And so, the curtain looks to come down on an unbelievable Premier League season on Tyneside! Doubters proved wrong, owners in the good books (for some), talent brought in and the dizzy heights of the top 5 the ultimate ending place.
But…it’s not over yet!
A win at Everton and some misfortune for either Spurs or Arsenal and Newcastle United can see themselves perched in a Champion’s League spot for the first time since the 2002/03 season. And, as we know, a 4th place finish, as harsh as that would be on NUFC especially, still may not be enough and depends on Chelsea’s performance v Bayern Munich.
However, Everton are the ones Newcastle need to focus on first and foremost. In the last 6 between these two, they have shard the points – 2 wins apiece and 2 draws, 8 goals for Everton and 7 for the Toon.
Newcastle were the victors the last time out; a Ryan Taylor special from outside the box the difference in a 2-1 win at SJP back in November 2011. NUFC also won the last time these two met in the Premier League at Goodison Park – another special goal, this time from the enigmatic Hatem Ben Arfa, winning the game 0-1 in September 2010.
Everton are no pushovers though – they’ve won 6 of their last 7 home matches in Premier League, keeping a clean sheet in all 6 and they’ve scored at least 2 goals in their last 3 home games.
Everton in the Premier League:
Only Wolves (16.2) are successful in less tackles per game than the Toffee – 16.3 won per game on average.
At home, only WBA & Liverpool are caught offside more times per game than Everton – 2.9.
Only QPR & Bolton (both 0) have scored less goals in the league this season from a ‘fast break’ than the Merseyside Blues – 1, and that came away from home.
Everton have the lowest percentage for initiated attacks from central areas in the entire division – 26%.
However, they do happen to produce the highest percentage in the top flight for shots from central areas – 72%.
They also have the lowest percentage in the division for shots originating from the left hand side – 13%.
Only Liverpool spend a higher percentage of their possession in the opposition’s half than Everton in the Premier League games this season – 31%. NUFC have the 2nd lowest (26%).
Players to watch:
Leighton Baines – The full back is an absolute starlet for Everton! He has more touches than any other Blues player, producing most crosses, most total & clear cut chances, most passes in the final third and scored most clear cut chances. He has also made most final third entries for the blues, had most direct shots from free-kicks and hit the woodwork more than any of his team mates. A real danger man from left back!
Leighton Baines is a major dangerman!
Nikica Jelavic – The former Rangers man has 8 goals from his 9 Premier League starts for Everton, thus being their top goalscorer this season. He has a 57% shot accuracy rating and a very healthy 29% chance conversion.
Marouane Fellaini – The Belgain midfielder is an important player for the Toffees, somewhat underrated by some and a good, all-round player. No player at Everton produces or wins more tackles than Fellaini and he wins more 50-50 ground duels and aerial duels than any team mate. He also makes more total and successful passes at the club, most in the attacking half and had produced most shots straight after a set piece.
How to win this one:
NUFC will certainly not have this one their own way and must ensure they perform better than their performance away at Wigan, a team of similar playing ability. They must keep a close eye on Jelavic. He has proved he knows where the goal and even with the ‘driest’ of service, he seems to get his goals.
The biggest threat will more than likely come from Everton’s left hand side though, with Leighton Baines a constant menace. The right back spot has not been Newcastle’s toughest area at times this season and a double act of Baines & Pienaar could cause NUFC a lot of problems.
Everton - Average player positions in 3 of the last 6
Everton - Average player positions in 3 of the last 6 (2)
As a consequence though, Everton do leave a lot space in their right back position and Tony Hibbert is often isolated. The above average player positions for Everton’s last 6 Premier League games show the space often left between Hibbert and his centre halves and NUFC, particularly through Ba & Jonas, have got to exploit that area when the gaps open up.
A lot rests on this game, but at the same time, even if NUFC whitewash the Toffees, they could still be let down by results elsewhere. The best possible approach is to ensure they do everything they can to get a result and not be feared by anything – this has been a magnificent season either way and if results go the right way, then what a bonus that would be!!
NUFC_Stats prediction: 1-1
« Are our fans now realistically optimistic instead of ridiculously optimistic? | Pardew powerless to prevent player sales »
Toon News 24/7
RSS
E Mail
Twitter
Facebook
114 Comments
Another good read stats…
Unfortunately for us everton still has something to play for as they will want to finish above Liverpool. I always though Baines would look good in black and white….good player. Always thought he should have played more for england
Find it disappointing that a lot of previews have said that we’ll either lose or draw with Everton, I’m confident of a win, our defence is more organised and we played well against man city, add that to our strong strike force and our creative midfielders and I feel we can and will win. Also we’ve never won the last game in the PL, on the 20th anniversary that’s gunna change.
baines is unlucky to be behind cole in the england squad….and ryan taylor
And previously Bridge and Warnock, for reasons I could never quite figure out….
There is also another two rather useless stats.We are the only team yet to score an Own goal this season.
Jonas is the player with the most free kick won from opposition this season.
79.
Andymag – the Toon beat Chelsea 1-0 on 7th May 2006. It was the last game of the 2005-2006 PL season.
Stats – another great round up mate and thanks for all the stats you’ve provided this season. Look forward to the Euro stats next season.
MDS – I think Everton is a really testing final game coz ever if they didn’t have the bragging rights to play for, David Moyes has them playing for pride. I think he’s a quality manager and his attitude has meant that with their financial restraints they are never relegation contenders.
I think they match us with work ethic but we have a more talented set of players and we have to get the likes of Cabaye, Benny, Ba and Cisse on the ball to make the difference.
Andymag – I actually think we perform better when little is expected of us. I think the games we’ve been expected to win like Wigan, we have been disappointing. I personally like the fact that we know what we have to do. Loose or draw and we are still 5th, which is just an amazing achievement. Win and we could get CL and even 3rd – that’s crazy … but would be truly deserved.
Good read stats. Interesting final game. We are 2 well matched teams when playing in their ground. Would love to see Ba get a goal to win it. If he does we should get 4th and into Champs League. Can’t see Chelsea winning in the final. Thanks for all your good work through the season.
We’re delighted to announce that Newcastle boss Alan Pardew has been named Barclays Manager of the Season after a fantastic campaign with the Magpies.
GREAT ONE.
AOD! Where did you see that?? I just did a search and nothing is coming up. Absolutely wonderful if true (as well as being a no-brainer!)
And thanks for the stats, Statto
Come on the toon – make me some money
Date Bet Type Stake Selection(s)
04/02/2012 Single £10.00 Premier League Top 4 Finish Newcastle @ 22/1
Angel@9 I hope that’s true as he deserves it.
http://www.facebook.com/BarclaysFootball
Official.
We’re delighted to announce that Newcastle boss Alan Pardew has been named Barclays Manager of the Season after a fantastic campaign with the Magpies.
The Barclays Player of the Season award goes to Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany, after helping City’s defence to keep 17 clean sheets this season.
Fully deserved Pardew
…this won’t go down well on .org 
Fully deserved.
Well done Alain Pardueax!
Whey just got in from a week away, and thats great news about AP.
He’s not had any official recognition this season, and fully deserves his award.
Looking forwards to next season already. He has set himself a high bench mark this season tho.
Howay the Lads for sunday. For the Win.
No longer Pardwho ?
He has earned my respect. I just hope he stays with us for his full 5 yr contract. We need this stability at the club and long may it last.
Wyeotter
That makes more sense, thought that stat was a bit odd, wonder why some reprts have said that then. Fine its been six years
Just glad were not hurting the toffees by beating hopefully beating them, much respect for moyer his team but more importantly their fans
Andymag – We’ve never won out last away game of the season in the Prem. We have won home games though.
AOD that is just fabulous, thanks!
Rossco… we’ve broken plenty of jinxes already this year
Aye Susan – Bring all the Jinxs on!
Good to see the Manager of the Year Award. Credit where its Par-due.
ive jumped on here as soon as i heard the news about pardew!! im ashamed in myself at the start of his reign when i used to call him, how wrong could i be!! he has done an unreal job at the toon and has every player playing brilliantly!! the way he managed ben arfa after his injury was fantastic!! we could ask for anything more really off the guy
its my wifes granda jackie milburns bday today , he would have been 88!! ive just been down to his grave before with black and white carnations to put on his stone!! my wife misses him massively so its been a sad day in my house!!
lets hope sunday is a happy day for the toon and we sneak 3rd or 4th place , stranger things have happened
we couldnt ask more off pardew sorry
Army – your lass will be pleased that they moved his statue back to where it belongs then.
This is the first time a Newcastle manager has been awarded this accolade.
So happy for Pards and the club. Lofty heights in league ,back in Europe ,great players scoring great goals and now manager of the season
So glad I ain’t a mackem
Rossco
aye thats what I was trying to say about jinxes
Away games, oh
Angel @27 He’s only the second englishman to win it too , Redknapps the other one
@30 in Barclays PL that is.
BEARDSLEYS BOOTS
May 11, 2012 at 18:35
Army – your lass will be pleased that they moved his statue back to where it belongs then.
ayeeee shes over the moon with that like!!
my team v the toffees
=============krul===========
perch====colo===willo====santon
===cabaye====tiote====jonas===
ben arfa======cisse======ba===
bye bye simpson greedy git
is Tiote not banned after 10 yellows like???
7 players out for me – simpson, guthrie , lovenkrands , smith , harper , ranger, best
6 players that would be nice – new keeper ?? , debuchy , pieters , moses , adam johnson and a striker better than best
BEARDSLEYS BOOTS
May 11, 2012 at 19:10
is Tiote not banned after 10 yellows like???
not sure mate , if so then stick perch center mid and put raylor right back
If Baines gets forward a lot then put a Benny or an Obertoon there to give him something to think about.
DJG
Dear god not Obertan, was all for giving the lad another chance till I saw his ‘contribution’ from the bench the other day, man he’s shite. I say sell him to either one of the French clubs as part of a deal for one of their players or the same for a championship player like J.Rodriguez, Obertan + £3m will surely be enough.
Would do the lad a world of good aswell, playing more often in a lower league to knock away the silly mistakes.
DEBUCHY!!
Devonmag – just heard that too
Debuchy and Douglas by the sounds of things… Tasty
You two are mad. He’s clearly talking about Hazard
That mad morning on twitter was brilliant. All sparked by some idiotic sky sports news coverage.
If you sign up with FOX Soccer 2Go the Newcastle game is on there live as well as any other game you may want to see. It costs $19.99 for a 1 month subscription….but the good news is I have a promo code to get a 1 month trial for free! So use promo code XOOMFOX then just cancel the subscription (all done easily on line) before the month is up and you wont be charged. They give you a test video to watch to make sure you are ok to watch it before you sign up!
Brilliant!
Cheers,
Jilly Bean
Jill…Won’t let me do register in Spain
thanks anyway.
*let me register*
@44. Jill- I’ve been a paying member for 2 years now. It’s fantastic. Between that and TV I haven’t had to go the dodgy stream route in awhile (except cup matches), and i enjoy the occasional dutch, french or german league match. But i thought that was ony available in the US and Canada? Are you stateside?
witters says:
May 11, 2012 at 17:40
Fully deserved Pardew …this won’t go down well on .org
——————-
No it won’t. But it’ll be worth a visit over there for the first time in over a year
MDS yes, I live in Florida.
Oh sorry Richietoon, I thought it was world wide coverage! That sucks.
Jill…no worries.
MDS…it hasn’t with some
Well deserved Pardew. The ability to transform that amount of negativity at the start of the season into the feel good factor now alone, is worthy of being a contender. Interesting to note that Pardew never won the Manager of the Month award prior to this. Is this some kind of record?
Is there not a way to fool the server into thinking you are in the USA? I know in the past I’ve fooled it into thinking I was in the UK so I could access Sky!
Jill…I have ExPat shield so it goes via a uk server for BBC iplayer etc so I’ll see if I can go via US, problem is my internet speed is terrible here and I lose some of what little speed I have when I use ExPat.
Jill that expalins it. I know a few lads tried to sign up last year but it wouldn’t lt them.
Richie- predictable as the sunrise that crew
Here is a quote from the web site and is why I thought you could access it world wide: Our new multi-platform functionality allows you to watch FOX Soccer 2Go anywhere and everywhere. You can now watch live games on your favourite devices; PC & MAC, iPhone, and iPad with one subscription at no extra cost.
Will anyone be able to provide the entire interview, I missed it all
Jill- since you live in the states now you should know that we americans think we’re the center of the universe. “Anywhere and everywhere” means Canada and the 50 states (minus Hawaii and Alaska of course)
MDS Hmm must be like ‘The World Series’ they have with just America taking part! LOL
See Jill….you’re almost fully assimilated
Andymag – you’re in the UK right? The interview’s on iplayer:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p00r955t/Total_Sport_Alan_Pardew_phonein/
MDS, how much does the subscription cost? I think I might actually sign up for it next year.
Norcal. I think like $130 for 12 months. You can watch replays from other leagues too so i sometimes check out are rumoured transfer targets.
Norcal- http://www.foxsoccer2go.com
Actually that is a pretty good deal as FSC costs me $15 per month and only shows a few games. Maybe I’ll change onto the 2 GO instead.
$170…darn…not sure the wife will support that. May look into still.
Thanks.
By the way, your statement a few threads ago about chatting the girl up and then defending a place you’ve never been…was pretty funny.
Maybe i paid less because i bought it later…
Still its worth it imo
Jill- bust sometimes when the match is on FSC they won’t show it on the website. Greedy suckers…so I got both
Wow. Listening to the radio interview now, only a few minutes in but it is brilliantly honest.
Guthrie is 100% going, and Pardew has said he backs him.
Simmo has been offered a contract, but it’s down to agent wrangling now. Pardew touches on fan criticism of him and how he thinks it’s not justified, mentioning, rightfully, that playing behind HBA means he has a much more difficult role as defending isn’t HBA’s strong point. Also goes to show that fan criticism does filter through to the players. Mindless criticism, never productive, never helps in my eyes.
Love the respect Pards and Carver must have from HBA. They talk about how they’ve made it clear to him that it doesn’t matter how much magic he has, if he doesn’t defend he’s out the team.
Pards shoulders the blame for set plays this year, something they are going to work on heavily for next year.
They mention a few of these things on nufc.com but i think we are going to need an article dissecting this interview, it’s absolute gold.
He rates Carver as the clubs greatest signing
Sorry to see he thinks ba might go but that is to be expected imo.
Loving the Shola praise.
Group first, player second.
4 words from Pardew that sum up why Barton couldn’t remain at the club.
Statto good read mate but I think you’ve got your prediction wrong
Solano -Yes was a very honest interview ,sad if Ba goes and Guthrie too. He said he’s told Saylor that Willo is in front of him at the moment because of his good play
Yes he’s come good but I’d still rather Saylor with Colo tbh.
Cites Shola’s goal against Sunderland as our most important goal and his favourite game of the season. Reasons being that the mood of the whole toon would be crushed and there would be zero momentum.
Hadn’t ever thought of a draw being my favourite result but he makes a great point.
@Kim I reckon some of his talk, even in this interview, is to spur players on.
Would be a massive shame, at least we know beforehand. So much better than the days of being kept in the dark completely!
good interview with pards and carver tonight
I love Everton Newcastle games. That said, I love all Newcastle games before they start; finishing has been an issue in the past.
…who can forget the glorious 6-2
I was watching that game in a neutral pub with my Evertonian chum. Almost uncanny that one of the more flamboyantly named Everton players of that era, Sixto Peralta, had such an easily maneuverable name to fit the scoreline.
I still reference 6-2 Peralta to this day.
(the internets currently haves no knowledge of this chap ever playing for Everton, but I’m sure I never dreamt it
)
…beware the Jellyfish.
Getting painfully honest at times.
Says if Man Utd came in for Cabaye, he’d say fair enough, good luck.
He states that until we get into the CL we don’t have a leg to stand on in preventing the big dogs from turning heads. However he makes it clear that transfer fees would have to be extortionate fees would be charged and it would always be used wisely.
My favourite bit was when he compared Ba to Madonna and Cisse to Lady Gaga.
There’s gotta be a song in there somwehere… “Like a Muslim”? Wait, best not go there
….touched for the 73rd time?
(sorry Allah
)
…he’s mi next door neighbour like, banging on the waahls noo. Doesn’t like is playing Spice Gorls full blast like. Guess a heftil keep it doon.
Solano ,I agree refreshing to get some straight talking .
Yup I agree. I don’t have a problem with the transfer policy at all providing we sell on OUR terms, and are pre-emptive in terms of scouting replacements. it’s great to hear Carver speak about our scouting system, saying it’s by far the most organised he’s seen of any team. People keep saying “we can’t keep selling because sooner or later the well will run dry”, but if you thoroughly scout replacements BEFORE selling, and only sell when you have a replacement lined up, then this is not a problem. The organisation Carver speaks of suggests that this is being done.
I suppose he’s going to have riled a few of the “why are we a selling club? we shouldnt be a selling club! rah rah rah” crew, but that’s too bad.
am a simple man me like; a love NUFC and like football. It’s always been an ID thing for me first though. Aspose living ootside Noocarsil meks yemor prood.
…whatever anyway, all this scouting bollocks is futile.
Playing with fire.
yeah, bollocks, whatever
HAPPY NEEEEEWWWWWWW WEEEKEND
…..
cudnt give a fawik boot futbarl like.
totally off-topic, but Giant Tortoise shells make ace guinea pig swimming pools like.
…a gora few awathem massiv tortissiz of mi mate a while back like.
…nee botha.
…Pruning shears, easy; birra petril ana few chip paypaz.
INSTANT MICRO TURTLE POND!
…make the world a brighter place.
For You And For Me
And The Entire Human Race
There Are People Dying
If You Care Enough
For The Living
Make A Better Place
For You And For Me
fuck tortils like
and amphibians
got newt against them like
…….WAAHYYYYY
(canny good that one like, off the cuff like)
Didn’t even make sense.
MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOO
!….2….3
SWARFEGA
at least 27 people just read this comment.
I reckon lets explode the internet by everyone hitting ‘escape’ at the same time. Turtle anarchy.
Fuck me, I’m gona change me Avatar to the Fonz. I’m obviously the King on here.
The bitches love me, and bummers wank over me.
easy
…he said ‘wank’
nxt person to say nothing is moderately cool
this ain’t no holiday, but it always turns out that way
vamebert electrique
Al take some of whateva rods havIn !!
WITTERS
May 11, 2012 at 17:40
Fully deserved Pardew …this won’t go down well on .org
_______________________________
Comments like this sadden me. If you check “NUFC.org” there are actually 2 articles posted yesterday celebrating this award for our manager. Why do you insist on being so divisive?
@Trumpet
You mention the criticism that Simpson has had and I quote;
Also goes to show that fan criticism does filter through to the players. Mindless criticism, never productive, never helps in my eyes.
He had a bloody twitter account that he closed down cos of the criticism .
Filtered down? He brought into his own living room.
@Troy
Yeah very true, if you make a twitter account you leave yourself open to getting slated by people that might not even be fans. But I’d wager that even actual fans moaned to him that “he’s shit”, worst right back, weak link, etc etc. He opened the avenue but it doesn’t mean fans need to act like prats.
Trouble with twitter and celebs / players is that you are obviously open to attack from anybody including opposing fans, mentally ill etc – in Simpsons case he loved the praise ( England’s next right back) but hated the slatings – cant have it both ways
Twitter is for attention seekers. So attention seekers, don’t complain when the attention is not the kissing your arse type
Apparently Troy has it two ways
UTD111…cos a number of posters, thankfully a minority, on .org continually berate & criticise Pardew, they clearly hate him.
Witters @111
Aye anno…..but I’m workin on them!
UTD111…as certain comments on your article prove! Good luck turning them but the words head, brick wall & banging come to mind!!
I think the main danger they pose is the movement of Cahill and Jelavic from crosses, but NUFC have good at dealing with balls in the box this season so could do quite well. A key point to add is that their passing success rate is very poor, only 3 players have higher than 80% in their team. We should look to intercept and counter through the space the full backs leave.
Full tactical preview available at http://one-touch-passing.blogspot.co.uk/ .
« Are our fans now realistically optimistic instead of ridiculously optimistic? | Pardew powerless to prevent player sales »