First-half thoughts on Newcastle/MU:
-Smalling was late with his challenge on Dwight Gayle and didn't win the ball. That should have been a penalty on the very edge of the box for Newcastle.
-Sublime ball Matic played into Martial, splitting the two Newcastle players perfectly. Martial could have done better with his finishing there.
-Matt Ritchie released Kenedy on the right channel beautifully as well. Kenedy also took a nice shot with pace to keep DDG honest prior to that.
-Lukaku's hold-up play has been brilliant, particularly noticeable in his own half to start the United break.
-Lascelles has been composed and organized in front of Dubravka. You'd expect nothing less from your club's skipper.
-Alexis never stops working and his football IQ is astronomical. The reverse ball he hit, diving header to play in his teammate, that short, looping ball he often likes to play into the box, etc. The list goes on. Most of United's chances are coming through the left channel, courtesy of Sanchez and Martial.
