Can Aston Villa Silence the Ghostly North Stand and Break Newcastle’s Twelfth Man Curse?
Newcastle United found themselves in a hole against Bournemouth when they met in the Premier League last weekend.
Marcus Tavernier’s early strike and a bizarre own goal from Malick Thiaw put the Cherries 2-0 up at St James’ Park but Newcastle responded immediately with a Harvey Barnes pearler. Eventually, Jacob Ramsey added a second to salvage a point.
Anecdotally, it was one of those days when it feels as if the supporters deserve a slice of the credit. Noise and colour, colour and noise. The twelfth man might not show up in the numbers but every football fan knows its potential.
Will the Lions’ roar be diminished this season?
It’s a feeling, really. Most of us have to imagine it but it’s hard to believe that the ferocious encouragement of thousands wouldn’t have an effect. How could it not?
Even in the precise and professional world of Premier League football, atmosphere matters. Players might not be unduly intimidated even by the great cauldrons of the game nowadays, but the sense of uplift for the other side must be intoxicating.
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