Newcastle delivered a commanding performance with a 4-0 victory on the road against Belgian champions Union Saint-Gilloise (USG). Eddie Howe's side were clinical going forward, with the trio of Anthony Elanga, Nick Woltemade, and Anthony Gordon linking up effectively in their first joint start. Woltemade opened the scoring with a sharp finish, Gordon converted two penalties, and substitute Harvey Barnes added the final goal.

The visitors got off to a lively start, breaking through USG’s press with crisp passing that led to an early blocked shot from Elanga. Newcastle continued to apply pressure, forcing the home side to defend a series of set pieces, including a trademark long throw from Dan Burn. Their persistence paid off when USG failed to clear an Elanga delivery properly. Sandro Tonali met the loose ball with a composed side-footed volley, which Woltemade cleverly redirected past Kjell Scherpen, who was left stranded.

USG responded with a brief spell of pressure, advancing quickly into Newcastle’s half and earning several set pieces of their own. Two shots from the edge of the box by Adem Zorgane tested the defense, but Nick Pope handled both with ease.

Despite that response, Newcastle remained in control and unshaken. They navigated USG’s pressing game with confidence, frequently breaking lines through the intelligent interplay of Woltemade and the dynamic dribbling of Elanga. Joelinton nearly added a second in the 26th minute, narrowly missing the far post with a header from Kieran Trippier’s volleyed cross.

Elanga was central to Newcastle’s next breakthrough. Cutting in from the left, the Swedish international dazzled with quick footwork to beat Ousseynou Niang. His slightly overhit touch drew a desperate lunge from Fedde Lysen, who brought Elanga down just inside the box. Gordon stepped up to take the penalty and "calmly sent Sherpen the wrong way," placing his shot in the bottom right corner.

After halftime, Newcastle maintained their intensity. Woltemade’s quick movement freed up Elanga again, whose powerful strike was parried by Scherpen. USG responded with a chance of their own, as Anan Kahalili curled an effort just wide before Pope made back-to-back saves—denying a tight-angle shot from Niang and another long-range attempt from Zorgane.

But Newcastle quickly reasserted themselves. Just past the hour mark, Gordon whipped in a dangerous cross that bounced up and struck Lysen’s arm during a tussle with Woltemade. Following a VAR review, the referee awarded another penalty. Gordon stepped up once more, and although Scherpen guessed correctly this time, the forward's shot was too precise, rifling into the side netting.

To their credit, USG continued to push for a consolation goal. However, Howe made several substitutions in the 73rd minute, injecting pace and energy into his side. The fourth goal came from a rapid counterattack, beginning with Gordon regaining possession near his own box. He launched a break led by William Osula, who held up play before releasing Barnes. The winger appeared to hesitate, giving the defender a chance to challenge, but his effort deflected off the tackle and looped into the net.

Heading into this fixture, Newcastle’s wide players had only one assist between them. Howe will no doubt be encouraged by this attacking display as his squad begins to hit their stride in the 2025/26 campaign.