Just 4 games to go now! 6 wins on the spin, 1 short of NUFC’s best ever win run in the Premier League (1996) and Champion’s League football still a strong possibly, albeit reliant on Chelsea’s performance now in the final this year.

Newcastle are looking to end the season in one of the best purple patches the club has been through in the top flight, many crediting the change of formation to a more attacking and player-suiting 4-3-3 for the superb performances of late.

Quite a bold statement to make, as NUFC have never been lower than 7th for the entirety of the season, but it does make one wonder of the impact the change of formation has had, particular when NUFC are yet to drop points using it!

So, a look at some of the numbers was in order…

NUFC in the Premier League - Pre/post 4-3-3

2 things stand out like a sore thumb here – assists and goals conceded. Newcastle have produced 50% more assists since reverting to 4-3-3 and only conceded 1 goal in 540 minutes of Premier League football using that system.

NUFC - Pre/post 4-3-3 per game numbers

The graph illustrates the changes in fortune with the aforementioned assists and goal conceded, but also how NUFC’s goal scoring has improved.

In terms of creating chances, the new system hasn’t been more or less effective really; Newcastle have had the ability to score in every fixture this season and is the main reason behind their good season.

NUFC - Last 6, chances created

Looking at the chances created in the last 6 games where the 4-3-3 has been applied, it can be seen how more ‘free-flowing’ Newcastle’s play has become and that, other than the right dominant Liverpool game, the spread of NUFC’s creativity is far larger than it was earlier in the season.

The right side in particular is far more effective for NUFC now, where at the beginning of the season, they had one of the lowest percentages for attacks and shots from that side. The introduction and consistency of Hatem Ben Arfa has undoubtedly had a positive effect on the teams attack.

NUFC - Last 6, goals scored

A look at the actual goals from the same 6 games shows firstly the impact of Papiss Cisse – 9 goals in 6 games, an incredible return from the Senegalese man in his first season in the English top flight. 2 goals each from Hatem Ben Arfa and Yohan Cabaye make up the 13, the French pair having notched just 3 and 2 times respectively prior to the change in formation.

The graphic highlights the areas in which Cisse in particular does his work and that good service from the likes of Ba, Ben Arfa, and the higher playing Cabaye into the penalty area generally ends up with work for the opposing GK to do or a rippling of the net!

It may be too soon to make much of the numbers in the new system, but most of the Geordie faithful will admit that Newcastle look a far better outfit in this more attacking formation, a system that is getting the best out of the more flair and able players.

It hasn’t all been about the goals though, just 1 goal conceded in the 6 games shows that although NUFC’s attacking options have been bolstered, it isn’t having any detrimental effect on defending. Credit must go to the back 5 and midfield players like Jonas and Tiote for that.

Here’s hoping it continues and Newcastle finish with as many points as possible – the Magpie worshipers wait in hope of the Black & White’s European fate…

Tags

« Is the Europe League as bad as people make out?  |  Pardew calls for focus »  
 

160 Comments

  1. 1
    Lobacka says:

    Cool post, it’s an incredible achievement to revert to such an attacking line-up and actually strengthen the defence in doing so. Massive credit to both players and manager and all involved, such a brilliant season. Whatever has happened by the end of the season I will still be watching so many of our games over again and enjoying the experience this season has been :grin:

  2. 2
    Beardsleys Boots says:

    yeah 6 matches is a tad too soon to make a fair comparison imho.
    But those stats are mighty impressive all the same.
    Would be good to compare the first 28 matches next season with this, provided we play 4-3-3 all that time.
    The real key tho is to be able to switch between formations, when its not working.
    Like Barca last night didn’t know what to do because Chelsea nullified their 3-5-2 formation. No plan b.
    You have to realise that all the nice and pretty passing/ possession is great, but when theres no penetration into the box, its good to revert to route 1 sometimes.
    Manure often have reverted to the long ball over the top, when their gameplan isn’t working, and more often than not it gets them either a goal or penalty/freekick etc.
    Well thats what I think anyway.
    I do like the work you put into those diagrams and charts. Good stuff. Cheers Stato. :lol:

  3. 3
    M says:

    don’t forget…..

    We dabbled with 4-3-3 earlier in the season, with Best on the left and Shola in the middle -
    for 50 mins or so vs QPR(h),
    for the entirety of the Fulham(a) game
    at Brighton in the cup….
    and for the 1st half vs Blackburn(a)

  4. 4
    Scottie says:

    4-3-3 is the way forward and fits our players style.

  5. 5
    toonarmy87 says:

    Your formation is as good as the players. And how can you compare the games with Benny and Cisse against the games without them. Hardly a straight comparision. Obv we all love the 433 tho :smile:

  6. 6
    Beardsleys Boots says:

    m – 4-3-3 is not so easy to play as it requires good coaching so everyone understands their role. Also it requires more work from the forward and midfield lines.
    I do like the way we swap players about in that formation too.
    We look fuckin awesome at times. :lol:

  7. 7
    Beardsleys Boots says:

    I dont think Shola is a typical 4-3-3 type player and struggles with it.

  8. 8
    nufc_stats says:

    Toonarmy87

    HBA has featured in 22 Premier League games this season and Cissé has 10.

    This compares 6 games to 28 – not sure you understand the concept

  9. 9
    M says:

    @ 5 – Benny was playing in those games

    He came on for Cabaye vs QPR
    He started at Fulham and scored
    He started at Brighton
    He was brought off at HT at Blackburn as he was having a stinker. Perch came on and we reverted to a 4-4-2

    I liked the 4-3-3 then (even though results were mixed)… and I still like it now

  10. 10
    Beardsleys Boots says:

    It’s obvious Pardew has worked long and hard in training on this with the Players, and not just rushed into it. Thats why it has worked so well from the off. Long may it continue to be sucessful for us.

  11. 11
    BeeGuy says:

    WHile you say it is a 4-3-3, I see it as a 4-2-1-3 With Cabaye being the man coming forward to dish the ball to the talent.

  12. 12
    M says:

    potayto, potarto

  13. 13
    Ryan B says:

    4-4-3 is closer to total football. Forwards defend, inside forwards duck in to help midfield to form a 4-5-1, then transition to space to make 3 pronged forward line. destroys defences as centre backs can’t keep track.

  14. 14
    Lobacka says:

    Ha 4-4-3 total football. Does that mean no goalie? HeeHee :lol:

  15. 15
    MDS says:

    BeeGuy says:
    April 25, 2012 at 16:15
    WHile you say it is a 4-3-3, I see it as a 4-2-1-3 With Cabaye being the man coming forward to dish the ball to the talent.
    ———————–
    That’s certainly the way it has been during the last few matches when we have looked our best.

    Cabaye seems born to play that Xavi-like role. He is absolutly on fire since he has been pushed up behind the front three. Plus having 2 CMs in more of a holding role has really soldified the defense. That formation suits our roster as well (guthrie/perch/gosling providing cover the holding mids, Vuckic/Guthrie for the Cabaye role, etc)

  16. 16
    kimtoon says:

    Stats ,another fine set of figures and really interesting. :cool:
    The thing we have to take into account is Cisse impact on the team has been immense ,he’s a natural born striker and our formation may not have been so effective with a different striker in his position. Also since Cabaye has moved further up front he has been brilliant and far more effective than when sitting deep. As for Benny ,whilst I agree he played in that formation in earlier games to no real effect he was only just getting back to fitness and used to the PL and Cisse was not in the team then either . I once made a point that as long as we are attacking that will keep the opo busy and takes pressure off the defence, 433 certainly seems to achieve that ethos. The problems might set in when different players have to play to that system who are maybe not quite so sharp in front of goal or less able to cut in the way Benny does.

  17. 17
    stevep says:

    See that Wigan extra tickets story is a load of shite
    http://www.wiganlatics.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10429~2747893,00.html

    Do people have nowt better to do than make stuff up

    btw: saw messi in greggs, he were well pissed off about having to pay extra for having his pasty hot

  18. 18
    toonsy says:

    More fine work Statto. No doubt we are more dangerous, but while the focus has been on our attack I’m surprised that our defence has been missed out by many. It’s been on fire since the switch. Is it one goal conceded? And that was from our own feck up!

  19. 19
    toonsy says:

    Oh and off topic, but this is absolutely brilliant

    http://p.twimg.com/ArSEj6wCQAAaixC.jpg:large

    :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

  20. 20
    toonsy says:

    Plus I’ve finally changed my avatar, just to warn everyone ;)

  21. 21
    ANDYMAG says:

    Was trying to book the cinema (avengers :mrgreen: :mrgreen: ) for Saturday (gunna miss the game highlights, good thing we recently got sky+ :grin: ) its a bloody nightmare. I ordered the tickets last night, then found out that someone was plling out and I couldnt get anyone to take the ticket so had to cancel them, plus one of my friends went on at me saying we should go to the 3D one :roll: so I then had to order the tickets again. Did it on the phone as thats where id cancelled the first tickets(took ten minutes to do that) then after going through the steps with the guy to book it he said it wouldnt except my card :evil: , called BOS which took another 10min, and it turned out that the cinema guy had put my card expiry date wrong so it was all clear, I then proceeded to order the tickets again online(cost a bloody fortune), this time it only took 2minutes, feck me :|

  22. 22
    ANDYMAG says:

    Aye it sure looks different toonsy :shock: :lol:

  23. 23
    toonsy says:

    Andy – Give it time you impatient sod ;)

  24. 24
    ANDYMAG says:

    :lol: ;-)

  25. 25
    richietoon says:

    Andy….it’s a shockingly bad film like, I wouldn’t bother if I was you :lol:

  26. 26
    ANDYMAG says:

    Richie, don’t even, will get the train/plane to wherever the hell you are and punch you squarely in the face :twisted:

  27. 27
    icedog says:

    RICHIE thats it mate,knock his end in :grin:

    mail ;-)

  28. 28
    ANDYMAG says:

    and it’d probably take less time doing that then it did cancelling-reordering the tickets :roll: :lol:

  29. 29
    icedog says:

    ANDY hope you can move quick,richie speed on the feet is un-matched ;-)

  30. 30
    richietoon says:

    Andy….and Steed dies 5 minutes from the end :shock:

    Ice…divn’t be daft, postie doesn’t come this late :lol:

    Got it mate, will send ya reply later ;-)

  31. 31
    richietoon says:

    Andy…just kidding, haven’t seen it ;-)

  32. 32
    richietoon says:

    Toonsy…. I have to say, that still looks pretty much like the old avatar :???:

  33. 33
    Newkie says:

    Although, we say “yet to drop points” I can’t quite remember the league game-but we did play 4-3-3 with Jonas holding, and Perch as well i think? In which we lost to brighton and Cabaye got his three match ban. Maybe that was just growing pains eh ;-)

  34. 34
    icedog says:

    RICHIE the balif calls at anytime ;-)

  35. 35
    ANDYMAG says:

    richie
    thought so, considering its not out till the morrow ;-)
    The Times gave it ***** and they usually give superhero films **/***, so am excited :grin:

  36. 36
    ANDYMAG says:

    In relation to the article
    I’ve always (6/7months ago) said that we should be playing 433 with the team, it suits our players and is really exciting, the proof that it works is the last 6 games, even if that isn’t many games it still shows what our players can do and shows promise for future fixtures, our ability t switch back to 442 towards the end to hold out the game is good and is the reason why barca were knocked out cus they couldn’t think of anything else to hold out whilst pressing forward.

  37. 37
    Toby le Rhone says:

    Just been looking at villa and spuds blogs. I am loving their pain. Couldn’t happen to nicer people

  38. 38
    ANDYMAG says:

    TLR
    amen to that, used to like spuds but now think (like most people) they’re twats.

  39. 39
    richietoon says:

    Ice :lol:

    Andy…..I’ll still feel bad if Steed dies with 5 minutes to go though :sad:

  40. 40
    toonsy says:

    Has it changed yet? :roll:

  41. 41
    icedog says:

    its behind you :lol: :lol:

  42. 42
    richietoon says:

    Toonsy…still looks like the real you on one of your good days :mrgreen:

  43. 43
    richietoon says:

    Toonsy…if you click on the “FAQ” at the top of the page, I’m sure it will guide you through it :lol:

  44. 44
    Shnurgmeister says:

    IMHO, Playing 433 works with intelligent players who can read the game.
    Can you imagine Shola or Besty even going for the goal Cisses scored vs stoke?
    The fact he anticipated and ran for it in time to get there means he can read the game, when players dont see the pass before its made they dont run, so the player making the pass stops trying and passes sideways or back.
    Quite a few times early in the season, I could see how frustrated Ba was that no-one would play the ball early enough to let him get in front of the defender and stay onside.
    If your used to playing a certain way, with certain players and it is working, why change it?
    When we got Cisse, both Ben arfur and Cabayes range of passing came good, as a good pass is only good if the striker/whoever reads it and busts a gut to get onto it.
    No disrespect to Best and Shola but that is not their game, even if Cabaye had made the passes or Benny did his magic to create the space, the defenders would be all over and nullify the threat from Shola and Best, now though, Benny, Ba and Cisse find space for each other which makes it possible for those lovely passes from Cabaye.
    IMHO
    :grin:

  45. 45
    ANDYMAG says:

    Richie
    will put your mind to rest after the film ;-)

  46. 46
    ANDYMAG says:

    @43 :lol: :lol:

  47. 47
    stevep says:

    Toonsy – your old avatar is cached in WordPress – goto your admin page and click on the WordPress cache plugin, should have an option to clear it

  48. 48
    Tsunki says:

    Urm I’m all for the magic of unbridled stattery but I always feel they are to be tempered with circumstance. Many things had to come together to make our current flavour of 4-3-3 (or 4-2-1-3 etc) work.

    Most influental for me has been HBA (bear with me before shouting other names at me) becoming match fit, familiar with premier league style and actually getting the idea of ‘team’. Being able to be as effective as he is, where he is, means midfield has less pressure to watch their backs, the opposition are preoccupied with setting 2 men on HBA, but they need 2 on Ba, Cisse….hang on there’s this Cabaye lad coming through at us now as well…oo-er missus! The whole back line has been relieved of the pressure they had when they needed to knuckle down and defend against the break constantly. the 4-4-2 was a necessity borne of injuries and making do, and for most of the time we were playing it, the back four in particular were sometimes all at sea, never settled, manned by all kinds of permutations and therefore constantly under pressure.

    I think Pards was always aching to play his 4-3-3 but for a while simply didn’t dare. Now all the pieces have come into place there seems to be no looking back. So, in conclusion, stats don’t simply support 4-3-3 per se, they just illustrate that now we have the manpower and ability to play it, it works. And that’s all good.

  49. 49
    GeordieTwo says:

    The real test of the 4-3-3 formation will be the games against Man City and Chelsea. If we get 2 or 4 points from these 2 games using 4-3-3 it will be a definite indication that 4-3-3 is the way forward for us. I don’t think Barca’s 3-5-2 could work in the Prem as they would concede more goals against the teams with big attackers like Drogba. Wigan has tried 3-4-3 and it just doesn’t work well enough when defending. If Mourinho thinks 4-3-3 is a great formation it is good enough for me. Of course as people have already said it takes players with great talent such as Ben Arfa, Ba, Cabaye, and Cisse on attack and the brilliant Colo at the back to make it work well. :lol:

  50. 50
    Tsunki says:

    The secret is in the sauce. We now have a virtually ideal set of players suited to their positions, and who are now actually becoming aware, fantastically, of each other’s vision and movement (i.e. Cabs pass to Cisse for his goal at Stoke – come oooonnnnn!!!) HBA is now making passes and runs into spaces that that are being picked up by his team mates instead of being misinterpreted. But while I enthuse about our attacking threat, big shout for the most fluid and makeshift back line in the league helping to keep us at the top ALL season. To think I would criticise simmo for his suicidal forays…..well, yes he did do that. The test of our defensive resolve is indicated by the porportional downturn in sensational saves ( or in fact sometimes ANY saves) Krul has had to make the latter part of this season.

  51. 51
    GeordieTwo says:

    Wigan will give us a good go whether the ground is full or not. A strange team Wigan, impossible to predict. I’m hoping for a win for us to keep the pressure on Spurs and Chelsea (and Arsenal). Their counter-attack is very dangerous at times. If Colo plays well we should win. Goals from Ba and Cisse.

  52. 52
    Tsunki says:

    Toonsy – dunno if you’re still faffing around your admin page trying to get your new avatar to load but I did laugh at your mackem ‘clutching straws’ link. :lol: :lol:

  53. 53
    witters says:

    For me 4-3-3 is a formation that pardews simply stumbled across & can little or no credit for, I mean why was HBA benched for so long, Swansea are the best etc etc etc

  54. 54
    toonsy says:

    Tsunki – Class init :lol:

  55. 55
    richietoon says:

    Game on :mrgreen:
    Spanish commentator called Ribery “scarface” :shock:

  56. 56
    Tsunki says:

    And btw Toonsy…he he he…. your avatar is still the same. :)

    I changed my avatar not long ago to more accurately reflect what my condition, and I believe the current condition of most Toon fans, is.

  57. 57
    richietoon says:

    and another goal for Ronaldo :grin:

  58. 58
    Tsunki says:

    witters – you are being ironic, aren’t you? You scalliwag you!

  59. 59
    Kirkyman says:

    Ronaldo doing wot messi couldn’t! Looks like morinho will be back to haunt chelsea.

  60. 60
    MDS says:

    This one’s far from over. Bayern just need a goal to level it….

  61. 61
    witters says:

    Tsunki :lol:

  62. 62
    richietoon says:

    MDS..aye, it’s weird cos if Madrid go 3 nowt up they’re not really any better off, Bayern need 2 to win as it stands and would need the same if it was 3 nowt to Madrid, so 4 nowts what they need to start feeling safe….gotta love the away goal rule :mrgreen:

  63. 63
    MDS says:

    Richie- since you moved to spain, you have any rooting interest for Barca or RM?

  64. 64
    Kirkyman says:

    Penalty for bayern! Lol

  65. 65
    Tsunki says:

    Oh come on! You are kidding me! Real wake up! Captain Jean-Luc makes it so… :(

  66. 66
    rossco says:

    Last night every southern journo was jizzing all over Chelsea and the game saying it was one of the best games ever. I didn’t think it was that special.

    now THIS is an amazing game of football. Real Bayern going hammer and tong. Still think Madrid will win it though.

  67. 67
    MDS says:

    speaking of needing only one goal…….game on

  68. 68
    richietoon says:

    MDS….It was RM before I moved here as wor lass is from Madrid so have been to the bernabau 2/4 times a year for the last 8 years….. at the moment though I’d have more faith in RM beating Chelsea in the final so that’s my “priority” reason for them going through ;-)

  69. 69
    Kirkyman says:

    Either of these two Teams will beat Chelsea. Great game :)

  70. 70
    Tsunki says:

    Fantastic miss Gormless. I don’t really like ow this is shaping up. Except if Real and Barca are this shaky I fancy our chances next year :)

  71. 71
    stevep says:

    Toonsy : where this new avatar? It’s worse than waiting or te baby man
    You sure you’ve chosen it as your primary pic on the avatar site?

  72. 72
    icedog says:

    STEVEP give him a chance hes got nappys to change,its hard when you keep your eyes closed

  73. 73
    kimtoon says:

    Well having watched the first half I can see Chelsea getting a few chances against either of them. Both great going forward but also both liable to concede ! ,just as well Chelsea will be missing key players ,hopefully they won’t carry on with the luck that’s got them so far this season.

  74. 74
    Jon R says:

    Anybody else watching the match on Fox Soccer live stream? Warren Barton is doing the half time analysis.

    Apparently both teams have 1 “road goal”, and the “series” is tied at 3 a piece :lol:

  75. 75
    MDS says:

    jon R- give old Warren a break.. Every week, he is the most blatantly pro-toon commentator on the planet, and he’s happy to admit as much live on the air.

  76. 76
    Tsunki says:

    Jon R – and that’s in the First Period! :)

  77. 77
    richietoon says:

    Shocking offside call from the lino there

  78. 78
    Tsunki says:

    longer this goes on the more I think Bayern will win.

  79. 79
    Jon R says:

    Hahaha i’m not having a go at him like, just made me laugh :lol:

  80. 80
    richietoon says:

    Tsunki..they’ve defo got the advantage, if they score 1 RM need 2, if RM score 1 Bayern just need the 1 goal :???:

  81. 81
    MDS says:

    Must be nice to be able to sub in Kaka for the last 10 minutes

  82. 82
    Carter says:

    Please score RM I would love to see the SPECIAL ONE shaft his beloved Chelski.

  83. 83
    toonsy says:

    Sorry lads. Been away. There’s been a Tornado in my town – one of the weather type Tornado’s before anyone starts :shock: :lol:

  84. 84
    geordie deb says:

    Great game, but is it just me wearing very rose coloured glasses but I think we could give any of the teams last night or tonight a decent game

  85. 85
    richietoon says:

    Should have been gameover then like.

  86. 86
    Carter says:

    GD- we may find out next season with a bit of luck ;-)

  87. 87
    kimtoon says:

    What a shame last nights game never went to extra time ,Chelski would of been even more knackered.

  88. 88
    Carter says:

    where abouts to you live Toonsy – Cansas

  89. 89
    richietoon says:

    There’s always a large amount of wind when Toonsy’s about :lol:

  90. 90
    Carter says:

    Is John Terris 3 match ban only count in the champions league?

  91. 91
    geordie deb says:

    Carter lets hope so :grin:

  92. 92
    geordie deb says:

    KimToon @87 agree

  93. 93
    richietoon says:

    Carter….UEFA games I think, so it’ll carry into Chelski’s Europa campaign next season :lol:

  94. 94
    MDS says:

    Would a Bayern goal in extra time still count as an away goal???

  95. 95
    Carter says:

    GD – I but it would also be nice if their defence was weekened for our league game. Hey ho can’t have it all I suppose :lol:

  96. 96
    stevep says:

    Yup – Terry’s ban is only for Champions league matches

  97. 97
    Carter says:

    Richietoon – That’s what I thought. Well hopefully Perchinio will put him and Drogba out of action for the final. Cheers :lol:

  98. 98
    icedog says:

    thats three b.m. defenders oot of final if they go through

  99. 99
    MDS says:

    April 25, 2012 at 21:56
    thats three b.m. defenders oot of final if they go through
    ————-

    That’s why we really need Real to win this now. Rinoldo would destroy Chelsea w/out JT and Ibramovic

  100. 100
    Jon R says:

    You don’t think Robben and Ribery would cause them problems too?

  101. 101
    richietoon says:

    Ice…tbh I think it’s shit a player can miss the biggest match of their live’s ‘cos they get a couple of yellows, if it’s a straight red then fair enough, shit rule imo.

  102. 102
    icedog says:

    RICHIE i agree must be heart breaking but what can ye dee

  103. 103
    richietoon says:

    fukn ref is shit…..corner all day

  104. 104
    MDS says:

    Jon R says:
    April 25, 2012 at 22:00
    You don’t think Robben and Ribery would cause them problems too?
    ——————
    Not at the same level IMO

  105. 105
    Carter says:

    Come on RM :shock:

  106. 106
    kimtoon says:

    I love shoot outs :lol:

  107. 107
    kimtoon says:

    ffs

  108. 108
    Carter says:

    I as long as we arn’t taking them. :shock:

  109. 109
  110. 110
    richietoon says:

    feck me, I take better pens than RM

  111. 111
    rossco says:

    Who thinks cross bar challenge would be a better way to sort a match than pens?

  112. 112
    richietoon says:

    woo hooo game on

  113. 113
    Carter says:

    :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: come on ffs

  114. 114
    Big Dave says:

    Fuk just finished but been watching the game, theres nowt like a penalty shoot out :lol:

  115. 115
    richietoon says:

    ffs :roll:

  116. 116
    kimtoon says:

    shit really crap that

  117. 117
    Jon R says:

    LOL Ramos.

  118. 118
  119. 119
    kimtoon says:

    Chelsea get lucky again avoiding Real :evil:

  120. 120
    richietoon says:

    :cry: :cry: :cry: well the feckers better beat Chelski….then I’ll forgive them :mrgreen:

  121. 121
    Big Dave says:

    Poor Richie :???:

  122. 122
    Jon R says:

    I really don’t get the RM love. Over the two legs Bayern were better for me. And they’ve got the home advantage in the final too.

  123. 123
    Carter says:

    Bollocks :twisted: hey ho off to bed

  124. 124
    Beardsleys Boots says:

    go figure :???: :???:
    crazy game this football

  125. 125
    rossco says:

    Bayern missing 3 of their defs from yellow though. Going to be a weak defensive line up from both teams in the final. But Bayern have a massive home advantage. Bayern looked better and had better stats over the two games too.

  126. 126
    kimtoon says:

    JON-Lets hope it pays off for them .

  127. 127
    NorCal Toonfan says:

    So I guess we’re all Bayern fans now then, yes?

  128. 128
    Beardsleys Boots says:

    I said yesterday, its written in the starts that chelsea will win the final :twisted: :evil:
    Just typical Geordie luck

  129. 129
    Carter says:

    Be positive we will finish third anyway ;-)

  130. 130
    MDS says:

    Shame- think a full squad RM would have been tougher on Chelsea’s weakened defense. Oh well- come on Bayern

  131. 131
    Big Dave says:

    BB @ 128 I agree and I said the same :???:

  132. 132
    Jon R says:

    BB – nothing is written in the stars. You sound like Glen Hoddle :roll:

    Fact is Chelsea have been poor all season. They got let off the hook about 10 times by Barca, and if Bayern play well they will win.

    Maybe :grin:

  133. 133
    Carter says:

    Don’t right BM off home advantage and Chelski wil be worn out and crippled after the toon game :lol:

  134. 134
    kimtoon says:

    well it was german efficiency in the shoot out as usuall and the spanish underachieving ,somethings never change. ;-)

    I’m gonna lump my cash on Chelski winning , I won’t feel so bad if they nick our CL spot assuming we get it that is. ;-)

  135. 135
    Carter says:

    John R – agree BM will be like a well oiled German machine.

  136. 136
    kimtoon says:

    All this and a double dip reccession too :evil: Feckin Spanish, Feckin Condems :evil:

  137. 137
    Jon R says:

    Carter – definitely mate. I’ve always liked the Germans actually – great bunch :grin: Ribery is my favourite. I love his big nose.

  138. 138
    rossco says:

    Chelsea beat Barca, Liverpool beat Chelsea, Wigan beat Liverpool, Swindon beat Wigan, Aldershot beat Swindon. Aldershot best team in europe.

  139. 139
    OHurley says:

    NorCal-

    Yep. Bayern fans it is lol. Strangely enough… I just don’t see them beating Chelski who seem to have found a bit of form. You just watch- it’ll be a Torres goal that wins it for em, the little shits.

  140. 140
    OHurley says:

    Rossco,

    That was awesome. I hope I live long enough to see Aldershot become the best team in Europe lol… wait a sec.. no I don’t.

  141. 141
    JJ says:

    Are you guys kidding me?? Bayern are massive favourites to beat Chelsea. They are by far the better side.
    They were the better side in every regard against Real both home and away…

    Germans vs English footballers… I wouldn’t be worried.

    I still think we’ll only finish 5th so that’s the main concern.

    Only finish fifth… Pffft. Who thought I say that at the start of the season.

  142. 142
    toonsy says:

    JJ – Barca were favourites against Chelsea. Arsenal were favourites in the League Cup final which Birmingham won last season. AC Milan were favourites against Liverpool, especially being 3-0 up at half time.

    Go figure.

    In a one off game anything can happen which is what people are worrying about. We’ve been written off most of the season and people have only started to take us seriously these last few games despite the fact that we’ve been no lower than 7th this season and have spent the bulk of the season in the top six.

    I do rate Bayern and even said back in the group stages that they would go far, but over 90 minutes anything can happen.

    And it’s hardly German v English footballers is it? Chelsea only have about two English players lol

  143. 143
    richietoon says:

    “Are you guys kidding me?? Bayern are massive favourites to beat Chelsea. They are by far the better side.”……yep, and that was the general view about Barca v Chelsea :roll: ……..that said Bayern will smash em :lol:

  144. 144
    toonsy says:

    Too slow old man :cool: :razz:

  145. 145
    richietoon says:

    Not too slow, just some of us can get up when we want ;-) :lol:
    How is the ankle snapper anyway? :grin:

  146. 146
    toonsy says:

    He’s alright mate. The Mrs gets up with I’m at night and I’ve not even changed a nappy yet. Dirty work :cool: :lol:

    I did start off helping her though. I was up at every feed etc etc but then she said that I need to stop as she needs to get used to it for when I go away, which was nice :)

    Mind you, I’m taking him out on my own later for the first time so things will change. I’ll come back balder :lol:

  147. 147
    toonsy says:

    I’m = him :roll:

  148. 148
    richietoon says:

    I didn’t change my first nappy until my Mam came over to see us in Germany and made me do it :evil: ……you have it easy these days, what with jet washers and that :lol:

    I perfected the art of pretending to be asleep whenever the bairn cried pretty damn quick too :mrgreen:

  149. 149
    JJ says:

    What’s more likely…

    Us finishing 4th… Or Chelsea beating Bayern?

    I think we need to worry about us getting fourth first. :lol:

  150. 150
    toonsy says:

    Rich – I can’t do it. His crying goes right through me man. Like someone ragging nails down a blackboard :(

  151. 151
    JJ says:

    Think I’m going to write an article today. Havn’t for a while…

  152. 152
    richietoon says:

    JJ….If you worry about one then you have to worry about the other……unless you’re me, as I’m not worried about Chelsea winning the UCL :mrgreen:

    Toonsy….you’ll have to get used to it, they still cry when they’re older and you lock them in the cupboard under the stairs :lol:

  153. 153
    JJ says:

    Toonsy.

    Spend every second you can with him mate…

    My baby mom and I arnt together. Shes gone completely psychotic since the pregnancy.
    Will only let me see him for an hour every two weeks.
    Cab do nothing about it until he’s six weeks old. Because she refused to put me on his birth certificate…

    This is despite me paying her medical aid, the birth costs, and all his expenses.

    People complain about the nappies, lack of sleep… But Id do anything to be woken up him or change his nappy if it meant seeing him for 10 minutes longer…

  154. 154
    richietoon says:

    JJ…hope ya can sort it out, seems to be the same in most countries, Dads have very few rights :sad:

  155. 155
    toonsy says:

    JJ – To be honest that’s what I worry about. I don;t want the Mrs to get any kind of depression or anything like that. Luckily she has all my family, her family and her friends to help her out and keep her sane while I’m away.

    I don’t really want to work away if I’m honest,but the Mrs always wanted to drop to part time when she had a kid so I had to make up the money somewhere and this new job is like £40k a year – not bad after leaving a “leading” company at Toyota to become a mere Coach Driver instead. Silly money which allows her to drop to part time or even drop out of work completely which keeps her happy. So I’ll be away but at leas she is getting something out of it and she can just concentrate on the kid.

    Shit what yours has done to you mind. Far too many mothers play the god card with their children and use them as a weapon.Sad if you ask me, but she’ll slip out of it in time. Unfortunately you’ve just got to take it until the six weeks is up. Stay strong dude.

    And get writing :twisted:

  156. 156
    JJ says:

    Toonsy,

    You don’t need to worry mate.
    We only knew each other for four months. And she is young (21).

    So I’m sure even if your missus does get the baby blues, she’ll handle it with maturity…

    The situation is hard and costly. But I know as long as the baby is loved and healthy things will be fine.

    I’m far more relaxed and happy than I was before the birth. :grin:

    It’s a great feeling.

  157. 157
    Beardsleys Boots says:

    JJ – thats sucks mate. :twisted: Hold on fella you never kna whats roond the corner.
    Good luck to you.

  158. 158
    JJ says:

    BB

    Thanks mate.

    But she hooked up with someone else already. So I have no intention of ever being together now. Its amazing. Not one arguement in four months. Every day together smiling and laughing and then she found out she was pregnant, its like her world ended and it was my fault…

    She loves the baby don’t get me wrong, but she hates me for, “taking her youth”.

    All I want is to be a good father. Its hard an hour every second weekend to be that.

    Anyway, everyone has their problems. When he is older, he will know his father loves him and hopefully his mother would have grown up a bit.

    Its just sad a mother uses the child to vent her anger. The laws really are unfair.

    Fortunately I still see it as a fantastic year. I’ve got a healthy beautiful son and the Toon are flying… :grin: :grin:

  159. 159
    EvilFranky says:

    JJ – I would have pushed her down the stairs as soon as I knew :grin:

  160. 160
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