DeAndre Yedlin may not have started on Saturday, but the U.S. Men’s National Team fullback played a big part in Newcastle’s win over Derby County.
Yedlin scored his first goal for his new club as a second-half substitute in the Magpie’s 2-0 victory away at Derby County. The goal put Newcastle up by two in second half stoppage time, all but sealing the win.
In the 91st minute, after holding the ball in the corner, Newcastle outwitted the stretched Derby defense when Jonjo Shelvy suddenly switched the ball to Ayoze Pérez, who smartly slipped the ball into the late run of Yedlin. The USMNT fullback sped into the box and put his body on the line by challenging both a defender and the Derby keeper for the ball, beating them both out to put Newcastle up two late.
Yedlin’s late heroics for the Geordies put the game beyond reach for Derby and assured the three points for Newcastle, continuing their early success in the Championship this season.
The American international came on for the visiting team in the 73rd minute for Yoan Gouffran, who himself scored from a corner midway through the first half, a vicious volley which gave Derby keeper Scott Carson no chance. After receiving a yellow card in the 60th minute, Gouffran was subbed off for Yedlin, who added more width and pace to the side in the game’s closing stages.
Playing more as a winger than his usual position as full-back, Yedlin played well for Newcastle in his late-game appearance, making smart passes and swift runs behind the Derby back line.
Here’s a closer look at Yedlin’s goal:
