A piece of clever footwork proved the difference as Leon Best scored what was to be the winner in the first half, but beyond that there wasn’t much to choose between the two sides and Mark Hughes could feel aggrieved for not taking anything from the match in his first game in charge of the Loftus Road outfit.
Hatem Ben Arfa was once again left out of the starting line up despite his FA Cup heroics of last week although in fairness it didn’t come as a surprise after Alan Pardew said a few days ago about how the talented Frenchman had to do more work for the team. Indeed he shown glimpses of brilliance today, but then he also showed signs of being greedy ad trying to do too much which resulted in possession being turned over numerous times. Still there were definite signs of improvement once again and Ben Arfa worked harder for the team today than I’ve noticed in the past.
The away side started off the brighter of the two and carved out a number of chances in the opening exchanges. Newcastle just weren’t at the races and QPR were unlucky to capitalise on the hosts slow start to the game as Heidar Helguson and Akos Buszaky tested Tim Krul before Shaun Wright-Phillips clipped the bar after a mistake from Ryan Taylor.
The game changed when Yohan Cabaye was stretchered off on the 20 minute mark following a robust challenge from Shaun Derry. Apparently Cabaye has minor ligament damage which shouldn’t keep him out for long, if at all, but he still managed to react angrily to the challenge before collapsing to a heap on the floor. Hatem Ben Arfa replaced him.
It was the introduction of Ben Arfa that lead to us getting a foothold in the game though, even though he didn’t directly have an awful lot to do with it. Ryan Taylor went close with Newcastle’s first effort at goal but more was to come just a few minutes later when Jonas Gutierrez fed the ball into Shola Ameobi who then played Ryan Taylor in. The move nearly broke down but the Scouse lad managed to prod the ball to Leon Best who turned inside one defender and fired the ball into the far corner of the net. It was an exquisite goal.
Half-time: Newcastle 1-0 QPR
The second half started in much the same way as the first as the visitors went in search of an equaliser. Shaun Wright-Phillips tested Tim Krul again but his effort was easily saved by the Dutchman. Jay Bothroyd also went close but Krul was more than a match for his powerful shot.
The game sort of died in the second half and was filled with nearly moments rather than near misses. Davide Santon did well on the left and found his way into the box only to see his shot blocked by Luke Young but aside from that goalmouth action was at a premium for both sides. Newcastle looked solid and assured defensively and poked and prodded away in attack with Ben Arfa and Best looking the most likely to create something although neither side was able to add to the 1-0 scoreline.
Full-time: Newcastle 1-0 QPR
Not one for the purists, but it was never going to be easy. The QPR players showed Mark Hughes what they were all about and were playing for their first team futures and that showed at the start. Still, it’s three points and sixth in the table which will do me just fine!
Howay the lads.
Newcastle: Tim Krul, Danny Simpson, Mike Williamson, Fabricio Coloccini, Davide Santon, Ryan Taylor, Danny Guthrie, Yohan Cabaye, Jonas Gutierrez, Leon Best, Shola Ameobi
Subs: Rob Elliot, Shane Ferguson, James Perch, Dan Gosling, Mehdi Abeid, Gabriel Obertan, Hatem Ben Arfa
QPR: Paddy Kenny; Luke Young, Danny Gabbidon, Anton Ferdinand, Clint Hill; Shaun Wright-Phillips, Shaun Derry, Akos Buzsaky, Jamie Mackie; Heidar Helguson, Jay Bothroyd
Subs: Radek Cerny, Bradley Orr, Fitz Hall, Hogan Ephraim, Tommy Smith, DJ Campbell, Federico Macheda
Attendance: 49,865
Toonsy,
I actually think Gabby can make it here. He’s in his first season. Shola has had 12 to come good.
Thought Guthrie was outstanding today. He doesn’t have Tiotes presence but his energy is fantastic. Great player.
JJ(Quote)
Actually you are right. He’s bolox. Get rid. None of our past managers knew what they were doing including him in our squads. They should all be shot for picking him and Pardew sacked immediately. 🙄
Right I’m off for some grub.
Shamrock(Quote)
stuart79@69 , yes anyone with any sense would tell you invest now for the promise of euro footy next season and the investment of say 10 to 15 mill will repay itself however our owner is tight as f@ck so we wont spend a bean !!
keith(Quote)
Don’t need to invest too heavily. Erdinc and a defender would be more than adequate… As long as we don’t lose anyone.
JJ(Quote)
OOOO sorry toonsy.
reet the hitman carnt say *****.
i better watch what i say
fk off
hitman(Quote)
Shamrock @77
Well, I’m glad you finally came around… 😉
JJ(Quote)
fk you all.
newcastle till i die
hitman(Quote)
JJ@76….we need to get Guthrie signed up on a new contract pdq before he passes Cashley a fresh set of donkeys ears…the ones Judas 2 left in the changing rooms when he left for the bindippers…… 😆
Munich Mag(Quote)
Hitman – Not saying that. You been on the pop again big man?
All I’m saying is that your singling out of Wolfie is quite sad when there are others who have a similar view like he does with Shola yet you ignore them. Like Moreno for example, he has defended Shola, I’ve done it, Shamrock, so have loads of others. Why not have a go at people who’ll tie you up in knots instead? 😆
As for the “fck off” bit, you might want to heed your own advice 😉
toonsy(Quote)
In fairness, Wolfie singles himself 😀 out by writing an essay on every post
JJ(Quote)
Anyhoo, I’m too busy writing to argue at the moment. Have to keep the wheels turning 🙂
toonsy(Quote)
Shola is of course infuriating, but he has scored some immense goals for the toon. FFs he is still here, and on contract, it’s not his fault he keeps getting picked…. 😳
Munich Mag(Quote)
JJ – Nowt wrong with that. Length isn’t important 😉 😆
toonsy(Quote)
Wolfie….hang in there big man…. 😉
Munich Mag(Quote)
Didn’t contribute to the Game On post. Was there a reason other than he wasnt selected that Vuckic wasn’t included in the squad today.
Toby le Rhone(Quote)
Toonsey@74 , A striker and a defender… and maybe morrison says who ??
Shamrock@77 , Naive ! but we cant get rid because he has signed a new contract taking him well into his 30s even though our owner told us players approaching there 30s wont be given contracts !!!!!!!!!!!!!! and yes our managers in the past have made mistakes thats why we havent won anything sinse 1969 !!!!!
keith(Quote)
Hitman
” fk you all. newcastle till i die”
Hitman, Id prefer to stay out of the orgies on this site
JJ(Quote)
MUNICH i’ll be fine I can handle the pressure of stuff, plus toonsy gave that blighter a telling off hahahahaha.
wolfie(Quote)
Keith – Says nobody really. just picking up on what has been said. The “only a defender” line has been dropped and now we’re apparently looking at a striker and put bids in for that Morrison.
Rest assured, I can be just as sure that we are looking at more than just a defender as you are sure that we’re not 😉
toonsy(Quote)
toonsy.
MEH.
back on the drink……………………………………………….
hitman(Quote)
Just got done reading thought the comments. I take it Hitman doesn’t care for Shola then 😉
MDS(Quote)
Although we are doing superbly this season, imo we often struggle to retain the ball, even against supposed lesser teams. However, here in Germany they keep blathering on about how hard a team works “without” the ball, and that is probably why some of wor players put in so many km’s in the course of the game.
However, wor Benny is a player who looks comfortable on the ball, and invariably likes to keep a hold of the ball. Collo and Santone the same, Cabaye and Jonas too. We have 2 – 3 players who are at times uncomfortable on the ball, when put under pressure. Simmo, Raylor, Best and Shola, Willo perhaps……. Tiote also struggles at times when outnumbered…However imo these players (exceding Mr T of course) will ultimately be replaced in time.
There are no easy games in this league, even 3 points against lowly QPR need to be won on merit…
Just cos the other team has the ball, and have us chasing shadows doesn’t mean we are playing badly. BUT…when we get the ball we need to be better at keeping a hold of it…
Munich Mag(Quote)
“Shola is of course infuriating, but he has scored some immense goals for the toon. FFs he is still here, and on contract, it’s not his fault he keeps getting picked….”
MM
I dunno, I’m quite convinced he either has something on someone high up, or he’s sucking someone’s **** to be there.
Toonsy
I know size don’t matter. I live in Africa. Even at a falcid 10 inches I was still one of the smallest in my class 😯
JJ(Quote)
maybe jabba has to do the simple things 😀 😀
icedog(Quote)
jj.I know size don’t matter. 😆 😆
hitman(Quote)
MM
I agree, Simmo and Shola arnt comfortable on the ball. But in defense Simmo has come on brilliantly.
Shola however, does no work off the ball, and looks uncomfortable on it… That’s a problem no? 😳
JJ(Quote)
You get me wrong – I’m not saying Sho’s terrific and I would have him in the team come what may, just that he has come good at the right moment sometimes, and crucially I dont recall him doing us any harm, I’ve never thought ‘there goes the game’ when he’s come on. I’m also about 80% certain he wont be here come summer anyway so this subject will be pretty historic soon. Oh, and I’d rather see him on the bench than Lovenkrands, who, incidentally I don’t dislike either. Now, Perch on the other hand…
Tsunki(Quote)
@toonsey , well time will tell ….wolfie says four you say three i say one we will see 😛
keith(Quote)
JJ …… 🙄 🙄
Munich Mag(Quote)
JJ@101….you’re right about Simmo coming along, but sometimes when he’s under pressure he reacts a bit like that Gordon McQueen like subbuteo player I used to have, do you know them, you press there heed doon and they give it large “Doc Marten”-like wellies to the ball…
Munich Mag(Quote)
Well, if it makes you Shola lovers feel better, Id rather have Shola than Michael Owen even on the same wages.
I think Owen is worse… 😆
JJ(Quote)
Keith – I haven’t said any number. Just that it sounds like we are in for more than a defender. Been in this game too long to make statements that can bite you on the **** kid. Cover all bases at all times 😉
toonsy(Quote)
MUNICHMAG, didn’t they call that game STRIKER, push the head down and the foot kicks the ball lol.
wolfie(Quote)
MM,
My only problem with Simmo is he panics in possession, other than that he is really good. But his composure makes him average. I think he is.improving though…
JJ(Quote)
JJ – Shola looks uncomfortable ON the ball? Wha? If he does one thing well, (and it actually may be only ONE thing…) it’s holding the ball up. You weren’t watching today then? 🙄
Tsunki(Quote)
Wolfie, I couldn’t afford that version. I snuck into Hamleys to play it free. Then bought the cheapo version where you have to flick with your finger 😥
JJ(Quote)
Simpson put a cross in today with his left foot and it was better than all the right footed crosses he’s ever put in lol.
I like Simpson and I think he gets better by the game and will iron out a few glitches he has but he works hard for the team and is very much getting to grips in my opinion.
Naturally, we will add to our numbers and he could end up being sidelined a bit depending on who we bring in but I have no qualms about his ability to become even better than he is now.
I think the team as a whole is improving due to the obvious good management and coaching, plus the quality we possess that’s spurring the so called lesser players on to up their own game and work on their own glitches.
Which as we all know, makes for a successful team in time. 😀
wolfie(Quote)
MM I sometimes think its better for them to just hoof the ball instead of trying to play it out, but I think Simmo has came on well, and I will be honest as for MF I feel safer with Guthrie than I do with Tiote, most times Tiote is like a red card waiting to happen or he is continually practising his pirouettes 😕
Tsunki where do you think Strolla will be come the summer ❓
Big Dave(Quote)
@toonsey , ow well ill continue to stick my neck on the line and and say one MA is nice and predictable ! 😉
keith(Quote)
JJ , I couldn’t afford it either, I had to go to my mates house hahahaha
I was thinking of stealing it from him and ransacking his house to make it look like a full on burglary but he had his name ink marked on the box and I wasn’t clever enough to conceal it at that time and was sure that if I invited him round to mine to play it, he would know it was his stolen one, so I decided I wouldn’t rob his house and to this day he trusts me as a friend. 😆
wolfie(Quote)
Tsunki
Just watched the game now. Thought Shola did ok. And in the first half held the ball up well.
At other times (most times) I think he slows down the attacks too much… And allows the opposition to get back in shape in defence.
Also, although he played well today, he often loses possession because he holds onto the ball too long…
But Ye, I agree, its still the strongest part of his game.
JJ(Quote)
JJ Owen might have been a greedy **** but without doubt when he was fit with us he was a far better player than Shola ever has been I think if you look up Owens stats for when he was with us they were pretty good ❓
Big Dave(Quote)
BIGDAVE, Owen was a poacher though.
wolfie(Quote)
Personally I don’t rate Best or Strolla. Both ridiculously inconsistent and lack movement which then puts pressure on the midfield who end up losing the ball.
Stuart79(Quote)
JJ 26 goals in 58 isn’t exactly Strolla material
Big Dave(Quote)
Can people stop with the Perch jokes now? He is a useful addition to our team and I can’t remember the last time he put a foot wrong.
Gosling on the other hand 🙄
…Sorry, but I think he looks a poor player. Poor technically.
~ El Toro ~(Quote)
Wolfie, great story 😉 … The flick version sucked. Wish they still made games like that… Too much PC **** now days…
JJ(Quote)
Wolfie @ 118 yeah Owen was a poacher and Strolla is an offsider 😉 But they are both strikers and there job is to score goals is it not ❓
Big Dave(Quote)
@STUART79 , FINALLY SOME SENSE 😉 how can any sane person compare owen and shola we might hate owen for being greedy but he has 1000 times the footballing ability that shola has !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
keith(Quote)
I thought it was a good well drilled and disciplined performance today against a QPR team eager to impress their new manager. Was disappointed with Pardew not starting HBA, what a difference he made when he came on, we played so much more carpet footy rather than the hoofball rubbish. Took us a while to get into a our stride which was testament the way QPR put pressure on us and forced in to sloppy errors. Best took his goal very well and hopefully he can score a few more in the coming weeks. I think a lot of the comments regarding Shola are quite harsh, I thought he did a fairly good job holding the ball up. I was impressed with Santon today who was constantly up and down the left wing, Guthrie did well considering he has just come back from injury. Hopefully after todays game, Pardew will get the message that we look so much more threatening with HBA in the team who gives us that element of unpredictability. The fixture list in the absence of Ba and Tiote is fairly kind to us, who knows, we might be able to accumulate a decent points tally while they’re away!
Mihesh(Quote)
El Toro, you gotta give Gosling game time, like Colo, and a host of others. He is good.
Big Dave.
Owen scored goals, but when he played, I think the team played worse. He was decent as a link player though when Keegan played him there.
JJ(Quote)
JJ – well said. In all my rantings I didnt mention much of the flip side – he seems to go deaf when striding along and doesn’t hear ‘man on’ too well. No change there. And my lasting image of today is him sauntering back to their back line who were a good 20 yards closer to our goal than him, only to see a fantastic through pass go right by him. He didn’t even notice it. Thaaaaaaats SHOLA!
Big Dave – here’s the thing – I dont want to give the impression that I am one of those famed ITK’s but I actually do know someone very unlikely who has the ear of someone in the club and apart from saying Tiote is definitely on the sale list, to my surprise he said that the ‘Oldest Ameobi’ was leaving. Don’t shoot me, I know no more than that and I definitely wont say this is a definite, but ( although it may seem difficult to believe) there was no reason for them to tell me this, so I kinda, well, think there may be something in it. No, I have no idea where to.
Tsunki(Quote)
Na Dave, I just hate Owen…
If we were paying him 40k a week, fair enough. But he was always overated IMO.
JJ(Quote)
@bigdave , so owen gave us one goal every two games almost and shola 4 every season and they try to compare them waaaa haaaa haaaa
keith(Quote)
Big Dave
“I will be honest as for MF I feel safer with Guthrie than I do with Tiote”
You can’t be serious, mate?! I lost count of the amount of times there was a massive gap between our midfield and defence just waiting to be exploited. Guthrie isn’t defensive minded enough to play that position. However, he is one of our most valuable squad players.
Also, I think our general play improved when Cabaye went off because he was playing the deep laying midfielder role. I don’t really like him in that position as he always seems to end up attempting Pirlo-esque balls that surrender possession most of the time. I much prefer him further up the pitch.
~ El Toro ~(Quote)
In other news, our game against Fulham is terrible timing. Dembele and Ruiz love to drift into the AM position and Tiote’s absence will be felt. Both are very good, tricky players. I would snatch at a 0-0 draw now.
~ El Toro ~(Quote)
My problem with Owen was never his goalscoring. It was the lack of anything else in his game. Captain my **** 🙄
toonsy(Quote)
ELTORO, Ruiz and Dembele will be injured for our game so no worries. 😀
wolfie(Quote)
I think thats a good point – we didnt improve simply because we replaced Cabaye with HBA. The player sub simply changed the tactical approach. I agree that with Cabaye searching forward its a terrifying prospect for defenders, especially if he gets his eye on goal because I dunno if you noticed but Dreamboat has a pretty terrific shot on him, power from nowt and dang accurate. I would like to see more of him getting in there.
Tsunki(Quote)
@132 exactly Toonsy
JJ(Quote)
i hope i havnt offend anyone the neet just on a frisk..
appart from wolfie 😆 😆
hitman(Quote)
I can’t stand Michael Owen. He’s an up his own **** ***** and I hope he falls off his horse with a hard on and lands on it and snaps it in half, so there. 😀
wolfie(Quote)
HITMAN, don’t worry about me mate I can hold my own. 😉
wolfie(Quote)
Fulham are there for the taking, and we will take them 😉 They are the home side, and will need to take the game to us. HBA, Best and Obertan…..1-3 Toon….
Get your passports dusted down boys and girls…. 😆 ….
Munich Mag(Quote)
Wolfie@137….you did it again mukka 😆 😆 You got a tadger fixation or what ? 😉 😉 😆 😆 😆
Munich Mag(Quote)
Where is young Troy the neet, polishing his body parts for his stint in Fenwick’s window ? 😆
Munich Mag(Quote)
fulham will be hard nut to crack.
would of liked jol as manager before hughton
hitman(Quote)
Hitman….have confidence young man…. 😉
Munich Mag(Quote)
We normally do ***** at Fulham 🙁
TonyGreenSupreme(Quote)
Speaking of players one can’t stand – Duffers!
Tsunki(Quote)
changed ya pic MM
hitman(Quote)
Also, just want to give credit to Pardew’s REACTIVE tactics today.
When Cabaye went off Jonas was moved central to substitute the Frenchman’s hardwork ethic.
Best was then moved out to wide left in a 4-3-3 formation and he went on to thoroughly get the better of Young. Hence the goal.
Also, Jonas being central allowed him to alternate positions with R.Taylor from time to time and give us more balance.(Taylor offered next to no threat out wide before this)
Great adjustments and they definitely played a massive part to us winning the game.
~ El Toro ~(Quote)
il put wor lass up.
hitman(Quote)
I’ve made a rhyme up about our season, tell me the honest truth about what you think and, should I have it put into a Newcastle program.
We started off just like a train and we won and won and won and won and won and won again.
My balls were itching in my pants and i scratched the skin red raw….and then we played at man u’s ground and came out with a draw.
I’ve pood myself, I’ve pood myself…..I shouted out with glee…..and then we played Man u at home and hit the twats for 3.
I sat back thinking, in my chair and raking out my ***……and arguing on Toonsy’s blog with HITMAN…..you want some…..
The mags are back….we are a force……make no mistake my friends……and our team has the biggest knobs…with apples for bell ends..
I know that some on here will frown….at this pathetic rhyme….
But I say…hey….it’s not that bad….it’s not a frigging crime….
And so the season still goes on…and we sit in joint fifth…..
and I can’t rhyme nob all with fifth so I think I’ll have a ****. 😀
wolfie(Quote)
Troy is in the Irish catching up with the club insider 😉
He will be on soon with an update regarding the imminent sales of Krul/Tiote and BA…………..Toot Toot.
TonyGreenSupreme(Quote)