In a season that has been full of first real tests, the game against Mancini’s title-chasing outfit provides with another as we go toe to toe with the superstars of the Etihad Stadium.
There is an edge to this game today. Whilst a lot of Newcastle fans aren’t expecting much apart from a decent performance, there are some other interesting sideshows that could develop today. The first one being Hatem Ben Arfa who will revisit the scene of his horror injury for the first time since Nigel de Jong put him out of the game for a year. The other one being an unbeaten record that both teams possess, with only one being the overwhelming favourite to hold that accolade come around 5pm this afternoon.
This is a match that needs little build up. The task is huge and the odds are against us, but we’ve dealt with that already this season and at the end of the day it’s only 11 v 11 on a little grass field. Simple, yet true.
If you fancy having a look at some impressive stats, potential team news, injury updates and a bit more background to the fixture then why take a look at Shamrock’s fantastic match preview article here. Honestly, it’s a cracking read.
In terms of streaming, the match is on numerous overseas channels so picking one up should be easy enough. Once again the emphasis is on the word ‘should’ as trying to grab a stream can sometimes be hard work. However, should you stumble across a good one then make sure you leave a link for it so others can share it.
That just about wraps it up for me and now we must leave it to our boys to write the rest with their actions at the Etihad this afternoon.
Howay the lads!
Manchester City: Joe Hart, Micah Richards, Joleon Lescott, Vincent Kompany, Gael Clichy, Nigel De Jong, James Milner, Yaya Toure, Samir Nasri, Sergio Aguero, Mario Balotelli
Subs: Costel Pantilimon, Kolo Toure, Aleksander Kolarov, Garteh Barry, Adam Johnson, David Silva, Edin Dzeko
Newcastle: Tim Krul, Danny Simpson, Steven Taylor, Fabricio Coloccini, Ryan Taylor’ Jonas Gutierrez, Danny Guthrie, Yohan Cabaye, Sammy Ameobi, Hatem Ben Arfa, Demba Ba.
Subs: Rob Elliot, James Perch, Davide Santon, Alan Smith, Dan Gosling, Peter Lovenkrands, Shola Ameobi
What was that about getting some credit? From the Daily mail…..
“Manchester City sauntered to an effortless win over previously unbeaten Newcastle United at the Etihad Stadium.”
toonsy(Quote)
Well yer ******, we gave them a fright with the chances we had and on another day we could easily have won that.
The referee decided the game (not unfairly I might add) but unfortunately playing away against the top club isn’t gonna get you any spoils in the penalty box when the odds are stacked against you.
So 2 penalties , one which was nailed on and the only reason Ryan Taylor stayed on the pitch was because his arms were flailing in the first place… Had he outstretched his arm as the ball came in, he would have been off.
Second penalty if it was at ST James’ wouldn’t have been given 99% of the time but unfortunately it happened at City , so fair do’s.
The mistake by Raylor for their second goal was down to lack of urgency in getting to the ball and instead waiting for it and believing he was in control…let’s call this a lesson is lacklustre play.
Over all, ManCity had us chasing shadows at times but we gave them far too much respect in the first half but the second half was far better.
Defensively Colo Saylor were immense once again.
There were plenty of positives to take from this game and a lot of stuff that we can learn from but the scoreline flattered them to be fair, in my opinion.
All in all , we weren’t expected to get anything and most outsiders would have had us drubbed, so let’s move on to the next game.
I’m gutted but at least we gave them a fight in their own back yard.
wolfie(Quote)
ppl were quick to shoot Raylor. not good for his confidence if Pards hauled him off straight away..
on another note, see Sunderland drew another home game. Stoke are looking pap also, thought they would of had a better season up2now
mark(Quote)
Michael12: I think most fans will be happy if we get 1or2 points from the next two games
steverd(Quote)
That is the hardest game we have to play all season out the way let’s hope the two games on sunday and monday end in draws and we will be consolidating a top six place
Toby le Rhone(Quote)
Paul Merson being nice about us 😯
toonsy(Quote)
Heart on sleeve stuff, nearly matched them for chances. They look a class outfit. Can’t complain about the pens . If Taylor is being called for the part in his pen will we hear the same for Ben Arfa, thought not.
Credit to AP. Could have taken Raylor off at half time but encoured him, gave him the 2nd half to demonstrate what he had learned. Raylor took his chance and played better in the 2nd half. Unlikely to be dropped next week.
Premandup(Quote)
Toonsy: you should have let merson finish what he was saying
steverd(Quote)
We all knew we weren’t gonna go the season unbeaten and something had to give and in a way we have lost the points to a team we weren’t gonna catch anyway at their ground.
The saving grace is that we haven’t picked up any fresh injuries and also our other walking wounded have another week to heal giving us a few more options.
I don’t think any fan should pick out Raylor for special treatment as all players make these mistakes (S,Taylor) springs to mind previously.
Colo made them until his transition into world superstar, well ok our world super star lol.
Point is, the team gave effort and commitment to the cause and were guilty of maybe giving a little too much respect.
This might sound daft but I don;t feel no-where near as gutted as I thought but I would have been crying in my pillow if this defeat was against Wigan or the likes.
Anyone feel the same ?
wolfie(Quote)
Man U have got to play Benfica on Tue as well. Man City put 6 past them so why shouldn’t we get something? At least the mackems didn’t win.
DJG(Quote)
Pardew interviews well on Sky. Sensible not over reacting. Move on the next saturday get Tiote back and onwards and upwards
Toby le Rhone(Quote)
watch it back Toonsy – he looked lost from that point on. Could hardly find a teammate with a pass, unsure in the challenge…. hope he can shake it off for next week
M(Quote)
I’ve said it on here before and I’ll say it again. Raylor is not good enough defensively and never has been. Jonas has to spend the entire game tracking back and that unbalances the team. Raylor turned the ball over every time he tried to make a pass with his left foot. Why buy Santon for 5 M and then not play him at all, not even a few minutes at the end of games? If Perch is good enough to bring on for a few minutes then surely Santon is? Now we will have the same problem against Man City and Chelsea and still Santon has had no playing time. I thought the second half showed the spirit of the team well as we didn’t knuckle under at all. The bench looked extremely weak for us with Smith, Perch, and Peter. Our lack of quality depth is being exposed now. God help us if either Colo or Saylor go down with an injury.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
Sorry that should have said ManU and Chelsea.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
Aint too bothered about losing that. Played ok second half. What did we expect to get from the game.
The 59 sound(Quote)
‘Why buy Santon for 5 M and then not play him at all’
Er. maybe he’s been ***** in training. 😉
DJG(Quote)
I don’t mind losing to them, they are a class side. But we are not developing Santon at all. What is he in England for, to work on his tan? This is ridiculous. He must be extremely disappointed, not getting any minutes at all. If Sammy Ameobi can start the match, why not bring Santon on for 20 minutes? The game was lost by then anyway. I don’t understand the thinking here at all.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
I worry for us if he has been terrible in training DJG. Raylor will never be good enough at left back. Good teams will expose him over and over again as they did today even with Jonas trying to play his position for him half the time.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
My gravatar should apear
Mango Cream(Quote)
Yey
Mango Cream(Quote)
Good effort from all the lads today feel sorry for Raylor, looks like he is scape goat number 1 again. People seem to forget City’s attack can make any defender in the world look silly.
On a positive note Ben Arfa was immense today, our best player by far and unlucky not to score. I wonder if Pardew will change the team, now it is no longer a winning team.
N.Irish Toon(Quote)
I guesses a 5-1 defeat So yeh
Mango Cream(Quote)
Geordietwo…
The same Raylor has been ever present in a team that’s just went 11 games unbeaten.
He has single handedly gained us valuable points.
He gets helped out by Jonas because it’s a team game and that’s what happens, take a look at any team and look at their left back or right back , the look at how the left mid and right mid track back to help out.
Anyone who makes Raylor a scapegoat for a game which went against him is being petty to be fair.
wolfie(Quote)
@GeordieTwo
You dont understand the thinking of not bringing another defender on when we are chasing the game? Its pretty simple imo
N.Irish Toon(Quote)
GeordieTwo If Santon was this class act international he would have had a chance before now and today he would have got on ahead of Sammy. He obviously isn’t up to speed at all. The thing is, the manager sees these players every day and we see them every week, or in this case every 2 weeks and Santon isn’t as good as Taylor, Simpson and Ameobi if he isn’t getting picked. So whats going on. Pardew obviously doesn’t rate him. Benny forced his way into the side today Santon obviously isn’t doing that.
DJG(Quote)
Proud of the lads again today. Good effort but I do feel we gave the ball away far too easily 1st half and tried to lump the ball up from the back to front far too much.
Out played at times but certainly not out classed. We could have had a few more goals if we had taken our chances, as could they. Raylor lost his head after the 1st pen (would that have been given against the home team?) but came back well second half!
I think we missed Best today – Didn’t think I would be saying that at the start of the season!
Bring on Man U!!!!
Oblong(Quote)
Sorry to disagree Wolfie. I realize Raylor has provided a couple of game winning goals. I don’t see it as petty to want the team to improve. Tracking back is good for the team and Jonas is a great team player but the amount of defending he has to do for Raylor is ridiculous. We had a lot of luck in that unbeaten run especially with Raylor’s defending. If he remains our permanent left back I will be very surprised indeed, as will Santon I expect.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
i watched the match on firstrow and the exposure and highlight of the play to man city was shameful, the toon chances were just brushed under the carpet and then i heard them say it was exhibition football by man city what bull
shottiesbru(Quote)
Hi does anyone here collect match attax 11/12
SQUAD WHEN ALL FIT
………………………………………………KRUL………………………………………………………………….SANTON…………….COLLO……………SAYLOR…………SIMPSON
………………OBERTOON………..CABAYE………………TIOTE………………………
……………………………………………BENNY………………………………………………..
…………………………..BA…………………………………SA AMEOBI OR BEST……
d u agree???????
Mango Cream(Quote)
hey lads,
I been reading some of the comments in the blog and i find is really ashamed of supporting NUFC. our fans want glory overnight. it aint happening so forget it and accept we played ok today against the best attacking team in the world with barca and Real i guess. from my footballing knowledge and experience, we did show glimps of play that we can match anyone on our day. we did miss tiote who whould have been physical against big physical player and can hold the ball well. i dont want to blame raylor but he is human after all ( let him play if he fks up at manure then bring in santos but what i feel is santos is not match fit or lacking confidence). the team we have assembled this season can beat any team except the big 3 or 4 in the world. but considering injuries we will struggle. So lets get in the good books of Asleeee and ask him to bring in defence cover and a single striker. well done lads and keep ur heads up and we are all proud of you. take it a step better and beat manure next weekend. long live NUFC
Max-T-million(Quote)
N.Irish Toon
November 19, 2011 at 17:49
Good effort from all the lads today feel sorry for Raylor, looks like he is scape goat number 1 again. People seem to forget City’s attack can make any defender in the world look silly.
Really senseable comment. Makes a welcome change, i’ll go back in my box now, night everyone.
DJG(Quote)
Obviously the manager sees the team every day and has to make the decisions about who to play. I was never comfortable with Raylor taking over at left back however as I think many others weren’t either. If Santon has been poor in training I believe we are in for a world of hurt as Raylor just isn’t good enough defensively. N Irish Toon you actually think bringing on Perch showed that we were chasing the game? Pardew knew the game was over after their third goal and was just looking to rest Cabaye and give Gosling some playing time as well. Looking at the entire 12 game span I am just really surprised we haven’t seen more of Santon that’s all. Clearly Raylor will remain a bone of contention for many of us. Let’s see what people think after the ManU and Chelsea games.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
Geordietwo..
Raylor might not be world class but he’s got a great engine and does a lot more in games than he’s given credit for.
Yes Jonas helps him out but that’s how it is in this team, each helps the other, it’s called team work ethics.
Raylor is better than you think , it’s just that too many focus on the negatives of his game and forget the positives of his game.
wolfie(Quote)
@ GeordieTwo
Raylor has played very very well this season and surpassed all expectations playing out of position.
I think we were all sceptical about his ability playing at left back but he has been solid. Gutierrez covered for Enrique last season but he never got the same stick…..
He has been an ever present in our unbeaten run and should start against Man U.
Oblong(Quote)
@ max t million i disagree today we gave man city 3 goals and missed or could have scored three ourselves but get no credit from the so called experts.I am proud and happy with how we play our approach and tactics, our effort and our organisation but im sick of our efforts being bypassed because we havent spent fortunes or are one of the holy top 4
shottiesbru(Quote)
All in all a good team effort. I think we have a great team to support this year but to point out possible weaknesses is worth doing. I’m sure Pardew is thinking about what he saw today and praying Tiote is back soon. Cabaye definitely needs more support in the midfield even though Guthrie played a steady game and even forced Hart to make a save. Our best 11 would have given them a better game. Raylor is Pardew’s problem not mine and we’ll have to hope Santon starts playing better in training apparently. Time will tell but Raylor is a cheap option for Ashley so that is a big plus for him.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
I dont get this fascination with the media. Who gives a fook if they give us credit, every sensable person knows that they are all a pack of c*nts anyway. Who cares what people think of us.
N.Irish Toon(Quote)
lets be honest they scored two pens and a munson by raylor not world class by any means
shottiesbru(Quote)
Fair enough oblong I concede defeat on this one. Hopefully you, DJG, N. Irish Toon and others get your wish and Raylor starts every game for the rest of the season at left back. Interesting to see what Santon might think of that. To me we bragged and talked up Santon when he came to us. Now suddenly Raylor is so fantastic he is a permanent fixture. I think we will be discussing this one again before long. All the best. 😆
GeordieTwo(Quote)
Unsure whether it’s a rating problem with Santon. More a case of not changing a winning team. The exact reason why St Hatem had to wait until an injury allowed him in. Santon is in the same position. They didn’t spend £5 million on him for no reason.
toonsy(Quote)
Anyway,match report up now guys 🙂
toonsy(Quote)
@ n irish Well why have any audio when a game is on then if it isnt fair whats the point of it being there, its not about credability but honesty on what they are watching
shottiesbru(Quote)
shottiesbru- Remember we just got back to premier league 2years ago and have only bought players that can lift our team from 12th to top 10. We did not compete with ManC or Chelsk…. or any top teams. This goes to say we dont accept defeat. if you have ever played any sports then just take it in ur chin and move on. well done to manc to outplay us but the positives are there for all to see. as you said i was impressed as sometimes when we had the ball and playing the game where city struggled to over run us. i could pick names in our team that were below par. but in general am impressed… so i did expect us to loose so move on… stop calling our players **** and stuff. they gave it all.. thats the end of the story. lets look towards future and move on…
Max-T-million(Quote)
@GeordieTwo
I dont get that last sentance? Are you saying Ashley is picking the team and picking it because he wants his low wage players to play? Surely Ashley will want his 5 million pound investment (santon) to play, so having Raylor play is hardly a big plus for him.
N.Irish Toon(Quote)
@ max t have u played football? I never called our players **** either, i just dont get all the accolades given to a team full of superstars that struggled to put us to the sword and in fairness could have been in trouble if our chances went in, and if u play sport u hate to get beat even more when you are the underdog and you are doing ok.
shottiesbru(Quote)
@ GeordieTwo
We are all entitled to our opinions and we can’t all be right. I’m sorry I singled you out, your only voicing your opinion (even if i dont agree with it 😆 ).
Its not a case of wanting Raylor to start every game, my point is that he has done very well and its a little harsh to call for him to be dropped after a few mistakes. If we had bought Pieters in the summer and he had done as well and he had played as well as Raylor, would we be calling for him to be dropped after a few mistakes?
I can’t remember anyone wanting Enrique dropped last season but he made mistakes…. 😐
Personally I think Simpson is closer to loosing his place for Santon than Raylor.
Oblong(Quote)
Good point N. Irish Toon. I would just say that given choices to make Ashley will eventually always choose the cheaper option so it was far more likely he would keep Raylor than Jose for example and Santon was probably purchased to sell on. This would require him to play and play well however and since he isn’t getting any playing time that will be difficult. That’s why I suspect Santon will eventually get his playing time and Raylor will end up on the bench. Raylors real strengths are his shot and his long throw which are good to have in the squad. In the long run he is strictly a bench player though.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
max t million your football knowledge and experience is clearly w4nk if you think santon is called santos…sure you don’t support arsenal?
1892(Quote)
@ 1892
I was thinking the same! Haha 🙄 😆
Oblong(Quote)
I thought Simpson played well today Oblong. The main problems somehow seemed to come from the left side of our defence. As for Pieters how can I say what would happen to him compared to Raylor? Pieters is a true left back who can use his left foot and I would love for us to have him. Of course all players make mistakes but I have watched every one of our games this year and to me Raylor is our worst player defensively. I don’t know how Jonas can stand playing in front of him (or actually behind him more often than not to cover his mistakes). Sorry to be negative about one of our players. As you say just and opinion and it won’t change anything. Look for changes to our lineup at left back some time this season though.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
@GeordieTwo
I agree with you Santon should get games but to drop Raylor who has been great this season would destroy his morale and i think would hurt the team aswell.
Santon will get games i just think it will be a slow gradual introduction into the team.
N.Irish Toon(Quote)
Great discussion lads! It’s great to get back to the games. I’m sure this won’t be the last disagreement about players. 😉
GeordieTwo(Quote)
🙄 😆 😆 🙄
We will be fighting about Obertan next week 😀 il put money on it 😉
N.Irish Toon(Quote)
Raylor made two big munsons today and in my opinion if pards was looking for a chance to give santon his start he could use it, but to me he kept faith in him for the second half and this suggests along with the comments he has made about santon that he doesnt feel he is ready for the prem yet
shottiesbru(Quote)
Bad new for us then Shottiesbru. Prepare yourself for some more munsons! 😆
GeordieTwo(Quote)
@ GeordieTwo
Well see its about opinions, I’ve seen all of our games this season as well and personally I think Simpson has been worse than Raylor. If you look back at some of our games look how many times Raylor has been the last man diving in making important blocks and challenges while Simpson was still backing off a player who passed him 5 minutes ago 😆
The point I was trying to make about Pieters was that being a proper left back (Like Enrique) his mistakes might not have been picked up on as much. To me it looks like people are looking out for Raylors mistakes more than others and making him a scapegoat.
Oblong(Quote)
Or prepare yourself for some more over the wall’s 😀
N.Irish Toon(Quote)
You could be right Oblong but I’ve felt this way about Raylor all along. When we didn’t bring Pieters in (owner too cheap as usual) I knew we would have trouble at that position. Raylor is strictly a fill-in for me. If Santon is playing poorly in practice we have a real problem developing there. I have seen Raylor make some good saving tackles but he can’t play with his left foot and he only looks sure when he has 5 or 6 yards of space to run into or make a pass. Against good teams that isn’t going to happen.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
I would also add that Raylor doesn’t read the diagonal pass to the winger on the run well enough and with a good right winger that is devastating because they can cut inside or cross, as happened several times in today’s game. Just a thought.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
@ GeordieTwo
I think the worry with Santon is whether he will cope with the physical side of the Prem after he got bossed against Blackburn.
Personally I think Santon is still more likely to replace Simpson at the minute than Raylor….In my opinion of course 😆
Oblong(Quote)
pards has said that santon is not up to speed with the english game as in he would be awarded fouls in italy that he wont be over here and that is what he need to learn, but in saying that he is saying he needs games but raylor has been playing well, but i think everyone admits and raylor would himself he isnt a defender im not sure personally what hie best position is does anyone else?
shottiesbru(Quote)