With fans clamouring for change of formation, tactics, personnel, and pretty much anything else actually, those requests were duly obliged when the starting line ups were announced. Enforced absences by Fabricio Coloccini, Cheik Tiote and Danny Simspon were compounded by the dropping of Demba Ba who had to make do with starting the match on the bench.
Likewise there was a change in formation with United dropping the rather rudimentary 4-4-2, a source of everything that has been going wrong according to fans, and started off with a more popular 4-3-3 kind of setup, which should have guaranteed us the win if you listen to the way some fans go on about it! More about that later though…
What followed then was a poor 45 minutes by Newcastle, really poor in fact. Everton seemed to be able to make chances at will and had already had one Nikica Jelavic effort correctly ruled out for offside before Leighton Baines managed to put the home side ahead with a thumping left foot effort after good interplay down the left.
James Perch was tasked with playing at right-back and was having rings run round him with little help forthcoming from Sylain Marveaux who really should have been helping the utility man out more than he did. Further chances followed for Everton as Leon Osman, Kevin Miralles and Phil Jagielka all went closing to extending the lead for the Toffees. Luckily nothing came of it though and Newcastle went in at half-time just the one goal down despite Papiss Cisse sendong a volley inches wide of the post and Vurnon Anita having his effort hack off the line by Baines.
Half-time: Everton 1-0 Newcastle
Demba Ba was sent on for the second half in place of the disappointing Marveaux, and it was the super sub who made an immediate impact when he ran onto a through ball by Yohan Cabaye (you, the one who does nothing…) and slotted an early shot past Tim Howard who really should have done better.
Then came the two big talking points of the game, but it wasn’t referee Mike Jones who was to blame and instead his assistant must surely answer some questions as he is there to help the referee in these kind of calls.
Firstly Marouane Fellaini saw his effort ruled out for offside even though TV replays show that he was at the very least level with Mike Williamson when the ball was played to him. Not long after that more controversy followed when Victor Anichebe saw his header tipped onto the bar at point blank range by Steve Harper. The ball hit the underside of the crossbar before seemingly dropping over the line just before Mike Williamson hacked away.
No doubt Everton will fell aggrieved by those two decision, but then Newcastle managed to break away with Hatem Ben Arfa leaving Steven Pienaar trailing despite having his heels clipped by the South African giving Newcastle a three on one breakaway attack only for Mike Jones to fail to play the advantage and pull play back for the foul on Ben Arfa.
Victor Anichebe looked to have sealed the points for Everton when he turned Steven Taylor and shot past Steve Harper with just three minutes remaining, but a much improved (in the second half at least) Newcastle were not to be denied as that man Demba Ba ran onto a Shola Ameobi chest down and prodded the ball past Tim Howard on the stroke of 90 minutes.
Full-time: Everton 2-2 Newcastle
Apparently Alan Pardew was “angry” at half-time, and rightly so. Clearly he gave the players a telling off as they were much improved in the second half and finally started to look like the side we saw last season. I wasn’t expecting anything for the game last night so to come away with a point is a massive bonus for me.
Moving onto formations… People have been fixated by using a system other than 4-4-2. This is fair enough as we all have our own opinions, but I’ve always said that it doesn’t matter about formation if players fail to perform to an acceptable level. That has been our problem so far this season, not formation, which is why I was pleased with how we performed in the second half, especially with that useless 4-4-2 formation that people seem to hate.
It was a point tainted with good fortune, I don’t think many NUFC will disagree with that after watching the officials balls up those two decisions for Everton, but sometimes good fortune can be a catalyst for good things. Maybe this could be the start of our season?
Howay the lads!
Everton: Tim Howard, Tony Hibbert, Sylvain Distin, Phil Jagielka, Leighton Baines, Phil Neville, Leon Osman, Steven Pienaar, Marouane Fellaini, Nikica Jelavic, Kevin Mirallas
Subs: Jan Mucha, John Heitinga, Seamus Coleman, Shane Duffy, Magaye Gueye, Steven Naismith, Victor Anichebe
Newcastle: Steve Harper, James Perch, Mike Williamson, Steven Taylor, Davide Santon, Yohan Cabaye, Vurnon Anita, Jonas Gutierrez, Sylvain Marveaux, Hatem Ben Arfa, Papiss Cisse
Subs: Rob Elliot, James Tavernier, Gael Bigirimana, Dan Gosling, Gabriel Obertan, Demba Ba, Shola Ameobi
Attendance: 32,510
looks like its not just being left out that has upset Ba
http://www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/football/newcastle-united/pardew-ready-for-more-anger-management-as-ba-admits-he-s-not-been-happy-1-4931346
icedog(Quote)
anyone know how much the tickets are for the neet against the scum
hitman(Quote)
sorted only £3
hitman(Quote)
Think people have been a bit harsh on Harper. He’s obviously not the quickest or youngest anymore, but both goals were the fault of the CBs and then others ahead of him IMO. Everton had a fair few long shots which went just wide, but Harps had the majority of them covered really. Add that in to the fact he didn’t panic at all when Staylor sold him a murder ball and he managed to hoof it back up the pitch-and then show pure class by telling the ref that Anichebe attempted to play the ball. Who does that nowadays? Good effort from Harps especially when Beckford did his shoulder in in a similar challenge two years ago.
Newkie(Quote)
“i was very determined, because lately i haven’t been happy with some things”
To me that sounds like he’s talking about his and the teams performances.
SolanosTrumpet(Quote)
Don’t think he was happy being benched either and nor should he have been, he’s been better than Cisse in every match so far. Did say it was a dangerous call by Pards, fortunately it paid off. What happens in the next PL match now though? For me, Cisse was probably our worst player only just shading Marveux because he was on for longer and everyone played ***** in the first half..
Newkie(Quote)
“After the bad comes the good” also suggests that whatever the problem, its over with now.
Unless of course its about selection, in which case its a migraine for Pards 😆
Newkie(Quote)
Didn’t ba score our 1000th prem goal then??? ❓
Nobby(Quote)
aye nobby
hitman(Quote)
I think its good Ba was angry he was left out. Shows he doesnt want to sit on the bench and just pick up his wage. Maybe cisse needs to be left on the bench to see if he can re discover his scoring form. But I feel once he gets one he be up and running
Johno Toon(Quote)
4-3-3 didnt work for us last night in the first half cos jonas cant play there in a 3 and marveux done himself no favours wot so ever,cisse still doesnt look up to speed so id like to see ben arfa playing just off ba on sunday and jonas back out wide
bazza(Quote)
We were so much improved in the second half. Ben Arfa was fantastic again, doing a fair bit in defense as well!
AndrewY(Quote)
Based on how he played in the Europa match and from what Pards said, I’d like to see Obertan a start over Marv with Ba over Cisse.
Ba also provides more to the team than goal scoring. Cisse’s touch and passing was dreadful all game
AndrewT(Quote)
“Since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations [in January], Demba doesn’t understand the management,” Gontran told BBC Sport.
“If he continues to be a substitute all season, we’ll look at other solutions.”
He added: “How could you put your best striker with full confidence on the left wing?
“The choice to put Demba on the left last season was good for the club, because Cisse scored 13 goals.
“But there was a lack of recognition for Demba. It is more difficult to play well when you don’t have the confidence of your staff.”
doitforsirbobby(Quote)
“Demba is happy at Newcastle. He is playing in the Premier League, with lot of fellow French speakers and he loves the club’s supporters,” Gontran added.
“He would like to start every game but he respects the choice of the coach, even if he does not always understand or agree.”
doitforsirbobby(Quote)
if rooney can play left wing to incorporate cristiano ronaldo or sometimes on bench to accomodate RVP im sure ba can do both
if he isnt happy and wants to go then he can go
club always comes first
doitforsirbobby(Quote)
AndrewY
September 18, 2012 at 14:06
“Ben Arfa was fantastic again.”
Really? I thought he was pretty poor by his own high standards. I think if he’d been on form we’d have come away with all 3 points yesterday.
Toon Chicken(Quote)
@16 Whilst I know what you’re getting at Ba still has a fair old reason to be miffed, and its arguably good he is. To be honest its not as if Rooney has always taken being moved, benched or subbed like an angel.
Considering Ba is overall probably just as good a player as Cisse (both are in our top 5) and given that he’s already looked much sharper in every match, he should be disappointed at the drop. It’s a challenge for Pards to find the best way in which we can incorporate our best players and get them all playing in as good a position as they can.
Newkie(Quote)
I’m a bit disappointed we still haven’t found a style and formation that suits the way both Ba, Cisse & HBA.
No point moaning about signings if the players you actually do have aren’t performing.
Should have been one of the major priorities of the summer along with set plays.
SolanosTrumpet(Quote)
http://www.themag.co.uk/guest-writers/bas-agent-claims-the-player-may-leave/?
icedog(Quote)
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/newcastle-united/9550799/Newcastle-United-manager-Alan-Pardew-angered-over-Demba-Ba-threat-to-leave-club-following-substitution.html
icedog(Quote)
Woooooo hooooooo! Troyer’s in such a tizz that sparks are zipping off his keyboard. Just be careful you don’t ignite that mountain of dry powder you’re keeping dry, fella. 😆
Troyer, you say, “No problem if you couldn’t fathom out a simplistic play on words, not everyone would get it, particularly those who haven’t made such desperate references to Good in the past.”
Oh yes, William “the blogmaster” Wordsworth and his simplistic play on words. So what “desperate references to Good” are you referring to? You quote, “He could be the best CB at the club by Crippa.” And you say, “I love bringing it up over and over again. I’ve even wrote a Xmas song about it.” Is it Wordsworth, or Noddy Holder now? Troy Stavers or Booby Shinton No 9? You change that much its hard to know who’s speaking.
Your criticism would, of course, be entirely fair, valid and understandable if I had said Good “WILL BE” the best centre back by Christmas? That would be laughable and worthy of your derision. However, all I have said is that this lad, or another in the reserves, might step up if Colo and Sayls get injured. FOR ALL YOU OR I KNOW ABOUT GOOD, he might be a top stand in even before Christmas. You and I don’t know anything about him.
Irrespective of this, my SUBSTANTIVE point was that I would still like us to sign another quality centre back because Willo is a weak link. However, unlike you, I’m quite happy to be patient; I don’t want another Boumsong; and I’m not living under the delusion that we still have the Carroll cash, let alone be in a position to gamble £10M of it on a “point of sale” re-investment in another Boumsong.
You say, “There’s nothing wrong in bringing in Good (notice cap G) however I haven’t heard anyone state that he is the new CB we have bought. Young lads come and go to the club and never reach the first team. They are gambles. The odd one might work out but the majoritydon’t.” So, if not Good, what about Tav? He has played in the first team and done very well. He plays CB too. My point still applies; my substantive point wasn’t about Good per se, although, of course, it suits you to make it so.
You say, “… it does not surprise me one iota that you still believe I’m keeping my powder dry, as I’m certain from your irrelevant replies you never read my views.” My point is that you change your views without owning up to it; although to be fair, floating like a butterfly, you probably don’t realize you’re doing it.
I notice you ignore my question as to whether you had heard of Cheik Tiote, Hatem Ben Arfa, Yohan Cabaye, Davide Santon, and Papiss Cisse before the club bought them? 😳 I asked you to answer honestly, but you have not answered at all. 🙄 When we were trying to sign those players, what other players were we looking at and why didn’t we get them? Do you know? I ask because you say, “There have been plenty on the market as we have shown interest but scared off by the odd million or so.” Did we want those players that much? Do you know whether they are the next Tiote or Ben Arfa? Which CB would you have bought a year ago and how much would you have paid for him?
I notice too that you ignore my question as to what you call a hissy fit after a hissy fit balloons? 😆 😆 😆 😆
Blackley & Brownlie(Quote)
Here we go with the ego management for Pardew.
Fans Should Own The Club(Quote)
Well we said last night all wasn’t quite right with Ba and his after match comments and now the agent has pretty much comfirmed it today. 🙄 We were lucky really last night ,Everton had a stack of chances 1st half and the game was much improved 2nd half when we finally decided to turn up combined with a couple of astute changes by Pards. At the moment I don’t see the spirit of last season which is worrying ,almost a sense the players think they are just to turn up to win .Too many individuals playing below par and some serious loss of form from one or two . On a positive note Shola was brilliant ,he really is a very unselfish player who bleeds black and white ,Cisse and Ba both need to look at the way he provides for his fellow strike partner .This is Sholas best asset , yes I know he’s a striker but he is so effective at what he does for Ba and Cisse and needs recognition more than he gets . Anita again looked good at RB and considering he’s been out the first team and had a makeshift defence in front of him Harps was good too. In truth it could of been 4.2 to everton last night and we got our first real slice of luck this season thanks to the lino ,but we cannot afford to keep giving the opo a 1st half head start every game as sooner or later we will pay badly for it. 6 out of 10 for me last night.
KIMTOON(Quote)
Yeah, I’d say two rather thick slices of lucks on their goals ruled out.
But I thought there was pretty good fight back in the team in the 2nd half, actually. We deserved to be beat, but not for lack of 2nd half effort.
Fans Should Own The Club(Quote)
(THIS IS A GOVERNMENT HEALTH WARNING. THIS POSTER IS LIABLE TO DISAGREE WITH YOUR POINT OF VIEW. ONLY ENGAGE IF YOU AREN’T SENSITIVE AND DON’T TAKE HISSY FITS)
Woo hooooo hoo hooooo. 😎 😎 😯 🙄 wow! I laughed so much my shades fell off !
He’s absolutely seething. 😛 😛
Did the security guard find that theft of banter. 😉
It’s awful when someone has to copy your banter as they struggle to be original. 😆
Let us start at the beginning. You printed a text I sent you. ;
I bet you are dying over your Good expectations. If he can’t knock willo out the team then it’s worrying.
His tackle was more of a tickle!
You will see why I was ranting.
No depth in the squad
For the second occasion, can you explain to me who you thought I was referring to when I spelt Good with a capital G.
When I stated he can’t knock Willo out the team.
Once you have answered this, I will move onto your embarrassing quote about Good could be the best CB at the club by Xmas.
Please answer then we shall move to the next issue. Who did you think I was referring to in my text? 😎
Just whilst we are all waiting I will provide the lyrics for the bloggers to sing along to whilst we are waiting;
MERRY XMAS CURTIS GOOD
Are you hanging up a stocking on your wall?
It’s the time that every Santa has a ball
Does he ride a red nosed reindeer?
Does a ‘ton up’ on his sleigh
Do the fairies keep him sober for a day?
Chorus:
So here he is Curtis Good 😛
Everybody’s having fun
Look to the future now
It’s only just begun
Are you waiting for the family to arrive?
Are you sure you got the room to spare inside?
Does your granny always tell ya that the old songs are the best?
Then she’s up and rock ‘n’ rollin’ with the rest
Chorus:
So here he is Curtis Good 😛
Everybody’s having fun
Look to the future now
It’s only just begun
What will your daddy do
When he sees your Mama kissin’ Santa Claus?
Ah ah
Are you hanging up a stocking on your wall?
Are you hoping that the snow will start to fall?
Do you ride on down the hillside in a buggy you have made?
When you land upon your head then you’ve been slayed
So here he is Curtis Good 😛
Everybody’s having fun
Look to the future now
It’s only just begun
😛 😛 😛
Troy Stavers(Quote)
So there was trouble behind the scenes 😕 so Wraith was right all along about player unrest, I wonder if the ones rediculing him will feel guilty ? I don’t think so.
Big Dave(Quote)
(THIS IS A GOVERNMENT HEALTH WARNING. THIS POSTER IS LIABLE TO DISAGREE WITH YOUR POINT OF VIEW. ONLY ENGAGE IF YOU AREN’T SENSITIVE AND DON’T TAKE HISSY FITS)
@BD
I doubt anyone will be big enough to apologise.
He’s a hate figure for some as he sometimes speaks the truth about NUFC and the truth is sometimes not nice to hear. 😉
We know who they are though. 😉
Troy Stavers(Quote)
Troy true some fans like to think everything in the camp is a bed of roses, and we didn’t need reinforcing in the summer etc etc, and thats their choice but I can’t understand some having a go at others because they don’t believe it’s all happy clappy 😕
Big Dave(Quote)