Steve McClaren was the least surprised man in St James’ Park last night as Florian Thauvin had a full debut to remember, with a goal and three assists to break Northampton Town hearts.
“You never know what to expect but I’ve seen a lot of him,” the Newcastle United head coach said. “He has looked great in training and he is confident, has great ability and the key thing about him is he can score and he can assist. He’s a big asset to us.”
Newcastle made nine changes from their heroics in the Barclays Premier League on Saturday, when they secured a 0-0 draw against Manchester United, at Old Trafford — but the £12 million signing from Marseilles set them on their way in the third minute, when he leapt and stretched to turn home a left-wing cross.
Five minutes later, he was powering in a free kick from the other flank, which Siem de Jong got the slightest of touches to, on its way into the far corner.
Northampton refused to be walked over, though, and Marc Richards, their captain, quickly pulled a goal back from the penalty spot to the delight of their 1,000-strong following.
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Admirably, they pushed for an equalising goal before the break, and twice went close, while Newcastle continually threatened to pick them off on the counterattack.
Daryl Janmaat twice went close and De Jong had two chances in a minute on the stroke of half-time, but all those went begging.
When Yoan Gouffran powered a good chance wide on the resumption, there looked as though there was scope for potential nerves, but then Thauvin stepped in for another quickfire contribution. In the 56th minute, he produced the slick end to a fine move with a reverse pass to Janmaat, who made no mistake with a low shot from close range.
Newcastle did not have to wait long for another assist for a goal from Thauvin. This time, his free kick from deep on the left was headed home by Mike Williamson, the defender, at the far post to confirm Newcastle’s place in the third round.
It could be argued that McClaren had taken a risk with so many team changes, albeit in a competition he has stressed he wants to do well in. The evidence of the evening, however, suggests that the strength in depth that he wants to bring to the squad, is starting to develop.
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Newcastle United (4-2-3-1): K Darlow — D Janmaat, J Lascelles, M Williamson, M Haïdara (I Toney, 78min) — Y Gouffran, C Tioté — R Aarons, S De Jong, F Thauvin (A Mitrovic, 65) — Pérez (J Colback, 72). Substitutes not used: R Elliott, C Mbemba, P Dummett, G Wijnaldum. Booked: Tiote, Perez.
Northampton Town (4-5-1): R Clarke — A Yates, R McDonald, R Cresswell, D Buchanan — J Byrom, R Watson (S Hoskins, 62), A Potter (L D’Ath, 62), J Taylor, N Adams — M Richards (D Calvert-Lewin, 75). Substitutes not used: A Smith, P Corry, J O’Toole, C Hackett. Booked: Yates, Cresswell.
Referee: D Coote.