Eddie Howe's Newcastle reign began with a thrilling 3-3 draw with Brentford and Alan Shearer has perfectly summed up the feelings of many Newcastle fans after the game.
The Magpies legend tweeted: "Much better going forward but so bad defensively again for the Toon."
Howe's side - encouraged from the touchline by assistant manager Jason Tindall due to a positive Covid test for the new manager - took the lead early on through a Jamaal Lascelles header from a corner.
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However, Brentford turned the game on its head soon after as they went straight up the other end and scored through Ivan Toney. The striker's shot went through the body of Karl Darlow, meaning that Newcastle barely held the lead for any time at all.
Minutes later, Toney thought he'd made it 2-1 but his strike was ruled offside. However, Rico Henry did score Brentford's second goal as the home side struggled to contain waves of Brentford attacks.
The momentum swung back to Newcastle after Brentford took the lead. Allan Saint-Maximin began to find pockets of space to pick the ball up and drive at the Brentford defence and a loose ball fell to Joelinton, who powered in to make it 2-2 before half-time.
There were only two goals in the second half, as Brentford substitute Frank Onyeka hit a shot from the edge of the box which was deflected past Darlow. Newcastle came on strong again after falling behind and this time it was Saint-Maximin who equalised with a volley at the back post.
The mercurial forward then created an excellent chance for Joelinton as he dribbled past several players before passing to the Brazilian. Joelinton stalled rather than taking what looked like an open shot and was dispossessed.
As the game ended 3-3, it suggests that Newcastle will look a lot more dangerous in attack under Howe. However, there is far more work to be done in the defensive side of the game and it may well be the area of the team which is given the most attention during the January transfer window.
