Unfortunately as reward for dispatching Leeds United we now have to face Manchester City at St James’ Park at the tail end of October – a fixture that will be sandwiched between a visit to Sunderland and the welcoming of Chelsea to St James’ Park in what could prove to be a defining week for United.
However this about last night so I won’t go too much further into the future and will instead focus on the fairly comfortable victory over Leeds. In truth United were easy winners without playing at their best but the job has been done and with Papiss Cisse finally finding the net I’m hopeful that will give him some confidence to take back into our Premier League fixtures.
Despite the comfortable nature of the victory it was the away side who very nearly drew first blood when Ross McCormack found space in front of goal only to see his lobbed effort glance off the crossbar.
Leeds tried to control the middle of the lark but United eventually started to come to terms with that and started to take control of the game themselves. Fabricio Coloccini saw a header from a Sylvain Marveaux corner cleared off the line before Yoan Gouffran headed wide from a Sammy Ameobi cross. Cheik Tiote saw an effort tipped wide at the near post and Papiss Cisse hit the side netting from a narrow angle after turning the Leeds defence before Matt Smith fired a warning to United, forcing Tim Krul into a save to deny the former Oldham man.
However, on 31 minutes, the home side finally made the breakthrough, and it was a goal that Papiss Cisse and his supporters have been waiting for over 1,000 minutes. Paul Dummett played the ball down the left for Sammy Amoebi who crossed perfectly for Papiss Cisse who nodded home from eight yards without having to break stride. Considering some of the sitters he’s missed in recent weeks, this was a decent finish.
Half-time: Newcastle 1-0 Leeds
It’s fair to say that the second period took a while to get going, but once it did the first real noteworthy action was worth waiting for. Sammy Ameobi played the ball into Yoan Gouffran. With his back towards goal the former Bordeaux man took a touch to get away from defender Scott Wootton before hammering a right-footed shot past Paddy Kenny and into the Gallowgate net from the edge of the penalty area – his first ever goal at St James’ Park.
That goal pretty much killed Leeds and the game as a contest but it the home side could and should have added more through Gabriel Obertan who was set free of the Leeds defence twice only to fluff his lines on both occasions.
Full-time: Newcastle 2-0 Leeds
All in all a comfortable win and a potential banana skin avoided. A decent enough performance without being anything special but it’s job done and we live to fight another day in the Capital One Cup.
Howay the lads!
Newcastle: Tim Krul; Mathieu Debuchy, Mike Williamson, Fabricio Coloccini, Paul Dummett; Vurnon Anita, Cheik Tiote; Sylvain Marveaux, Yoan Gouffran, Sammy Ameobi; Papiss Cisse
Subs: Jak Alnwick, Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa, Dan Gosling, Gael Bigirimana, Gabriel Obertan, Haris Vuckic, Hatem Ben Arfa
Leeds: Paddy Kenny, Sam Byram, Scott Wootton, Jason Pearce, Stephen Warnock, Rodolph Austin, Alex Mowatt, Michael Tonge, Ross McCormack, Dom Poleon, Matt Smith
Subs: Alex Cairns, Luke Murphy, Paul Green, Noel Hunt, Aidy White, Michael Brown, El Hadji Diouf
Attendance: 36,220 – Higher than I was expecting but also boosted by roughly 6,000 travelling away fans.
So what has happened to Elliot? It was Alnwick on the bench. An injury or some personal business? He needs to keep getting game time to improve.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
I’m off to paint again. Hope to talk to you all again later.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
Why does Geordietwo have to kill every thread before he leaves 😆 😆
Santii(Quote)
Hi guys. Don’t usually do all this but my son is in one of those “cute baby” competitions. You can see his photo here.
http://jpresscutekids.newsprints.co.uk/view/25490121/engbayhlc3241_jpg
If anyone could do me a favour and vote that would be awesome as we’re in it so may aswell try and win it 😀
It costs £1.50 though so only do it if you can spare the cash. Text HLC BABY 3241 to 78484. If you vote twice they count it as three votes. Any help appreciated. Cheers 🙂
toonsy(Quote)
Your missus must be good looking 😆
Premandup(Quote)
I’m deeply hurt by that comment @78 Santii. 😆 At most I severely wound the thread leaving it dangling by a hair. That’s not all bad mate. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
Toonsy – good looking kid mate, good luck with the competition. Fortunately I’ve saved £49.99 on a Wonga shirt this season so I’m sure I could manage £1.50 for Toonsy Jnr. 😉 😆
Sharpy17(Quote)
As a close friend of Mike’s I just feel it’s important to share these little personal tidbits with you. Mike is very excited about his date. He has already phoned Derek and Joe for advice. Is there tongue with the first good night kiss or not? Where should he put his hands? A lot of big questions. Stay tuned.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
If people want to relay advice to Mike through me about his date feel free. I know he would really appreciate hearing from lads and lasses that have been in the dating scene recently. What kind of mood music should he play. Should he go back to his disco days and wear a gold chain and an open necked shirt? What about a disco ball? Is it too soon to play Bee Gees music? He’s very tense. Please help him out.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
Cheers Sharpy 🙂
Prem 😉
toonsy(Quote)
Mike is considering having a good old fashioned game of nymphs and satyrs going at the castle when his date arrives. I think that might be a real ice breaker but we really need advice from those with more experience in these matters…. Rodz mate what do you think? Santii? Any and all input will be welcome. Even Mark you old codger.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
Well so far mates I have to say your contributions to Mike’s dating advice have been lukewarm at best. Does nobody care? That would be a sad state of affairs. The man trimmed his toenails as a sign of his commitment after all. 😥
GeordieTwo(Quote)
Let’s discuss the team as it stands and how to improve it. We have some fine players, there’s little doubt of that. But we lack consistency and resolve to fight back and win. I think Cabaye’s misadventures in the summer definitely set us back as did the lack of commitment from the owner. We should have sold 3 or 4 players and brought in at least 2 more. Stopgap players are of no use to us anymore and that’s what I consider Willo and Obertan to be. Did you see Obertan against Leeds? In clear on goal twice and shoots straight at the keeper. Hopeless. Why do we continue to keep him around?
GeordieTwo(Quote)
Someone please talk to me. Rodz, icedog, Big Dave, Kimtoon, where are you when you’re needed? This is getting desperate. I’m thinking of asking Troy to comment (just teasing of course Troy) but still….
GeordieTwo(Quote)
We must maintain our optimism in the face of all the negativity. The winds of change are blowing now. I see great things ahead beginning with the destruction of Everton and more. We are about to break out like a beautiful young woman running barefoot through my chest hair. What an image. Doesn’t it take your breath away?
GeordieTwo(Quote)
Doesn’t anyone even like my chest hair metaphor for our club? 🙁
GeordieTwo(Quote)
G2 ,It’s not his toenails his date needs to worry about ,it’s them bloody deep pockets of his.
Toonsy ,That’s one cute lad ,he’ll get my vote 🙂
KIMTOON(Quote)
G2 – I think you are being too harsh on Obertan mate.
Beardsleys Boots(Quote)
I’ll mention that to Mike Kimtoon mate. He was planning to go Dutch on the first date mind. That usually impresses the ladies no end.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
Sorry BB it’s just that he just doesn’t seem to work out anywhere. And he looks too much like Squidward. I’m just not convinced he can improve at this stage. He won’t get enough playing time with us. Best if he goes to another club and gets a fresh start mate.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
Toonsy ,vote done , good luck 🙂 ,oh and we could do with a fingers crossed emoticon for when we have big games and people enter comps 😉 .
KIMTOON(Quote)
G2 ,I was only saying the other day why don’t we try him up front where all he has try to do is shoot/score and not worry too much about using his brain . Now after watching last night ,looks like we’re **** out of options with him, shame really. Fact is Fergie would of tried every thing with him already and the fact he sold to us says it all really.
KIMTOON(Quote)
I’m afraid that’s it as well Kimtoon @97. The price we paid says it all. He has regressed since he came to us. Really he hasn’t played well since he was an U21 with France. He should either go back to France or try the Championship. I would wish him well but we need a real winger in his place.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
G2 ,regrettably I think you may be spot on there mate. 🙁
KIMTOON(Quote)
Even if he had scored certain peoples have simply written him off anyway.
His best position is playing through the middle, but Pardumdum played him on the wing over and over again, then realising that he was not a winger after all, promptly dumped him.
Its hard to expect any player to come on and score, when he NEVER gets a game.
Its easy to write him off tho, despite Pardumdum destroying his confidence.
I accept he isn’t messi, but he has had a raw deal imo
Beardsleys Boots(Quote)
You know perhaps Mike should take his date to the beach and let her run barefoot through his chest hair? Oh, that’s right he doesn’t have any. Running barefoot through man boobs doesn’t sound nearly as sexy does it?
GeordieTwo(Quote)
G2 ,even better she could run him over 😉 😈
KIMTOON(Quote)
Agree Fergy wouldn’t have sold him to us if he was any good for them, but with respect, were not in the same class as them either.
He should have been able to do a job for us, but Pardumdum destroyed him completely.
Beardsleys Boots(Quote)
It’s a tough one BB mate. He was given chances last season in Europa League. And I believe he was a winger earlier in his career as well. He just hasn’t performed well enough to force Pards to select him. You know I’m not saying Pardew has it all correct here but I think it would be very difficult to put Obertan in the side in a Prem game and not be criticized harshly for it, especially if we lost.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
Kim Fergie selling players says nothing to me. Gerard Pigue and Paul Pogba are Ferguson rejects look at them now 😛
Though Obertan is pretty bad 😀 Can you imagine if he scored two goals though. His pace is frightening… if only he could use it right.
I hate monday night games with a passion why do we have to wait so long for more football give me more!! 😥 😥
Santii(Quote)
So, run him over before they even get to the beach Kimtoon? Hmmm. It’s worth a try. She could let some air out of one of her tyres and let him be a gentleman and offer to change it. No that wouldn’t work. Mike isn’t a gentleman. Hmmm. I’ll work on that one.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
We beat Leeds at home. Next we destroy Everton. Rape their cattle, stampede their women. Show no mercy. Then a big t*** up on the way back to Newcastle. Mike would be so proud but he’s busy planning his date.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
Santii ,That’s what I’ve always said ,with his pace if he had the football brain to match he wouldn’t be with us he’d be at a top 4 club anyway. BB is right though Pards has never really given him a fair crack of the whip as regards playing time.
KIMTOON(Quote)
The Obertan playing time thing is a difficult one. If he gets a start and plays poorly Pardew would never hear the end of it. Very difficult now I’m afraid to right that ship. Others have had to leave us to get a fair shake (I’m thinking of Routledge as a very good example). I think the same will happen to Obertan.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
G2 ,quite possibly mate ,shame he can’t do it for us though.
right I’m away as shattered ,laters folks.
KIMTOON(Quote)
I think Gouffy will get better and better for us. Remy will score and Benny will score a couple of crackers. That should lift the rest. We’re going to get better this season if the injury bug doesn’t hit us too hard. Looking forward to it.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
Nighty night Kimtoon. Don’t be dreaming of Mike now.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
Geordie – I posted last week 3 teams of 4-3-3 formation based on the players we have on our books already. From memory I think we were only shy of 3-4 players to give us 3 decent looking teams – (obviously the 1st team, reserves and youth team).
Of those teams I didn’t find a place for Williamson, Obertan, Gosling, Amalfitano and Abied.
So for me it was 5 out and 3-4 in. A RB, a CM and a CF. The 4th for me would be a Benny back up right sided forward.
In short, I really don’t think the challenge that JFK faces is THAT difficult.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Stay tuned tomorrow for more reports on Mike’s romance and his lifelong battle with nipple chafing. It’s serious.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
fair comments on Obertan G2
I will take that
Also have to agree about ‘The Gouf ‘
I think he will score many more goals this season.
I hope Cisse’s goal has got him back on track too.
We need him to do justice to the shirt and number he wears.
Howay the Lads
Beardsleys Boots(Quote)
That sounds very reasonable Sharpy @113. I remember reading that post and thinking it made sense mate. But is Joe up to it? We have no evidence that he is as of now. There were clearly moves to be made in the summer but Joe didn’t make anything happen. There is no point having players like Obertan, and Gosling with us if they are only there as stopgaps and for the odd cup game. We need serious competition in the squad and for the starting 11.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
Totally agree with that BB @115. Cisse has to come around and start scoring again. It will open things up for Remy and make us a very dangerous attacking team.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
I’ve only seen Obertan play well for us once and that was 3-0 against Stoke – Ba hat trick. Even other time he’s been gash and his attitude has stunk. I for one won’t miss him at all if he ever leaves. If he has any sense he’d look for a move back to France where the league would suit him better I think.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Best form of defence is attack, but our attack of late has been fizzling out with no end product.
Sammy changed that against Leeds and so credit to him.
I think Cisse has shown he can score, if he gets some decent service.
Beardsleys Boots(Quote)
A full first team for me against Man City in the cup. No stand-ins. Let’s take it seriously and see how we do. An attacking formation from the start. Good passing football, no hoofball, and no dithering in our own half.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
The nipple chafing is no joke with man boobs mates. Have no doubt about that. And the rash. Oh…. I wasn’t going to mention the rash. Mike isn’t ready to go public with that yet.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
I also agree with Gouffran. I hope he keeps getting his opportunity, and it Cisse isn’t rejuvenated after his goal last night then drop him for Goof.
Personally I’d like us to go English – RB – Sam Byram. CM – Paul Digby. RMF – Tom Ince. CF – either Finnbogason or Abel Henandez. Ok so the CF isn’t English, but 3 out of 4 ain’t bad. I think 4 for those 5 players mentioned could be got for around £20m. We may get around £5m for the sales of Willo, Oba and Goz so a net spend of £15m isn’t too much to ask …. oh hang on, it probably is actually.
Sharpy17(Quote)
A lot will depend on where we are in the table in January Sharpy. Anything below 12th and Ashley might actually spend again. Who Joe might bring in is another question altogether.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
It frightens me at times to know this much about Mike. Is my life in danger? Does Mike know that I know? It’s all very worrisome.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
I mean should any one person know about both the nipple chafing and the rash? What with the big date coming up soon and all.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
G2 😯 I just had a look on Eds site and I see the crew there were ignoring the exact same posts that everyone here was ignoring 😆 😆
Aussie Magpie Fan(Quote)
Ox, they must be smarter than I thought
Premandup(Quote)
Prem, that’s debatable mate 😉
Aussie Magpie Fan(Quote)
Hi Oz. Day off today. Wife’s birthday
Premandup(Quote)
working from home mate… I can basically do what ever I want as far as planning my days goes.. I have kpi’s to meet but how i do it is up to me. 😉
Aussie Magpie Fan(Quote)
That’s good. Enjoy.
Premandup(Quote)
Cheers Kim. I want to buy the photo but the costs are ridiculous. £10 for one but if you win they’ll give you sone copies 🙄
Only a tenner but we’ve spent enough on photography this year after our £600 photo “experience” day 😆
toonsy(Quote)
Ox@126 😆
Prem@80, I can confirm she is good looking, Toonsy on the other hand bears a striking resemblance to a blobfish 😉 😆
Good luck with the comp Toonsy, your in with a shout as he looks like his Mam 😉
I’m liking the “pards hasn’t given Oba a chance” comments…here’s me thinking that it was the fans who never gave him a chance 😯 😉
richietoon(Quote)
Toonsy…Wait until the auld yearly school photo’s start coming in, I bet they’re not cheap now….though worth getting if for no other reason than to embarrass the bairn when he’s older 😉
richietoon(Quote)
Richie, I bet they had to use a wide angle lens to take your school photo 😆 😆
Aussie Magpie Fan(Quote)
Actually, my apologies Richie… I think Troy will take the blog fatty award going forward!! 😛
Aussie Magpie Fan(Quote)
Aussie…I was skinny as owt as a kid, then beer and kebabs were s discovered and I haven’t looked back since…or seen my feet 😆
richietoon(Quote)
Richie 😆 😆 know what your saying about the beer.. I am quite an admirer of the amber nectar but I don’t really eat much other than lunch and dinner so I tend not to stack on the weight. It’s a balanced diet.. Beer and very little food 😯 😆
Aussie Magpie Fan(Quote)
Aye, believe it or not I don’t eat too much myself these days(except when we have bloody people staying 🙄 ) and exercise daily so I’ve lost a canny bit of weight in preparation for Xmas in UK where I’ll put on twice as much as I’ve lost 😆
richietoon(Quote)
Nice one mate.. Its official then, Troy will be the brunt of all the fatty jokes from now on in.. 😛 😆
Aussie Magpie Fan(Quote)
Fat as I’ve been, I don’t think I’ve ever been a threat to Troy’s fatty award 😆
richietoon(Quote)
Size 30″ waist he reckons 😆 😆 please…for the sake of the blog 😆
Aussie Magpie Fan(Quote)
Size 30″ 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆
richietoon(Quote)
30″ gob maybe
B-B(Quote)
Toonsy – I know what you mean. Our lass keeps buying these Groupon on deals for photo studies, you get a stamp sized photo free then they rip ya eyes out!!.
He’s just had his first school photo taken and of course every family member wants a copy so another £50 plus for him sat in his uniform 👿 😥
We could all chip in the £10 for the photo and then you could just tell him he won when he’s old like 😉 😆
Sharpy17(Quote)
B-B are you the old B&B? 😉
Welcome back if that is the case…
Aussie Magpie Fan(Quote)
Sharpy, just photo copy the original photo and save yerself some time and coin mate 😉
Aussie Magpie Fan(Quote)
Aussie – Polaroid mate 😉 but the missus is fucking pissed on this Groupon thing!.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Aussie I take it you have experience in copying photos 😆
Big Dave(Quote)
http://mobile.newsnow.co.uk/A/670258339?-11058
If Pardew wants pace he should buy a fucking whippet!!. Obertan isn’t good enough and needs replacing, and if Pardew can’t see that then he’s lost!. Pace is only a threat if there’s an end product – a cross or goal scorer!.
He has 1 goal for NUFC and a grand total of 5 in his whole career.
Sharpy17(Quote)