Simply the Best!

Both Aston Villa and Newcastle retained their unbeaten starts to the season at Villa Park this afternoon, but it should have been Newcastle who spoiled the party by claiming all three points from the second city.

The away side were much improved in comparison to recent performances and finally started to show glimpses of what some people have been saying all along – this team has potential.

Although it’s important not to get too carried after just one performance, irrespective of how impressive it was, I have to say that Yohan Cabaye was excellent in the middle of the park and was unlucky not to score at least one goal after forcing one fantastic save from Shay Given, cracking another fantastic shot off the Villa crossbar and wasting a glorious opportunity after his movement had created the perfect passing opportunity for Sylvain Marveaux to find him at the far post.

I’ll go into the match in a bit more detail below, but to highlight just how much the match was dominated by NUFC I thought I’d pluck some match stats from The Guardian out and present them to you before I get going on the report.


Aston Villa Newcastle
Shots at goal 11 22
Shots on target 2 6
Corners 4 9
Fouls 13 10
Bookings 1 1
Possesion 41% 59%

The visitors started off brightly and looked neat and assured in possession. Yohan Cabaye was first to have a crack at the Villa goal just six minutes in although his shot swerved wide of Shay Given’s right post. Ryan Taylor tried another one of his “over the wall” specials only for it not to be so special this time and actually find the wall instead, while Gabriel Obertan sent former Mag Shay Given backpeddling and forced him to tip over a dangerous shot-cum-cross.

All of that in the opening 12 minutes contributed to a bright start for Newcastle. It was more than just the attempts at goal that was impressive though as Newcastle controlled pretty much all of the opening exchanges with a combination of measured tackling and clever passing. It was much improved from Monday night at QPR, even at this early juncture.

The predictable kick in the nuts arrived soon after though when Barry Bannan crossed in from the left for Gabriel Agbonlahor who found his first time shot at goal blocked by Fabricio Coloccini. Unfortunately for the Argie the loose ball fell kindly for the Villa man who calmly slid the ball past Tim Krul from six or so yards out. By Colo’s usual standards it was an error and he could have dealt with it better first time round

I said at the time that I wondered if we would get back into the game. Despite the dominance, which continued after the Villa goal by the way, we never really looked like scoring. Essentially we weren’t doing anything wrong, it was just that the final pass or ball just wasn’t coming off for one reason or another.

It nearly hurt us further when Stiliyan Petrov squared the ball for Darren Bent eight yards out only for the former Mackem to scuff his shot wide when it seemed easier to score. With 26 minutes gone a second goal would have been terminal to our hopes of getting a draw. We escaped that one although it could be argued that with the way we had been paying we deserved a slice of luck.

Newcastle did have chances of their own however. Steven Taylor forced a fine save from Shay Given when he volleyed at goal from a Yohan Cabaye corner. Then Jonas Gutierrez spooned over from inside the box when he really should have tested the keeper before Demba Ba had a shot on the turn deflected over the bar.

It wasn’t enough though and the hosts went in for their half-time brew 1-0 up.

Villa made a better start to the second half and could have extended their lead had Agbonlahor not stabbed narrowly wide in the 47th minute. The home sides reprisal didn’t last long however and Newcastle were soon back on top with Yohan Cabaye and Cheik Tiote combining to great effect through the middle.

In fact it was the latter of the two who can claim an assist for the equaliser for their efforts. Yohan Cabaye smacked a shot towards goal which beat Shay Given all ends up only for the ball to bounce back off the crossbar. Cheik Tiote managed to get hold of the resulting loose ball and swung a cross in from the left for Leon Best who aimed his point blank header straight at Shay Given only to benefit from being in the right place in the right time for the rebound which was duly despatched into the back of the net.

I don’t know what it is about Best. He is by no means the ‘best’ player we’ve had, but he has a damn good knack of being in the right place at the right time. At this moment in time he is on course to better Andy Carroll’s Premier League goal return for us, in less games I’ll hasten to add.

From the moment Leon Best equalised there was only going to be one winner, and it wasn’t the home side. Newcastle continued to dominate although they nearly became the architects of their own downfall when a mistake by Steven Taylor allowed Darren Bent a shot at goal. Fortunately his chip had neither the power or direction to cost us which allowed Taylor to get back and make amends for his error.

Further chances followed for Newcastle through Yohan Cabaye who forced another fine save from Given after unleashing a fierce volley at goal. And the Frenchman very nearly opened his account his scoring account yet again for the Toon when his clever movement in the dying moments opened up a pass for Marveuax to find Cabaye at the far post although unfortunately he fired over after a nice little chest down.

There was even a moment of controversy when Sammy Ameobi had a fantastic goal disallowed thanks to the interference from the Assistant Referee who, despite being further away from the action than the actual referee, somehow managed to over-rule his superior which forced play to be called back after Ameobi Jnr had nailed the Villa defence and found the back of the net with an acute finish over Shay Given.

All in all it’s a point well deserved. We were very good today and could have easily taken all three points away from Villa Park. Still, we remain undefeated, and with a home game against Blackburn following the midweek trip to Nottingham Forest in the Carling Cup we have the perfect opportunity to extend that run of unbeaten form.

Howay the lads!

Aston Villa: Shay Given, Alan Hutton, James Collins, Richard Dunne, Stephen Warnock, Barry Bannan, Stiliyan Petrov, Fabien Delph, Charles N’Zogbia, Darren Bent, Gabriel Agbonlahor

Subs: Brad Guzan, Nathan Delfouneso, Marc Albrighton, Ciaran Clark, Chris Herd, Shane Lowry, Gary Gardner

Newcastle United: Tim Krul; Danny Simpson, Fabricio Coloccini (c), Steven Taylor, Ryan Taylor; Gabriel Obertan, Cheik Tiote, Yohan Cabaye, Jonas Gutierrez; Demba Ba, Leon Best

Subs: Rob Elliot, James Perch, Danny Guthrie, Sylvain Marveaux, Sammy Ameobi, Shola Ameobi, Peter Lovenkrands

Tags

« Game on! Aston Villa v Newcastle!  |  Aston Villa 1-1 Newcastle – Match highlights and managerial interview videos »  
 

155 Comments

  1. 1
  2. 2
    mark says:

    good analysis toonsy. did u watch the match twice already :)

    its either that or you had a better streaming game than me..:)

  3. 3
    Beardsleys Boots says:

    wonder if we get more than 90 seconds on Match of the Day :wink:

  4. 4
    Big Dave says:

    Toonsy good job mate and I cant really add owt to it

  5. 5
    mark says:

    any1 know why Gosling didnt make the bench. Is he injured?

    Can’t wait to see more of Marv, some tidy touches and quick passing. Obertan looked much better 2day when winging it, still more to come from him me thinks.

  6. 6
    Moreno says:

    Absolutely cracking report mate. I would be surprised if even Villa fans come on and argue it. They had very few chances and you’ve highlighted them all.

  7. 7
    asim says:

    sammy and marveaux are better on the ball then those who came off…they made us go forward more and with control of the ball..

  8. 8
    Moreno says:

    ASIM,

    I agree with that mate, would you not put that down to them being fresh though whilst Villa defence (Dunne and Collins not being spring chickens) would have been tiring?

  9. 9
    mark says:

    not getting carried away but I’m quite optimistic considering the team we had out + subs to come on. Best looking the part now.

    Glad to see Smith dropped from the squad.

    Decent squad altho a little light in defence but we also have Willo, Vuckic, Benny and Santon to add. Looking good imo

  10. 10
    Army69 says:

    Cabaye man of the match for me!! What a fecking shot on him and his shots are so accurate !!! Hell of a buy for the toon and only 4.3 million!!! Class !! Also well done to ba today , by a mile his best game for the toon !!! Would play him over shola any day!!!

  11. 11
    Moreno says:

    Mark,

    …and Gosling mate. He had a solid pre-season.

  12. 12
    badger says:

    Interesting to note tha Best has scored 9 goals in 2011 compared to Andy Carols 2 !!
    The stats tell everything despite Matt Le Tssiers comments to the contray on Sky sports soccer Saturday. Cabaye is only just beginning his transition into the premiere league and once he becomes more settled in the English game he can only go from strenghth to strength. Come on the Toon

  13. 13
    mark says:

    @Moreno

    oh aye, m8. silly me, was just asking why he was dropped just b4 that.

    onwards and upwards. Seems like Pards plays his part with his man-managing skills, according to best’ interview.

  14. 14
    Beardsleys Boots says:

    once we turn possesion into goals we will be laughing.
    Can see Cabaye being made club captain in the future.
    That was the kind of performance that will get bums out of seats.
    He was bloody unlucky not to bag a brace.

  15. 15
    Blackley & Brownlie says:

    Toonsy – I’ve disagreed with you on a few things and held back some criticism on other things. However, credit where it is due. I have to say that this piece is very well written, particularly given the time pressure. While I’m at it, I will also say that the articles on here are of a very good standard; you only need to look at many other sites for it to hit home. You suggested the other day that you felt like packing it in because of Troy and one or two others of us, and I hope that’s not the case.
    I only managed to listen to bits of the game on the radio and read your report, so can’t give a personal opinion as such. However, as I have often countered some people’s soaring aspirations of Cabaye, it seems credit is also due to him. Sounded like he had a canny game.
    I posted before the match that Best should be given the number 9 shirt. (Is that possible after he’s been allocated a number?) Its good to read from Mark’s Talksport link that Pards is bigging him up, which is something that I have been hoping for.

  16. 16
    Andy says:

    Cabaye pass completion if you take out corners was 89.85 .. 90%! Very good and that sort of performance is what some of the posters on here who weren’t so convinced by him have been waiting to see. Him and tiote were v good today. Lots of little passes between them also to keep possession ticking over. Also assist for tiote? Only good cross in the whole game from open play. Must work on that but v good performance and we deserved 3 points

  17. 17
    Beardsleys Boots says:

    Who got booked for us?

  18. 18
    Toon Chicken says:

    Very happy with that performance. Shame about the result, although we were very close to being 2-0, albeit undeservedly, so still pleased with the result.

    Still fourth and the best is yet to come. Quite exciting when you think of it like that.

    Fair play to Bobby for praising the lads too. One happy chicken here.

  19. 19
    mark says:

    nicely said Blackley & Brownlie regarding the site.

  20. 20
    hitman says:

    great game the day,well chuffed with how we played.
    fk nos how we didnt win..

  21. 21
    mark says:

    @B&B

    you should try this link: http://livefooty.doctor-serv.com/ if you dont mind watching games online.

    Download Sopcast first. While many other links cut off during stream I tend to find this one the most consistent. It has been for years.

  22. 22
    KillyMag says:

    Can any of the people slating obertan give a reasoned argument to back it up? I’m not looking for an argument, would just like to hear one. For me he’s getting better every game and his pace has helped us on the break as well as in defence.

  23. 23
    Munich Mag says:

    http://www.astonvilla-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/another_draw_700904/index.shtml

    Canny write up from the other side….the lad seems to think we’re in pretty good shape…

  24. 24
    Moreno says:

    Killy.

    I did mention in the game I thought we should change things as i thought he wasn’t doing too well. To be honest, I think Warnock just had a great game and it wasn’t so much Obertan. Warnock’s positioning play was top class and nullified his threat.

    I find Obertan most exciting when he runs through the middle to be honest…

  25. 25
    Groucho says:

    Great performance and I think we will get better. But why do some fans say the opposition were rubbish whenever we play well? Give the credit to the Toon. And why do the press report Newcastle hold Villa when it was the other way round?

  26. 26
    Jobey07 says:

    We’re last on MOTD tonight, the editor has already said,

  27. 27
    Army69 says:

    Owa the moon loven didnt play!!

  28. 28
    mark says:

    @Groucho

    ‘Newcastle hold Villa when it was the other way round’..

    I think it might be because they’re the home team? not sure tho

  29. 29
    toonsy says:

    Mark – To be honest I had a cracking stream.No interuptions all the way through,and it was HD :)

    B&B- Noce one mate.I’ve calmed down a bit from yesterday so we’ll just leaveit all where it was – yesterday:)

  30. 30
    Beardsleys Boots says:

    Arsenal fans having a reet good whinge on 606 :lol:
    Fans want communication from the board :shock:

  31. 31
    Beardsleys Boots says:

    Did anyone watch the B’burn game earlier.
    I know they won, but were they good?
    Do we have anything to fear for next week?

  32. 32
    Moreno says:

    BB,

    Aa lot of the jocks up her support them which I just don’t get. I like to wind them up so have adopted an Arsenal hatred stance.

    To be fair to them though, they have a lot to whinge about when it comes to this season’s results. They received some serious money for their best 2 players and should have brought in some more quality.

    Looking at how their new signings have settled…Arteta looks like he has been in their midfield years but Maertasacker (or whatever he is called) will take time to bed in and that Koscielny….Christ he has been awful.

  33. 33
    The Kid says:

    BB

    Blackburn were dominated for 80% of the game and the result seriously papers over the cracks. They should have been 3 or 4-0 down by halftime and got some incredibly fortunate goals.

    We will have to make special plans for both Holliet and Yakubu though. Confident about keeping Yakubu quiet, but Holliet… :roll:

  34. 34
    chuck says:

    Yeah ! entertaining game to watch.
    Unlike the horror show against QPR, is this gonna be a repeat of last season, where we never knew which side would show up on any given day ?
    Or is the side beginning to jell ?
    All three French mid-fielders, Obertan, Cabaye and (for the short stint) Marveaux, looked good, especially Cabaye, we can hopefully expect a lot more from him this season and don’t doubt he will become a fan favorite.
    Apart from a couple of miss-placed passes, Tiote did his job in front of the back four, without collecting a card.
    As for Best? he has shown himself to be a good poacher and a hard worker, deserving to start.
    Sure there’s room for improvement, we need reinforcements in defense and a striker, but there’s signs of jelling into a fairly decent side.
    Hopefully we can avoid injuries, by using a platooning system, resting those with minor injuries, at the same time giving match practice to others,
    as we still don’t have real quality in depth.
    Looking for a finish similar to that of last year, as we are not a top six side, but it’s nice to be up there for a change and it was good to see the side playing an entertaining style to-day.
    .

  35. 35
    Moreno says:

    The Kid,

    Saw that the Blackburn fans organised a march to get the manager out too? :D

    Sh*t, actually, just remembered I have a tenner on Agent Bruce to go first….

  36. 36
    funkyjesus says:

    THE LEGEND OF BEST.

    I have nothing else to add.

  37. 37
    Moreno says:

    The best thing is, we only have to wait a few days for our next footy fix. You dirty horrible junkies.

  38. 38
    Beardsleys Boots says:

    Thanks The Kid.
    Agree that Hoilett is a canny player like.
    Sounds like they wont get much of a confidence boost from their performance today, got fortunate with a couple og’s.
    Hopefully we can carry on from todays game and destroy them.
    Looking forwards to it.

  39. 39
    mark says:

    @toonsy

    aye, HD? could you pass over the link..

    I tend to stick to livefooty as ive ruined many P.C’s with viruses, lots with family images on..D’oh! so I dnt trust all links.

    Probably the porn tho where the viruses came from lol

  40. 40
    GS says:

    What I really liked about today’s game is that we played it on the floor, no hoofing it up the pitch. I think that plays to Cabaye and Tiote’s strengths and should keep Shola out of the team.

  41. 41
    The Kid says:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnCntiMHrUQ

    Just seen this. Best preview to date

  42. 42
    toonsy says:

    Mark – It was the one Batty posted

  43. 43
    The Kid says:

    Special mention for Tim Krul is in order. His distribution today was first class. Played it short to full-back 75% of the time.If he fixes his distribution he will become one of the Prem’s top keepers.

  44. 44
    mark says:

    @toonsy..
    ah, I used it, was canny but it froze on 75mins, reverted back to the tried and trusted..

  45. 45
    mark says:

    The Kid

    hear hear m8. I doubted him a little tbh b4 the season started. But I’m totally comfortable with his as No1. Very reassuring performance from him.

  46. 46
    nutmag says:

    BB@17
    Best goal celebration

  47. 47
    mark says:

    cabaye speaks..

    I think it & is a good point. It was much better than Monday (against QPR),” he told We played well today and we had opportunities to score several goals, but they had a good keeper

    “We wanted to play much higher than on Monday. We knew we had to shoot on target to have the chance to score a goal. We played well and were unlucky not to win.

    “Unfortunately for me I did not score, but I have to keep trying to shoot and hope to score very soon. I like to be on the edge of the box, to finish and I was very close today.

    “I will keep working and I hope a goal for me will come in the next game.”

  48. 48
    mark says:

    lol youve got to love Barton

    “I bet u Kelvin Henry feels like an idiot again today. He should just keep his trap firmly shut. #sundayleagueplayer” (101gg note: it is Karl Henry not Kelvin.)

    “‘Wolves snubbed me’ I read in this morning papers hahahahahaha….don’t know what Mick’s been smoking……#hesoffhisbarnet #porkypies”

  49. 49
  50. 50
    DJG says:

    Bring on Forest, they are second bottom or something, bit like the mackems. ;)

  51. 51
    toonsy says:

    DJG – We’ll probably lose. Steve McClaren will suddenyl find his mojo :???:

  52. 52
    Indian Ocean ToonArmy says:

    Cabaye is class.
    *Cue scathing condescending reply*

  53. 53
    TOONPIPES says:

    Excellent performance – to go a goal down away to Villa and fight back to the point where we ended up dominating + feeling disappointed that we didnt win, is seriously encouraging. No coincidence that this happened when Tiote and Cabaye clicked … Tiote was operating at normal speed rather than the slowed down version witnessed last few weeks. Belta.

  54. 54
    KillyMag says:

    Moreno,

    Aye Warnock did have a canny game, despite gabby giving him a dead leg early doors.I think obertan relieves a lot of pressure with his running, as well as dragging players out of position and creating space. A lot of his runs today ended in him coming inside and playing a short pass, rather than beating someone and whipping a ball in. People don’t see this as him doing anything special, but it stretches play and affords Cabaye et al time on the ball. I would like to see him getting to the byline a bit more but I’ll not slate him for not doing it…yet

  55. 55
    Beardsleys Boots says:

    So does anyone give any credit to Pardew, for getting the m/f playing further up the pitch? For not tinkering too much with the starting line up, for keeping faith with Besty etc.
    I think he is doing a good job with the squad that he has

  56. 56
    Geordie Deb says:

    Great game today, we looked 100 times better than Monday. Really chuffed not just with the result but the way we played. Wondering what Troy thought of Cabaye’s performance today?

  57. 57
    Beardsleys Boots says:

    Nutmag @ 46, cheers mate.

  58. 58
    Indian Ocean ToonArmy says:

    Deb,

    Troy will obviously think Cabaye isnt that good, still. And he’s got a good point, Cabaye’s had only a couple of good games for us so far. But, judging from his background and his real worth (approx 12mill euros), it’s obvious to me that he is CLASS. Just needs time to show…

  59. 59
    Indian Ocean ToonArmy says:

    and wow, barca are on FIRE!

  60. 60
    Geordie Deb says:

    Indian Ocean Toon Army – think he is showing enough for us to think he’s a class act just needs time to adapt to the premiership, his team mates and we’re also still developing Pardew’s new style of play.

  61. 61
    Pootle says:

    Well its good to see a match where we actually played well for a change.

    The improvement in general performance is by far the most important thing about this match.

    We simply couldn’t continue to play as badly as we have recently and keep expecting points.

    If we can now become more consistant and also a bit more clinical in front of goal we can at least put out a first 11 of decent quality.
    Our depth is still poor though and we are still weak at fullback.
    We will have to keep our fingers crossed we get no more injuries before January.

    Cabaye looked the part today. If he can continue in that vein he will perhaps fulfil the huge expectations many have already placed on his shoulders.
    I still hope he can eventually be our new Robert Lee but its still early yet, I hope people don’t get carried away too soon and expect too much yet.

    Villa looked below par but you can only play what’s in front of you and that shouldn’t detract too much from a much more solid performance.

  62. 62
    Geordie Deb says:

    What’s the Barca score now? Switched it on about half an hour ago and it was 5-0 and still had most of second half to go – so switched over again

  63. 63
    Geordie Deb says:

    Agree Pootle

  64. 64
    toonsy says:

    Deb – Was 8-0 not so long ago.

  65. 65
    Big Dave says:

    Deb @ 56 >
    Troy Stavers

    September 17, 2011 at 17:23

    That performance was great!

    Dominated Villa and how we didn’t come away with 3 points I do not know.

    Anyone this week who wants to praise Cabaye for an excellent performance won’t get any stick from me.

    Best is looking the part nowadays and is always looking dangerous.

    I’m not even going to mention any weaknesses, there were a few but that performance deserves nothing but praise!

    Get in!

    Toon! Toon!

  66. 66
    Pootle says:

    ” Cabaye is class. *Cue scathing condescending reply*”

    Wow. So shit stirring makes you morally superior somehow?
    Seems at least as trolly to me, but there you go.

  67. 67
    Big Dave says:

    BB I think Pards deserves alot of credit for more than just the MF etc, I think Pards has super man management skills that we the Fans wont really get to see how important they are

  68. 68
    Moreno says:

    Feels strange seeing Norwich and QPR in the Prem again.

    Keep expecting Swindon and Sheff Wed to pop up in the table!

  69. 69
    Moreno says:

    Evening Pootle.

    A lot of positives today, I just hope Pardew doesn’t let the players get carried away. In today’s age of social media, the fans get carried away very easily and take the players with them….Danny Simpson England call-up being a prime example.

  70. 70
    toonsy says:

    Moreno – And Oldham :D

  71. 71
    Moreno says:

    Just sent this in to skysports…

    “I would just like to say that Matt Le Tissier’s analysis of this game on Sky Sports News was nothing short of disgraceful.

    I suggest he look at the stats or better still, watch the game again and apologise to everyone watching the show.

    I have never seen a man grimace and pull faces as much as him in my life when it called for praise to be given to NUFC. He claims NUFC had ‘a couple of chances near the end’ and then on the skysports website we see Shay Given was their Man of the Match….funny that?

    If I wasn’t doing my job properly my employers would look at this and I suggest sky sports do the same with this absolute joke of a pundit.”

    Hope it gets put under the leon best article they are running but I have never had a comment published yet…lol

  72. 72
    Moreno says:

    Aye Toonsy, Oldham!

    Their players weren’t even worth keeping for swaps in the sticker collection!

  73. 73
    Pootle says:

    Moreno, you forgot to mention that he’s also got a face like a bulldog licking piss off a nettle. It’s not suitable for television (except after the watershed with a strong warning beforehand)

  74. 74
    Moreno says:

    He’s a right dick like.

    To be honest the 4 of them are. The only reasonable one is Rodney Marsh. I dunno how Jeff puts up with the set of twats

  75. 75
    julio laker says:

    Thought it was a totally dominant performance considering we were the away team. Some of the other sites (Express, Givemefootball) who all appear to copy each others reports would have you believe we held Villa and that if it wasn’t for Bent’s bad day at the office we’d have been sent packing. This video http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~2454335,00.html even suggests we were “Plucky”. I’ve seen some people giving both Jonas and Obertan some stick but I though they played well, Jonas was deep quite a lot, helping Taylor out as we’d wanted him to do against QPR, Obertan had the beating of Warnock on occasions and thought he showed good spirit. Ba could have been better, Tiote definitely getting up to speed and Best did his “best” not to score as his goal went off Given following his save, he hit it straight at him again and got a bit lucky,…..was he being composed? looked really slow to me. Cabaye was spot on…..

  76. 76
    Pootle says:

    Jeff spends the rest of the week looking at that dirty-fit blonde bird on Countdown doesn’t he?
    If you worked with her all week you could probably get a weekend job as Rose West’s childminder and it wouldn’t phase you that much.

  77. 77
    GS says:

    Moreno:

    All the promoted teams won today. I think this will be a bizarre season where a team you don’t expect get relegated – maybe the Mackems.

  78. 78
    richietoon says:

    GS…to be honest, I fully expect the mackems to go down :lol:

  79. 79
    richietoon says:

    what times match of the day on owa there?

  80. 80
    toonsy says:

    10:30 Rich :)

  81. 81
    Zoë Vicarage says:

    Alright lads and lasses :) What was Besty’s goal like, I happened to be out when it happened and missed it when I was in the car listening to 5Live.

    Sounded like Cabaye nearly scored, he looked very canny in the first half. He deserves to get one soon.

    Also thought that Tiote looked better than he had done but he can still lose the ball in positions but I thought he played a lot better than other games he has been in

  82. 82
    richietoon says:

    I’ll have to stream it like but hey ho.

    Just to confirm Barca B play very much like the first team, cheat like feck and get every decision of the ref :roll:

  83. 83
    richietoon says:

    Zoe….he had a close range header which he should have buried, Given saved it then Best got the rebound :grin:

  84. 84
    icedog says:

    RICHIE get a dream box mate thats the way to go ; ;)

  85. 85
    Moreno says:

    yeah, so based on what richie said, he was jammy and is still shit :D

  86. 86
    richietoon says:

    Whats that Ice? sounds a bit porvy

  87. 87
    richietoon says:

    Moreno :lol: I think we all know, Best is mint :wink:

  88. 88
    toonsy says:

    Rich – I thought Ice was on about me but then I realised he said dream box and not dream boat ;)

  89. 89
    richietoon says:

    Toonsy…kna mate, your tugboat mk2 :wink:

  90. 90
    toonsy says:

    I’m tugging what? :)

  91. 91
    Zoë Vicarage says:

    Cheers Richie, glad he got the rebound!

  92. 92
    richietoon says:

    I knew ya’d say that, thought the mk2 would clarify what I meant :lol:

  93. 93
    icedog says:

    you mean you didnt have one owr hear,you get every sport channel loads of film channls every sky sports shows even about 400 channels all up,costs £15 a month guy next door has had one for about 3yrs now nee bother,son has it in malta he only pays 130 euros a year there the jammy git

  94. 94
    richietoon says:

    Did Jay go to the match today?

  95. 95
    icedog says:

    they even have dream boxs in 3D noo

  96. 96
    richietoon says:

    dya not need a satellite dish Ice?

  97. 97
    toonsy says:

    Rih – Use your ears. Sputnik :lol:

  98. 98
    richietoon says:

    Toonsy…….needs 2.4m so I’ll have to borrow yours :grin:

  99. 99
    icedog says:

    RICHIE not sure mate dont know if you can get it by cable,i know here you have to be on net or its no go

  100. 100
    icedog says:

    see pardew has said best will be playing next sat!

  101. 101
    richietoon says:

    I’ll look into it Ice cheers…..when Im sober :mrgreen:

  102. 102
    julio laket says:

    GS good point about Krull rolling the ball out and the lads playing it on the ground. One of my criticisms of Given was he always kicked the long ball to get territorial advantage but 9 times out of 10 we lost possession.

  103. 103
    Big Dave says:

    Ice @ 100 I seen that so that should give him plenty of confidence.
    As I said earlier I think he is good at man managment and knows how to get the best out of his players

  104. 104
    icedog says:

    RICHIE thats a pity,heard that was only while your asleep :)

  105. 105
    Big Dave says:

    Richie @ 101 it will probably be outdated by then :)

  106. 106
    icedog says:

    DAVE hope he gives marv a full 90min on tues,he seems to have a decent touch the little ive seen of him,would be nice to have another string to the bow like

  107. 107
    Moreno says:

    ice/dave

    Also sends message out to the other strikers…grab yourself goals and your name is first on the sheet.

  108. 108
    richietoon says:

    Moreno….exactly, odds on him being top English scorer? :wink:

  109. 109
    icedog says:

    MORENO there only about 6/7 players that i would defo be first team sheet the rest would have to fight it oot imo

  110. 110
    toonsy says:

    Rich – Odds on Best? Pretty slim :wink:

  111. 111
    Moreno says:

    Richie,

    Considering he get’s written off by the majority of people no matter what he does…the odds will be pretty long me thinks!

    Ice,

    Pards mentioned Loven in post match interview so think we’ll see him and Shola against Forest.

  112. 112
    hitman says:

    BREAKING NEWS…….

    qatari royal family in talks to buy the toon……

  113. 113
    icedog says:

    HITMAN trying a batty ploy mate lol

  114. 114
    AndrewT says:

    Can’t see comments on mobile view for some reason. It just opens a long gray space.

    Can’t switch from mobile view either. All on my iPhone. Just lettin ya know.

    Solid performance today though, especially in 2nd half! Shame for Sammy

  115. 115
    richietoon says:

    whey found a stream for motd but not great.

  116. 116
    Big Dave says:

    Ice yeah Marv looks like he has a bit of skill

  117. 117
    richietoon says:

    Moreno…..whey as long as he keeps scoring he just makes them look daft imo :grin:

  118. 118
    Susan says:

    Woot!
    SO much better to watch today! No hoofball! Phew :-D
    I thought Obertan was really good today, in previous matches I’d thought that although he looked tricky at times he also did a lot of standing around, but today he got a lot more involved. Much better from Ba and Tiote, Cabaye CLASS :-D , all of them really. So pleased for Best, ha.. we don’t need Nolan to poach goals. Cabaye will score soon. And I’d like to see a lot more of Marveaux, was impressed with him against Sc@nthorpe and again in his brief apprearance tonight. There something really light about the way he moves, fleet-footed, I like it.

    Interesting stat came up at halftime showing the top ten players from both teams in terms of distance covered on the pitch, Cabaye came out on top. Puts the effort in and tonight it showed.

    Great afternoon…. got a weissbier bought for me by some old geezer impressed by my footie knowledge who’d put money on Swansea and Norwich today :-D

    And WRT beginning of the last thread, yes it’s me and I’m 43 and it was taken in July on my birthday :-D

    Bring on Forest and let’s see some of our other exciting young players!!

  119. 119
    Zoë Vicarage says:

    Can’t be bothered to stay up an watch match of the day. Will catch highlights on here tomorrow.

    Plus have a footy game tomorrow morning so should get some shut eye

  120. 120
    Big Dave says:

    I would like to see Sammi getting a bit of a longer run out soon, as I think he offers far more than his bro

  121. 121
    Big Dave says:

    Zoe good luck for tomorrow, I can see a hat-trick from you :)

  122. 122
    Troy Stavers says:

    @Big Dave

    Cheers for reposting my earlier post in defence of Indians scepticism.

    As far as I’m concerned, I always say how I see it.
    We’ve played poorly preseason and the first 4 games but got good results.

    Today, we deserved 3 pts and put in a very impressive performance.

    Every credit should go to the team and Pardew.

    Everyone played their part and it’s a night when criticism should not be thrown at any of them.

    Absolutely over the moon with performance and position .
    The position last week was the same but I didn’t feel as if it was warranted but we showed today that we have the spirit and ability to justify a top ten finish comfortably.

    Toon! Toon!

  123. 123
    icedog says:

    ZOE aye that down to timeing too lol,good luck stick another in the net :)

  124. 124
    Zoë Vicarage says:

    Thanks Dave I’ll try!

    ICE: Thanks, I will try and get another one in the back of the net! :)

  125. 125
    icedog says:

    DAVE pardew has already said he will only play bit part in PL,still learning he says

  126. 126
    Susan says:

    It warms my heart to see Troy so pleased, haha…
    Good luck tomorrow Zoe, bang another one in the net!
    Night :-)

  127. 127
    Big Dave says:

    Troy victory is sweet but I find it even sweeter when it is well deserved.
    Ice yeah mate but I would still like to see him get a bit longer run outs, but im sure his chances will come

  128. 128
    Zoë Vicarage says:

    Thanks Susan :) Night Everyone

  129. 129
  130. 130
    funkyjesus says:

    richietoon,

    Footie wise, Best is considered Irish. Which raises my question from last year, does Leon Best count as a homegrown if he is now considered Irish, despite being English? I am still a bit lost on those loopholes.

    Also, are we beginning to lose the Best doubters? We had Andy Carroll, with a worse goal to game ratio sold for £35m due to his form and potential, yet Leon Best, with a better goal to game ratio in the same league and is only 2 odd years older, is still doubted for his ability to even play in this division.

    It boggles my mind. It’s either Carroll-bias due to his locality at birth or Best suffers from narrow minded “lower league syndrome” where he just will not be good enough for snobs.

  131. 131
    Moreno says:

    FJ,
    You are homegrown if you have trained for 4 years between the ages of 16-21 in the UK I think…regardless of nationality.

    If FM memory serves….

  132. 132
    stevep says:

    We played well today and plenty of positives, might be harsh but Ryan Taylor is not a left back and should be replaced as soon as we have someone fit – nice to see Best get another goal – he may not be the exciting striker weve ever had but he’ll score more goals than martins and put more effort in

  133. 133

    Best has to be changing minds by now. It wasn’t a thing of beauty, this goal, but it was in the back of the net regardless.

    This is probably drunktalk, but while I was out and about on the booze this afternoon, I wondered if he’s got a little Pippo Inzaghi thing going–seems not all that great, but routinely puts goals away. I don’t know Inzaghi very well, but I know he seems to have the reputation as a not very good player who, nevertheless, scores goals.

    Probably too many pints of that beautiful Czech beer down at my local beer garden.

    Fuck. Poor old Sporting de Gijon lost today, 0-1.

    Now, my piss-poor local team, the New York Metrostars (aka “red bulls,” a name and team symbol, if not associated with a fucking “energy drink,” I would really quite like).

  134. 134

    Oh, and, holy crap, a Messi hat trick and a David Villa brace. 8-0? Wowzers.

  135. 135
    Moreno says:

    Joey throwing the bottle off Derrys head was actually hilarious

  136. 136
    Rodzilla says:

    SOME PEOPLE prefer cup-cakes.
    I, for one, care less for them.

  137. 137

    the bottle off the head was pretty fucking funny.

  138. 138
    Moreno says:

    Just watching Bolton – Norwich.

    Another absolutely abysmal refereeing performance from Howard Webb

  139. 139
    Rodzilla says:

    As much as I’d like to remain polite, I’ll always blame it on fucking Belgium.

  140. 140
    Rodzilla says:

    agaddanawsumsown
    gowindawwn

  141. 141
    Rodzilla says:

    …no idea.

  142. 142
    Rodzilla says:

    I like large basket of chips.
    And some cheese please, with lemonade.
    A beef chimney, and a bicycle of chips.

  143. 143
    Rodzilla says:

    Too many gravy in lettuce, unless frozen.
    I which case, ample.

  144. 144
    Rodzilla says:

    *in, I meant. Jeez, talk about making yourself look like a twat.

    gaird dairm monkey lovers.

  145. 145
    Rodzilla says:

    Am I the only motherfunker that bothers turning up to Toonsy’s late night self-psycho-analysis session drop-ins these days then?

    I got free treatment from the man, give me that fkn cheese man, monster cheese.

  146. 146
    Rodzilla says:

    weezl its a pleezl its a pleezl ma weezl

  147. 147
    Rodzilla says:

    Never squeal on the pusher
    Don’t lie to your mama
    Just do what you wanna and it’ll be okay
    Don’t swim in the water
    Don’t fly in the daytime
    Just do what you wanna and it’ll be okay

    Never smuggle no candy
    Can’t be whatcha wanna
    When you hafta go
    Down to the darkest places
    Yeah you’re gonna be okay

    Don’t say what’s really on your mind
    Gotsta give it just a little more time
    And try to remember this rhyme and you’ll be okay

    Now I know I turn you on
    And I think you and I could get along
    Don’t, don’t get me wrong you gonna be alright

    Say it with me now
    Never squeal on the pusher
    Don’t lie to your mama
    Just do what you wanna and it’ll be okay

  148. 148
    TOONPIPES says:

    Rodz, i got up early to watch the rugby, saw this and even tho the Gerogians are going like maniacs and making the match seriously good to watch, the above few comments are more entertaining … very funny hahahaha

  149. 149
    TOONPIPES says:

    Too many gravy in lettuce, unless frozen .. sing it hallelujah

  150. 150
    toonsy says:

    Who do we want to see win between Stoke and Sunderland?

    If Stoke win they would go above us, but it would also be funny watching the filth struggling.

    On the other hand, I hate Stoke…

  151. 151
    richietoon says:

    FJ…oh aye, I forgot about him playing for Ireland.

    Toonsy…It would be a tough one to answer as I hate Stoke, but I actually fecking loathe the scum, the mere mention of 5under1and makes me feel sick, the people are the lowest of the low, inbred fecks who I can smell here if the wind is blowing this way. If there has to be a winner then I’d prefer Stoke but I’d be reasonably happy with a point.

  152. 152
    richietoon says:

    Moreno…..Webb has nowt on the ref at the match I went to the other day, Barca ‘B’ player controlled ball with his hand then Kicked it off the Hercules players hand who was stood 2 yards from him,result….2nd yellow then red for the Hercules player after 30 min play. Hercules player races past defence, Barca keeper runs 25 yards out to him brings him down as the last man……free kick nae red card…..Hercules still won :grin:

    Interesting to see the fans want the board out but nowt but complete support for the team while the match was on, banners and chants happened at half time and after the game had finished.

  153. 153
    Loon Toon says:

    Im surprised that no one mentions the innocuous crosses ryan taylor put in, in the first half. Jonas cant really deliver so he gave a lot of opportunities to ryan and ryan was absolutely rubbish delivering. In second half we tried to focus on obertans side when delivering crosses. Hence we looked much more dangerous. I think we gotta do something about the bleak jonas/ryan crossing.

  154. 154
    Troy Stavers says:

    @toonsy

    Eh? You’re jokin!

    There’s only one result I want to see .
    Stoke win 10 nowt!

    Stuff our position as we can’t expect to stay there.

    I’m loving watching the mackems in the bottom 3 and hopefully we can expect them to stay there!

    Come on Stoke!

  155. 155
    Munich Mag says:

    Troy@154….spot on there mate…destroy the makkems….

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