Shola Ameobi did what he does better than most players on the planet and converted yet another penalty to keep his spot-kick streak going and United’s Europa League adventure alive.
However Shola shouldn’t be the only one to take some plaudits and at the other end of the pitch Tim Krul more than earned his corn with a succession of fine saves to keep United in with a shout of reaching the last 16. The fact he left the ground on crutches though is not good news and hopefully scans scheduled for when he returns to Tyneside show no lasting issues that could affect his presence in the league.
Newcastle started the match brightly and took control of the early exchanges without really threatening the Metalist goal and had to make do with half chances and nearly moments. Shola Ameobi nearly setup Moussa Sissoko in the opening two minutes but the former Toulouse man was unable to get on the end of Shola’s pass.
Sissoko had another effort on 15 minutes but his shot flew straight at the Metalist ‘keeper before Ameobi saw another effort deflected wide of the Kharkiv goal. United had the game under control and it took the home side 28 minutes to muster their first meaningful attack but Jonathan Cristaldo shot wide of Tim Krul’s goal.
Just before half-time Papiss Cisse had the best chance of the game so far after being played in by Shola Ameobi only to see Goryainov – who denied Cisse three times in the first leg – once again equal to his effort at goal.
Half-time: Metalist Kharkiv 0-0 Newcastle
Eleven minutes into the second-half United had probably their best chance of the game after Sylvain Marveaux and Moussa Sissoko exchanged passes giving Marveaux the chance to find the back of the net or set up a team mate. He did neither as his shot flew over the bar when squaring for Ameobi would have more than likely resulted in a goal.
Yohan Cabaye played in Sissoko on the hour mark but he was unable to shrug off the attention of Metalist defenders and shot harmlessly wide. Just three minutes later though Sissoko was in place to capitalise on a poor back pass from Papa Gueye. Sissoko stormed into the penalty area and was brought down by Goryainov resulting in the award of a penalty which Shola duly struck home sending the goalkeeper the wrong way in the process.
Then came the Tim Krul show as the home side turned on the pressure in an attempt to avoid elimination from the competition. Knowing that they now needed two goals to progress Metalist made some attacking substitutions and put us under pressure, arguably for the first sustained amount of time of the night.
No matter, not when Tim Krul is in the kind of form he was. First he pulled off a double save to deny Cristaldo before James Perch cropped up to clear off the line when Krul looked beaten. Willian was the next to be denied when Krul pushed his header onto the post and in the end the United defence held firm and claimed the result which will see through to the next round.
Full-time: Metalist Kharkiv 0-1 Newcastle
In the next round we will face FC Anzhi Makhachkala (who will now be called ‘Angie’ on here to keep it easy!) of Russia after they defeated Bundesliga outfit Hannover 96 4-2 over the course of their two-legged encounter. The first leg will be played at Dynamo Stadium on Thursday 7th March with the return leg at St James’ Park being played on Thursday 14th March.
Back to the match, I’m glad we’ve gone through but I hope my worst fears haven’t come true and we’ve not lost Tim Krul to injury for a length of time. Yohan Cabaye apparently also picked up a knock and with Cheik Tiote succumbing to illness prior to the match the very last thing we need to see now is our injury starting to grow again.
All eyes will turn to Southampton now where, for me anyway, getting a result is even more important than the one we got last night. Win against the Saints and all is well. We start to pull away from the bottom clubs and can worry less about relegation and start to focus more on the Europa League. Lose though, and we’re back to square one rendering the result last night almost worthless.
Howay the lads!
Metalist Kharkiv: Oleksandr Goryainov; Cristian Villagra, Papa Gueye, Marco Torsiglieri, Fininho; Juan Manuel Torres, Edmar; Marlos, Cleiton Xavier, Jose Sosa; Jonathan Cristaldo
Subs: Vladimir Disljenkovic, Andrey Berezovchuk, Oleg Shelayev, Sebastian Blanco, Jaja Coelho, Oleg Krasnoperov, Willian
Newcastle: Tim Krul; Danny Simpson, Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa, Fabricio Coloccini, Massadio Haidara; Vurnon Anita, Yohan Cabaye; Papiss Cisse, Moussa Sissoko, Sylvain Marveaux; Shola Ameobi
Subs: Rob Elliot, James Perch, Steven Taylor, Dan Gosling, Gael Bigirimana, Jonas Gutierrez, Gabriel Obertan
Attendance: 39,973
Thanks for the report Toonsy, it was nice to wake this morning to find that we had won… onward and upward 🙂 🙂
Aussie Magpie Fan(Quote)
Fantastic result and very good all round performance I thought.
Pardew interview on SSN app this morning he said he planned to play Tiote but he was ill. Anita only found out he was playing an hour before kick off, so I think he done really well based on that.
Pardew also said he took Shola to one side and had a word with him. Basically told him to up his game as he did not feel he had contributed enough in his last few appearances. Well I think Shola did ok and took his penalty very well.
He didn’t mention injuries so Krul and Cabs should be fine for the weekend.
3 points against Saints and what a month that would be.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Good read Toonsy, I was well pleased with the teams effort and offcourse the result.
I am now hoping for a couple of wins and a few points on the board before the start of the next round.
Big Dave(Quote)
DAVE mail mate
icedog(Quote)
Just been check Anzhi on Wiki and they have some bloody good players like and their manager is nee mug either like. It’s gonna be a difficult tie for us this one. Another know if the first leg is at home or away?
Sharpy17(Quote)
@Sharpy, think the 1st leg is in Russia.
blip(Quote)
Blip – cheers, I hope so. Much prefer the idea of the 2nd leg at home when we will know what’s needed.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Good performance last night against an organised side. Marveaux had a cople of defensive shockers in the last 10 mimutes but thankfully Krul was on fire.
Lets have Southampton and be able to relax a bit for the first time this season.
HWTL
Shamrock(Quote)
Anzi r going to be difficult. Anyone know off hand what results Liverpool got off them in group stage? Some very good teams left and its great we are still in it. Big thing now is Southampton on Sunday. If we have Gouffan back and even Benny on the bench i think we can get a win
Johno Toon(Quote)
thoughts from last night: Krul – outstanding in the last 30 mins, although he barely touched it until last night.
Defence – each one were OUTSTANDING, imo. Colo and Simmo had their best games in a long long time, and the new boys were really impressive and have injected that pace into our defending/recovery. Really impressed with Haidara on 1on1’s which i thought he may struggle with.
Midfield – really hard working. Can’t believe the running Sissoko can do. Also mentions for Anita and Cisse who were everywhere. Also Cabaye and Marv, they are really key to any chance we create.
I must admit in Cabaye (and Benny) they are 2 of my favourite players in years. Some of Cabayes stats are astonishing and go under the radar a lot. Like the most interceptions last night of anyone, and then he plays some unreal passes forward aswell, great player.
Shola did OK, got a lot of love on Twitter and stuff but, he isnt great at pressing people which can lead to us being under pressure. I actually think we need another striker in that is better away from home? If that makes sense. Needs to be quick OR strong. Sissoko’s pace made the mistake for the pen. THANK GOD IT WASNT SHOLA CHASING IT DOWN ahem* goal-kick ahem* 😆 😆
BIGPAPA(Quote)
DJG from previous thread;
I’m one of the idiots who wanted the ‘stiffs’ to play last night as I believe that the Southampton game and premiership survival are more important than Metalist and Europa.
Krul , Cabaye and Sissoko took knocks last night and are now doubtful for Sunday. Could mean we are playing the ‘stiffs’ against Southampton instead.
sidekick(Quote)
not a lot of reaction on here today neither……..
Good to be able to win in Ukraine without a few key players. Benny, Gouffran, Tiote, Gutierrez, Taylor, Debuchy Santon.
Was thinkin of a team of players that didnt play last night.
Elliot
Debuchy Taylor Willo Santon
Tiote Perch
Gutierrez Benny Obertan
Gouffran
then take into account Bigi, Anita and Marv arent playing much in prem its looking ok, just need another striker.
BIGPAPA(Quote)
also…………. Anzhi have Eto’o and Traore who is 6ft 8ins !!
BIGPAPA(Quote)
Johno
Liverpool lost by a couple in one match and then one 2-0 I think in the other.
Andymag(Quote)
watchin the highlights again and really really loving Sissoko, he has contributed to our goals in every games he has played. Absolute powerhouse
BIGPAPA(Quote)
Big papa
Benny isn’t ready for Soton so says Pards.
Andymag(Quote)
Better than most? He’s on 100% isnt he? Godlike Shola!
Newkie(Quote)
Cheers Andy! They r going to be another step up in class for us but ya.never know 😆
Johno Toon(Quote)
Johno
With Benny back for that one you never know what we can pull out of the hat.
Andymag(Quote)
Agree the saints game is massive, I was surprised to see so many of our first 11 stay on for the lengnth they did, lets hope it doesn’t cost us..
Newkie(Quote)
Good result last night but at what cost krul and caybeye injured
TOONARMYELITE(Quote)
Well done Pardew for not listening to the surrender monkeys.
Pardew is hopeful Krul will be fit. (I doubt he would have chosen to drop Krul for yesterday’s match anyway even if he fielded a weaker team)
Santon is back in training following an ankle injury.
Gouffran is back. All the reports seem to suggest Ben Arfa won’t be rushed back, which suggests maybe a subs appearance, at best.
Tiote should be back following illness.
I found no mention of Cabaye carrying an injury.
Pootle(Quote)
is willian able to play for Anzhi against us? I sure hope not
ron(Quote)
Good penalty by Shola. Its a shame he carries such little threat generally in open play. Still, last night was somewhat better than a lot of his recent performances.
Why, oh why, oh why is Cabaye still taking our freekicks and corners?
He is woeful at them.
Pootle(Quote)
Pootle… just saying the same thing to my mate, how come he can hit a first time ball 60 yards and hit the target yet time after time his set pieces are diabolical, puzzles me like…Anyhoo great win and that’s what matters. Onwards and upwards.
richietoon(Quote)
http://www.newsnow.co.uk/A/630893540?-11058:809 this **** needs sorting out that was english fans doing it teams would of been ban by now
TOONARMYELITE(Quote)
Ron@ 23;
Willian played for Anzhi against Hannover last night , so he must be able to play against us in the next round — unless he gets injured in the meantime.
sidekick(Quote)
Anyone else think Collo looked more comfortable between Mbwia and Haidara than he does usually between Taylor/Willo and Santon. They just seemed to hold their positions a lot better as a defence and Collo was never really left in no mans land. Against a big CF (like Lambert) I think I would still like to see Taylor but against a smaller team I think Collo/Mbwia would be better on the ground.
DJG(Quote)
DJG
did you watch last 15 mins of the game did not look comfy to me lol,was only krul kept them at bay
TOONARMYELITE(Quote)
Oh well thank god we took a few ‘knocks’, otherwise people really would have had nothing to complain about. I just wonder how long players like HBA and Sissoko would want to stay here if we showed the lack of ambition to win something that some obviously want. Remember these players have a different mentality, we have a squad largely made up of foreign players no, these players actually respect European competition and it is a big deal to them. If Tiote doesn’t play Anita played. If Cabaye doesn’t play Marveaux, Tiote or Anita will play. If Krul doesn’t play, Elliott will play. What makes people think we would beat Southampton if we kept our 11 purples? It isn’t that black and white, they could turn up and get lucky decisions, or we could get lucky. I am confident that we have enough games left to get the points we need.
DJG(Quote)
To those saying well done Pardew for not playing the stiffs or listening to the surrender monkeys – surely that pat on the back is a bit premature, isn’t it?. I think the arguement was to save the strongest team for Saints to give a better chance of securing the 3 points – if that happens then well done on your selections Pards – if not, and Krul and Cabaye don’t make the game through knocks they got last night, then were the right decisions made?.
Sharpy17(Quote)
TAE
I only watched a video of the first half as I was working when the match was on, but I thought that was enough to make a judgement and I feel we defended well for 45 minutes where they obviously needed a goal.
DJG(Quote)
DJG
no disrespect meant to elliot but he aint anywere near the lvl krul is as for lack of ambition all the toon army wants to win something just to some of us our prem survial is more important than a cup run
TOONARMYELITE(Quote)
Well I for one won’t be turning on Pardew if we don’t beat Southampton. Well done Pardew you did good and still have a strong squad.
DJG(Quote)
DJG
me neither i wont turn on pards, but dont be surprised if some do if we lose sundays 6 pointer
TOONARMYELITE(Quote)
DJG – I’m with you. That’s why we have a big squad to compete on two fronts. You only live once and might never get another shot at European silverware for years.
Blackley & Brownlie(Quote)
but if we do win against southampton this dude here will be a lot happier 😀
TOONARMYELITE(Quote)
Great win last night. Krul’s best game for us this season. Think the whole defense was awesome.
The rest of the team was pretty average tbh. Sissoko had some good spells but then lost the ball way to many times. Marv was terrible all game, though he was involved in one good move that should of resulted in a goal but he was a greedy ****. Ameobi had a great first half but went of the boil in te second apart from the goal of course.
Cant wait till Sunday now Southampton are on good form and it will be a tough game.
Santii(Quote)
I think Cabaye’s set pieces aren’t as bad as everyone makes out.
They aren’t the best, but far more discouraging is the movement in the box. Nobody seems to really want to attack the ball. Our own players get in each others way or leave it for the next person.
It does really need to be worked on.
JJ(Quote)
If CAbaye can’t make Sunday, Anita can play attacking midfield with Tiote holding – Kruls a worry as I dont trust Harps or Elliot but still think we’ll have enough to beat Southampton at home
Tiote, Gouffran, Tayls, Debuchy, Santon, Guitierrez were all rested last night and should start on Sunday – If Collos tired, we can play Mbiwa with Tayls
HBA will be on the bench for a 2nd half cameo or we could leave Haidara at LB and move Santon to wing
stevep(Quote)
Good win.
Hope it doesn’t mean Strolla will start against Southampton though.
Stuart79(Quote)
Those January signings are really impressing me. Haidara’s the latest. Mbiwa has great awareness and is a really fast reactor. Seeing those guys running around on the pitch gives me a lot of confidence for the future!
Would be nice to get a win on Sunday but if we don’t I still won’t worry about relegation. It won’t happen.
georgio(Quote)
STUART dito mate 😉
icedog(Quote)
Ice @ 43
Double ditto mate 😉
JJ(Quote)
<<<<<<<<<< did not think it was a pen meself but over the 2 legs thinks justice was done in the end 😀
TOONARMYELITE(Quote)
JJ hopefully shola cannot play 2 games in 3 days 😀 😀
icedog(Quote)
Georgio@42, agree Haidara and Mbwia look like cracking signings, still think Collocini is getting caught out left right and centre by pace and movement and he also has a tendency to to put his foot in high and concedes silly free kicks in dangerous positions, I would like to see Taylor along side Mapou, especially against big Lambert on Sunday.
Chuffed with the result and overall performance last night despite having to endure over the two legs probably the worst pair of referees we have ever had.
Robert(Quote)
<<<<<<<<<, was baffled by the booking krul got lol
TOONARMYELITE(Quote)
Couldn’t watch the game, but Shola must have had a stormer if JJ is giving him praise!
SolanosTrumpet(Quote)
I remember my first managers advice when I was 11 year old and played number 9. He said “I don’t care if you touch the ball once in the whole game if you score and win us 3 points”
Always carried that mentality about strikers, if they win you the game and do nowt else they are beyond critiscm from me. The teams job is to win te game and your strikers is to score the goals to win the game.
Of course it’s a different level the Uefa/prem league than U12’s football but I always agreed with him on that one.
Moreno(Quote)
Georgio@42 ” I won’t worry about relegation, it won’t happen.
Shearer said a similar thing when he took over as manager needing 6 points from eight games.
sidekick(Quote)
Moreno,
I guess that’s where we’ll disagree in our mentality.
For me, every player on the pitch needs to contribute. Strikers will always have goal droughts, and if they offer nothing else in their game then they are useless.
I always hated Michael Owen as a player despite his goals. He offered absolutely nothing to the team dynamic.
For me, Shola usually does neither score nor contribute much in open play, but last night he played very well. Even without scoring.
I hassled the defenders when we weren’t in possession, he won a good number of aerial duels, he held the ball up well and played some fine passes.
It’s the first time in a long time I’ve actually seen him run and look motivated. He was up for it.
Whether it was because the game was played at a slow tempo, or because Pardew pulled him aside and told him to up his game. I don’t know. But if he could do that every week I wouldn’t have any reservations about him.
Unfortunately, I don’t anticipate him repeating his performance for a while. This is the pessimism that 13 years of watching him has put in me.
Still, I can’t take it away from him. He did everything that was expected of him last night. So good on you Shola. You may be of some use yet.
JJ(Quote)
5 Weeks for Tim Krul!
Cholo A. Sall(Quote)
So JJ, choice.
Striker is best player on field, hassles defenders and links up play. 0-0 draw.
Striker does nowt and gets one touch as the goal. 1-0.
Which you after?
Moreno(Quote)
Good point Sidekick but this current team is way beyond the Duff Owen days and there’s 12 games left. Almost a third of a season.
Was a tad worried that Cabaye took a knock but then remembered he always comes off straight away if he has doubts. Done it many times since we signed him.
georgio(Quote)
As with the above, my mentality says the second option but as our mentalities on it differ you’d take the draw aye?
Moreno(Quote)
Cholo – where did you hear that?
georgio(Quote)
Krul out for 5 weeks, sickener
Moreno(Quote)
The Krul rumour is all over twitter but nobody is quoting any sources. I’m not going to believe it until it’s confirmed by a credible source
Chris G(Quote)
Simon Pryde @SimonPryde
Tim Krul’s ankle injury will keep him out of action for 5 weeks. Rob Elliot to make PL debut v Southampton. #nufc #totalsport
looks like this was the source – apparently this guy is Total Sport host at BBC Newcastle, so the story could be genuine
Chris G(Quote)
Chris G
Aye I met him at my cousins wedding a year and a bit ago, good guy. For a mackem 😈 .
Andymag(Quote)
I think the report is true ime sad to say,anyway bad news always comes out first,Elliott will just have to step up no other choice
icedog(Quote)
How many games is that then? It will mean Elliot has to keep out Eto. 😕
Andymag(Quote)
Moreno @54
If only football was as simple as that. Football is a team game. Generally your first option would be a better benefit to the team and result in more team goals.
Option B would see the striker score more goals but the team perhaps suffer as a consequence (eg: Demba Ba).
JJ(Quote)
Moreno,
Also your point would be valid if referring to a poaching like Hunterlaar or Owen etc.
They offer very little but score goals.
Shola’s conversion rate over his career is terrible. And he generally offers nothing much else.
He did play well on Thursday however, and I think he offered more than just the goal to the team. Its unfortunately its such a rare occurrence. If it wasn’t then we could both be praising him.
JJ(Quote)
Shola is now only 1 goal behind Shearer when it comes to being our top european goalscorer 😉 The bloke is a legend, if you cannot see that you must all be blind…
Munich Mag(Quote)
Anzi are not unbeatable. Hannover battered them yesterday but just didn’t get the breaks. The fact that the second leg will be at SJP is fantastic…
Munich Mag(Quote)
Also MM their league doesn’t start again until after our first leg match.
Santii(Quote)
ANDY@63,i have watched a few of there games and eto has been played out wide for some daft reason,theres some guy they prefer at c/f i just forget his name now,didnt do nowt for me,some managers have there favourites like one i know 😉 😀 and by the way eto was **** the three times i watched him
icedog(Quote)
I think they use Traore up front. who is a monster. He is like 6’7.
Santii(Quote)
MM
You saw the match then? What do you see the weaknesses and strengths of Anzhi are then?
Andymag(Quote)
Really ice? Will check who plays upfront for them, can see Eto being annoyed at playing there, bit like Ba.
Andymag(Quote)
SANTI aye thats the guy mate sure hes not 7′ 6′ he looked it lol
icedog(Quote)
Woops didn’t see Santii’s post 😕 , thought Traore played for zenit? Saw him against Liverpool anyway.
Andymag(Quote)
Well I am not completely disturbed that Elliot has to step in against southampton, afaik he hasn’t had a howler yet and in fact has shown up pretty well in games he has featured in. But 5 weeks is a short run for a stand in and a long run without GK1. Apart from the tired legs debate, the cost of running first team players out for the full game may tell on sunday, big squad or no, its still not good to lose virtually the least replaceable squad member.
Tsunki(Quote)