expressed his feelings afterward, describing it as an “incredible evening.” He went on to express his delight for the club and the supporters, acknowledging the incredible support they provided.