‘Have a word with yourself!’ - Newcastle United v Brentford officials slammed after controversy

Callum Wilson’s solitary strike was enough for Newcastle United to get back to winning ways at St James’ Park last night. And how they needed it, heading into what is a crucial week of football for Eddie Howe & Co.

It wasn’t the prettiest from the Magpies, but, in truth, three points was all that mattered, as pressure was released domestically with a return to Champions League football just around the corner.

Here’s five things to take from the encounter on Tyneside.

Why this means more than just three points

I’ll start this analysis with a bit of a theoretical one, rather than a deep dive on the game, which to be fair, was a one for the purist.

This is the week we’ve all been waiting. Back where we belong, back in the big time. The last thing anyone wanted was it to be framed by a Premier League slump.

However, with the pressure valve released in domestic competition, everyone can again go back to looking forward to a Champions League bow on the biggest stage, in the San Siro.

Early disconnect between front six - but improved as time went on

Now the flowery stuff is out of the way, let’s talk about the game. Four changes in the front six was telling.

It was a brave move by Howe, but injury did force his hand, somewhat.

While Sean Longstaff grew into it with a healthy dose of rust, Bruno Guimaraes was much better, Elliot Anderson drifted in and out.

They struggled to link with the front three as Wilson cut a frustrated figure until it opened up in the second period.

That links got better as the game went on.

The Barnes and Gordon tale of two halves

Every man and his dog has been calling for summer signing Harvey Barnes to get a start.

It’s hard to say he repaid the crowd’s faith with his first half performance, as he looked tentative and hesitant when given the chance to attack the full-back.

That was in direct contrast to Anthony Gordon. He was switched to the right and was easily the best of a bad bunch. He was probably the only threat in the opening 45.

That kind of flipped on its head in the second 45, with Barnes the aggressor and Gordon a little less impactful. It was a real positive to see Barnes rise to the occasion.

Callum Wilson - a proper No.9

As if we needed reminding, Wilson is a proper No.9.

He’s well on the way to becoming Newcastle’s second highest scorer in the Premier League behind Alan Shearer - and this was a performance the main would have been proud of.

Had the referee not made some bizarre calls, I’ll come on to that, he could’ve had a hat-trick, was strong, physical and led the line from the front.

Howe has an interesting call to make on Tuesday, with Alexander Isak probably lined up to come back in, before Wilson’s positive show.

Craig Pawson have a word with yourself

Newcastle United won, yes, but they did so in spite of referee Pawson.

From the off he gave fouls that were not, and missed so many infringements on United bodies.

The second penalty should not have been overturned, and Wilson’s disallowed goal should have stood.

The focus would have been very much on Pawson had Brentford mustered an equaliser late on.