Newcastle United recovered from a 2-0 deficit away to Club Brugge on Thursday night but were unable to grab a third goal that would have given them their first away win of the season.
Ivan Trickovski and then Jesper Jorgensen gave the Belgians a 2-0 lead before 20 minutes, however the Magpies were level before half-time with goals from Vurnon Anita and Shola Ameobi in the final five minutes of the period.
Newcastle pressed hard for the first 25 minutes of the second period but could have even lost the game but for a solid performance by Tim Krul.
Here, Sports Mole dissects the 2-2 draw in Belgium.
Match statistics:
Brugge:
Shots 15
On target 7
Possession 54%
Corners 5
Fouls 9
Newcastle:
Shots 15
On target 8
Possession 46%
Corners 6
Fouls 9
Was the result fair?
It has to be said, yes. Overall, Newcastle probably dominated for longer periods but the chances were split pretty much evenly. Krul was called upon a lot in the final 20 minutes, although the visitors could have been ahead by that point. Overall it would have been unfair on whichever side had lost this.
Brugge's performance
Encouraging. Although they were shaky at the back and had no answer at all to the elder Ameobi, they were a constant threat on the break and dominated the last quarter of the match. There is a lot to be encouraged about for whoever takes over from Georges Leekens, who was fired on Sunday.
Newcastle's performance
Pretty good overall, but they will be disappointed about the goals conceded. For the first, Trickovski was given far too much time to control a long ball and Krul was too slow to react for Jorgensen's strike from range. In attack, both Ameobis threatened throughout and the performance of Obertan will please Alan Pardew.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Shola Ameobi: He scored a very good equaliser but more importantly he was at the heart of everything Newcastle produced in attack. He won countless headers, held up the ball plenty of times and combined well particularly with his younger brother and Obertan.
Biggest gaffe
There weren't many errors in the game, so this is harsh, but it has to be Krul for Brugge's second goal. It took him an age to react to Jorgensen's frankly weak shot and, although well placed in the corner, it could have been kept out.
Referee's performance
Luca Banti is known for his eagerness to wave cards, but every one he gave was warranted. He was correct not to award Brugge a second-half penalty and controlled the game well. For the most part he blended into the game, which is high praise for a referee.
What next?
Brugge: Brugge will be looking to recover from three straight league defeats away to Anderlecht on Sunday and have another away trip six days later at Beveren.
Newcastle: Newcastle have a couple of home fixtures in a row as West Ham United visit on Sunday before Swansea City arrive six days after that.
Matt Domm
