The A-League Men All Stars team stands united before their dominating performance against Newcastle United. © Twitter (@aleaguemen)
A dominant performance from the A-League Men All Stars saw them thrash a youthful Newcastle United side 8-0 in a lopsided friendly at Marvel Stadium on Friday night.
The match, played under the watchful eye of Socceroos coach Graham Arnold, was a baptism by fire for a Newcastle team missing their senior players after their midweek clash with Tottenham Hotspur. The All Stars, boasting a squad brimming with A-League experience, capitalized on the gulf in class to deliver a resounding victory.
Dominant Display from the All-Stars
The All-Stars wasted no time asserting their authority. Wellington Phoenix striker Ben Old scored in the fifth minute, followed by a Nicolas Milanovic (Western Sydney Wanderers) strike 20 minutes later. Socceroo spearhead Adam Taggart (Perth Glory) added his name to the scoresheet in the 34th minute, putting the home side in control.
Stamatelopoulos Shines, Irankunda Makes Impact
Newcastle Jets forward Apostolos Stamatelopoulos, hoping to impress Arnold and earn a maiden Socceroos call-up, grabbed a brace in the second half (62nd and 74th minutes). The 22-year-old showcased his attacking prowess with clinical finishes.
The introduction of Bayern Munich-bound wonderkid Nestory Irankunda in the 71st minute sparked further life into the All-Stars. Despite a limited 20-minute cameo, Irankunda’s impact was undeniable. He showcased his electric pace and set up Stamatelopoulos’ second goal, further highlighting his potential.
While the young Newcastle team displayed glimpses of promise, particularly from Garang Kuol, who nearly set up a chance in the opening minutes, they were ultimately outclassed by the physicality and experience of the All-Stars. The gulf in quality was evident throughout the match, with Newcastle struggling to contain the attacking threat posed by their opponents.
Late Goals Round Out the Rout
The All-Stars continued to pile on the pressure in the second half. In the final stages, goals from Jake Hollman, Jordan Courtney-Perkins, and Bozhidar Kraev sealed a comprehensive victory for the home side.
This match was a valuable learning experience for Newcastle’s young guns, highlighting the areas they need to improve to compete at the highest level. The All Stars, meanwhile, showcased the depth and quality of the A-League, sending a strong message to domestic and international audiences.
The A-League All Stars delivered a masterclass against a young Newcastle United side, showcasing their experience and talent. While the scoreline may not reflect it, Newcastle’s youngsters gained valuable experience in this lopsided encounter.
