Veteran Striker Heeds Howe's Warning with Match-Winning Performance
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe's pre-match warning about the enduring threat of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang proved tragically prophetic as the veteran striker orchestrated a stunning second-half comeback for Marseille in the Champions League. The 36-year-old forward, described by Howe as being "as good as ever", scored two goals in five minutes to overturn Harvey Barnes' first-half opener and secure a vital 2-1 victory for the French side.
Newcastle's Bright Start Fades as Marseille Dominate
The match began promisingly for the visitors from Tyneside, with Eddie Howe implementing an innovative 3-5-2 formation that successfully accommodated both Harvey Barnes and Anthony Gordon in the starting lineup. This tactical adjustment, which involved the duo operating as a front two, paid early dividends when Barnes opened the scoring. The breakthrough came after Sandro Tonali, described as "virtually undroppable" on Tyneside, burst forward and found Gordon, who teed up Barnes to fire home his third goal in two games from around 10 yards.
Newcastle's high-pressing approach initially unsettled Marseille, but the intensity proved unsustainable. The French side gradually grew into the game, dominating possession and creating chances. Mason Greenwood, facing Premier League opposition for the first time since his departure from Manchester United, was instrumental in Marseille's attacking play, notably setting up Aubameyang for a first-half chance that forced a smart save from Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope.
Aubameyang's Second-Half Masterclass
The match turned dramatically within seconds of the second-half restart. In a moment that exposed Newcastle's defensive vulnerabilities, Aubameyang latched onto a long ball and rounded the advancing Pope, who had inexplicably rushed off his line, before finishing expertly from a tight angle to level the scores just 18 seconds after the break.
The Gabon international wasn't finished there. Five minutes later, he completed the turnaround with a superb near-post half-volley from Timothy Weah's cross, leaving Pope with no chance. The quickfire double from the former Arsenal striker thoroughly dissected Newcastle's rearguard and transformed the atmosphere inside the spectacularly designed Stade Vélodrome.
Howe responded by switching to a back four and introducing a raft of substitutes including Lewis Miley and Lewis Hall, but the changes failed to upstage Aubameyang, who received a standing ovation when substituted late in the game. Despite Joe Willock testing Marseille goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli with a driven effort, Newcastle couldn't find an equaliser.
Champions League Implications
The defeat means Newcastle's persistent travel sickness in Europe continues, potentially requiring them to navigate playoffs to advance in the competition. While they retain genuine hopes of progression, this result represents a significant setback in their Champions League ambitions. For Marseille and their veteran striker, however, this dramatic comeback has revitalised their prospects of springtime European football, with Aubameyang delivering a performance that truly redefines the term "evergreen".
