With the hosts having prevailed in eight of Newcastle’s last 11 league visits, history leaned firmly in United’s favour. Ruben Amorim embraced that precedent with a decisive tactical adjustment. Missing captain Bruno Fernandes through injury and depleted further by AFCON absences, the Portuguese coach abandoned his customary 3-4-3 in favour of a 4-2-3-1, deploying Dorgu high on the right flank.
The bold move was rewarded midway through the first half. Diogo Dalot’s long throw was only half-cleared by Nick Woltemade, and the loose ball sat invitingly for Dorgu, who lashed a first-time volley beyond the stranded Aaron Ramsdale. It was a finish of rare clarity and conviction, sealing the Dane’s maiden goal for the club in emphatic style.
Newcastle emerged with renewed purpose after the interval, controlling vast stretches of the second half and amassing 76% possession. Lewis Miley came agonisingly close to restoring parity when his long-range strike cannoned off the crossbar, while Senne Lammens was forced into a sharp save to repel a Bruno Guimarães header.
Yet United endured. Under sustained late pressure and a barrage of Magpies corners, a patched-up defence marshalled by the returning Lisandro Martínez stood resolute. The final whistle preserved United’s remarkable 47-year unbeaten home record on Boxing Day.
The defeat leaves Eddie Howe’s side marooned in mid-table, while United edge firmly into the Champions League discussion.
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