After speaking to Leicester fan Jamie Thorpe for ‘The Opposition Opinion’ prior to Saturday’s game, we’ve gathered his thoughts on what he saw from Newcastle at St James’ Park following his sides 3-2 victory over the weekend. Here’s what he’s had to say – including some pretty honest assessments of what he made of our team, both collectively and individually :
“If you had watched last nights game as a neutral then you would be thrilled. It really was an intriguing encounter between two sides who headed into the fixture in very much contrasting form.”
“The home crowd were extremely vocal in the build up to kick off and the players seemed to respond to that. I said in the preview that our defence was on the slow side and you took full advantage, with Gayle getting in behind superbly. Joselu really couldn’t miss.”
“It was surprising that after such an excellent start that you looked to retreat back and allow us the breathing space we needed to get back into the game. Mahrez’s goal was absolutely excellent (even if Darlow perhaps should’ve done better) and from that point on the momentum was all with Leicester, with Newcastle presenting a disjointed side and conjuring a collection of individual errors.”
“The main surprise about the second Leicester goal was that it took so long to arrive, but it did seem to spark sense of urgency in the Newcastle side who did well to haul themselves level – slightly helped by some calamitous defending.”
“To your credit, it seemed like the you pushed for 3 points when in reality playing for the draw may have been more sensible? It was this that proved to be your undoing, the winning goal was a classic Leicester counter and despite a slice of luck, I think on balance the result was fair.”
“Whilst you played well at times, the overall performance was too disjointed and inconsistent to realistically expect three points. Too many players had sub-par performances and you can’t afford to carry anyone in this league. Yedlin and Manquillo offered going forward but were absolutely nowhere in defence. Hayden and Merino were comprehensively out played in the centre of the park – the latter in particular was a big disappointment. Ritchie looks very much out of sorts too and his creativity must be sorely missed.
“There were positives however. Dwight Gayle stood out and was a real threat. If he can be provided with quality service then he will most certainly score goals.
“Joselu had a good game and seemed to benefit from playing alongside Gayle and in Murphy Newcastle have a genuine prospect, who – whilst still evidently learning his trade – was at times bright and incisive.
“In summary investment must surely be the buzzword around St James’ Park. The squad is not lacking in spirit, but that is not enough to compete long term, and the gaps in quality in key areas certainly need addressing. Y
“You deserve better, the atmosphere on the whole was positive and encouraging but they can only do so much.”
Some praise for Joselu, Gayle and Murphy, but some real criticism of our full-back’s and midfield pairing Merino and Hayden. I also think he hit the nail on the head in his assessment of our performance. ‘Disjointed’, full of ‘sub-par performances’ and ‘individual errors’.
Let us know your thoughts on Jamie’s comments.
He’s spot on. Sadly while we fans rail against @sshat Ashley’s pathetic “efforts” as owner; we must realize this club was going to struggle to stay afloat in the shark infested waters of the PL with the squad so configured.
Hopefully the sale will go through in short order, but even IF this happens I am afraid it may be too little too late at this juncture. For unless they are sitting on a barrel of pounds meant for Rafa too use at his discretion we are bound for a desperate fight to keep clear of relegation thanks to the insulting ineptitude of Ashley over the summer. But common sense dictates that I know this is folly to think much less hope for. I along with the throngs of Toons about, we must hold strong in our vigor that Rafa will find the path forward for the lads to steer clear of the rocks that would surely send us back down too the depths from which they just pulled this past spring.
While some are already throwing themselves overboard foreseeing this season as a repeat of the Titanic; I am not one. All we have to do is look at Palace too see a club who Is fighting for their life and succeeding towards that end. Are we less than Palace? Are we incapable of seeing this through to the conclusion where we are safe? No, on both accounts! Buck up and stand strong my fellow Toons; stand Strong!!
Dallas Schwartz(Quote)