It doesn’t matter to me how much of a crisis there is at Old Trafford and how poor they have been made out to be in comparison to, well, most of my lifetime to be fair. We deserved the victory and managed to get rid of a winless streak that stretched back 41 years previously. If we carry on in that vein I’ll be 72 before I next see a win at Old Trafford!
Unfortunately a win like this does raise expectations somewhat. After the game I was reading various bits and pieces with one member of the media suggesting that we might be in the hunt for a Champions League place based not just on this result, but also the results against Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham. The theory was that if we can beat the big sides we’ll be in with a shout.
Our league position is pretty reasonable at the moment and our form is good, but it’s still far too early to talk about Champions League aspirations or anything like that. We’ve still got 23 games left to play of this season which is a lot of time for any side to suffer a change in fortunes.
Now I do happen to think we have a good side and now we’re reaping the rewards of last January. At the time signing five players in five days looked like a move of desperation in an attempt to halt a slide towards possible relegation, and it worked – just. The benefit now is that those players are now pretty much acclimatised to life in the Premier League and it is starting to show in their performances on a regular basis. Just take a look at the performances of Yoan Gouffran, Mathieu Debuchy and even Loic Remy who spent the tail end of last season getting used to the Premier League at QPR.
The problem is that we are far too inconsistent to be considered for anything just yet. We are just as likely to go on a run without a win as we are to go on a run without losing and it’s not against the “big” sides that tend to struggle. With all due respect it’s the games against the likes of Swansea and Hull that we struggle with and that is the difference between us and a truly top side.
With time, and with a settled squad, that consistency will come but we won’t know about it or realise it until after it has happened. My aim for the season is the same as every season – get to 40 points first then see what happens. The quicker we get there the better.
Days like Saturday are great for fans, but they won’t shape our season and shouldn’t change our expectations. Well, in my opinion anyway…
Top 10 will be good. Top 8 would be fantastic that sums up my expectations for this season. Sensible and steady progression will do me every season.
I am slightly worried about our form against the bottom half teams. Is it all to do with motivation for these games or what? If so then maybe throwing a few squad players on to try and earn a place for the big games would help boost it.
Southampton will be very tough opposition. I hope we go back to the 4-4-2 for this game.
Santii(Quote)
TOONSY spot on way to look at it imo,it is the toon we are talking about when have they played even six games the same way 😕
icedog(Quote)
Think we have a squad capable of finishing top 7, but performances like Swansea away would need to be a very rare occasion
Jay Jay(Quote)
There is champions league talent and workrate in the squad. Even the potential loss of Cabaye (to which I only have two words for any potential suitor: Andy Carroll), wouldn’t be horrific as it would make way for Anita to claim a regular starting role. Of course the strength of the side would be diminished for having lost Cabs.
All that said, promising future for the Toon. Let’s get through December and the transfer window before we start looking to Europe, however. Still, I’m happy to let that pink elephant dance all he likes.
Chris(Quote)
If we get some great results before xmas and add a couple of decent players in january then we should finish in the top 7 ?
Terry(Quote)
We still got to play Manu, Man City, Everton, Spur’s and Arsenal at home and they are all capable of beaten us.
We also got Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool away and that’s the only reason I don’t think will make the top 4 this season but would like to be wrong.
Terry(Quote)
Toonsy – likewise mate. Get those 40 points on the board then see how many games/points are left after that.
If we can get to 29-30 points by 1st Jan then that goal should be quite quickly achieved I’d think.
Looking at the league and the teams below us, there is probably only Man Utd that I think could/would go above us – so that would be 8th or above I reckon. If 8th was worst case, then that’s still not too shabby a season I reckon.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Toonsy I think we should beat Palace, Stoke and Southampton ( fingers crossed). 35 points by the first of january.
Terry(Quote)
“My aim for the season is the same as every season – get to 40 points first then see what happens.”
This is how I feel as well, as I’m sure do many others – especially those who’ve been around a long time (ie, before the PL). I think this more than anything shows what some of us fans think of NUFC – we are, first and foremost, despite sometimes doing well, a club that doesn’t expect to be at the top of the pile, otherwise our thoughts would be on, say, getting 30-odd points by Xmas or whatever occupies the minds of fans of ManU, Liverpool, Arsenal, etc.
On the Cabaye front, even Remy, in fact anybody with designs on a World Cup appearance, I think there is zero chance of them leaving. They’d be crazy to leave now and have to start again with a new club, a new culture, new team mates, new playing style, new everything. It jeopardises all that they have done to get into the WC frame. Far better to stay at the club where you are doing well.
brisvegas(Quote)
Leaving in January, that is. After the WC, well, that’s different.
brisvegas(Quote)
BRIS. V, I agree with that common sense view mate 🙂
icedog(Quote)
Brisvegas well said
Terry(Quote)
Bris Vegas, good point mate. I don’t want to pinkle on your cornflakes mate, but I’m pretty sure that Cabaye and Remy already have assurances from Deschamps that they will be in the World Cup squad, and I don’t think a transfer would affect that, especially if one or both of them went back “home” to PSG. PSG would probably throw shed loads of money at them to tempt them, back home. That neither them are cup-tied for the Champions League is just another plus. If we have 40 points by the time Christmas comes round then Cashley will be on Wonga Alert come the January transfer window :-(.
Cannot imagine Mbwia being very happy either sitting on the bench in World Cup year 🙁
Munich Mag(Quote)
Man these tossers on the bbc podcasts boil my ****, the same old **** about Man Utd, Spurs, Mourinho and the like. If I paid a TV license I would stop 👿 👿
Munich Mag(Quote)
icedog
December 9, 2013 at 21:24
BRIS. V, I agree with that common sense view mate 🙂
And you two call yourselves Newcastle fans???? Discrace
I highly doubt any of our players will be leaving in January.
I think Gomis is a nailed on certain transfer. He fits exactly the sort of player we go for. (Big, Black and French :D) Will he be here in January i don’t know.
Joe doesn’t seem to have a problem with loaning players like DL did. There is so many young players abroad i would love us to try and loan.
Santii(Quote)
@ MM
The Football Ramble is the best podcast about. great football talk by four idiots 😀
The only BBC one i listen to is the world football phone in and thats mainly because of tim vickery.
Sometimes listen to 606 but just to hear some of the idiots on there 😛
Santii(Quote)
Gomis seems keen to join but if there’s any pissing about like in the summer we should pull the plug straight away
Jay Jay(Quote)
SANTII I made comment to BRIV@9,I think you are a discrace to refer to comments by fellow bloggers like that is your view the only one that matters like,disagree by all means,but try not to comment that you are a know all,which I know your not by past comments you have made
icedog(Quote)
@Bris
Yep think it works both ways as well. With France’s group Ashley would be mad to not hold out until post WC to sell anyone.
SolanosTrumpet(Quote)
I think how we do the next 4 games should determine Ashley’s actions.
We should get 4 points, but we could quite easily get up to 9/10.
If it’s the former then we will be matching our 5th place season at the halfway stage. If it’s the latter, well… May be time to start dreaming! 😯
SolanosTrumpet(Quote)
JAY JAY I agree mate but imo if he was coming it would have been sorted before window opens anyway,I haven’t seen a great lot of him some say he is just a younger shola,think we should be looking at the German lg a bit more they seem to be up and coming but might be out of jabba price range me thinks
icedog(Quote)
good draw by Hull
icedog(Quote)
Ice i don’t know how but you have totally missed the sarcasm in my comment (i knew i should have used an emote :D) and its not my fault everything i say is 100% correct.
Santii(Quote)
I think realistically we can say,-
If we assume for a moment that Man City, Chelsea & Arsenal will be the top 3. Then… Liverpool, Everton, Tottenham, Southampton, Man United and toon one of these teams will get 4th spot. I think Southampton or Liverpool might drop off, but Liverpool could go on another strong run and easily get it. Then the rest of those teams will be fighting over the Europa spots. I don’t think we will realistically get in the top 4 but I do think we could be fighting for 5th-7th place. If it came down to a choice between another season of Europa League or going to Wembley in the FA cup, I think I would rather go to Wembley. Especially with this team who have already beaten Man United, Chelsea and Tottenham on their day.
DJG(Quote)
Toonsy ,Good read, thanks. Must say I agree with Bris@9 Let’s get to 40 points first then start dreaming. Every season start I look at the last 6 or 7 games to see who we face should we be in a relegation scrap. Put it this way I’m glad it’s not looking likely this season ,have you seen the last 7 games 🙁 .Fact is we aren’t gonna get top4, well not imo, but top 8 is a possibility if we keep up the good form and work ethic. I always have a sweat on until we reach the magic 40 mark, I only really relax once that’s passed every point after that is a bonus nowadays.
KIMTOON(Quote)
DJG@24, Aye, ****** Europa, I wanna cup in the Toon trophy cabinate, anything else is just gravy.
KIMTOON(Quote)
Kim a cup gets us Europe 😀 Would be nice to have both i guess 😆
Santii(Quote)
Is it just me or is anyone else happy to have dodged a championship team in the FA cup 😆
Santii(Quote)
I recall West ham getting relegated once with 43 points when Trevor Brooking was care taker manager. I know it’s very rare but you never know. A cup run would be nice and let’s face it Pardew can’t do any worse than Brighton and Stevenage or I hope not. It’s to early to tale what Ashley’s ambitions are.
Terry(Quote)
First of all we would have to get past the 3rd round.
Terry(Quote)
Santi ,I know, that’s the gravy mate. Cup first and foremost for me.
KIMTOON(Quote)
Santii I’m happy with been drawn at home and not away.
Kimtoon what if Ashley gets his chequebook out and decides to give the top 4 spot a run for there money. Dreaming again sorry
Terry(Quote)
Terry, now ,now lad, have you forgotten who owns us 😆
KIMTOON(Quote)
All the Toon players were out in Dublin on saturday for a christmas night out. Ended up meeting a good few of them including Debuchy, Taylors, Krul, Sammi, Jonas, Colo & Remy. Am sure there were a few other floating about. All seemed in good form
buddy(Quote)
Nice one Buddy was that the night they were in fancy dress? Who looked the most pissed 😀
Santii(Quote)
I never start a season worrying about getting 40pts. This club is huge, bigger than everton. If it doesn’t cross the mind of an everton fan, i see no reason why it should cross my mind.
Any season where we struggle to get 40pts is a disaster. If a club like liverpool finish 10th, it’s almost certain that there will be major investment in players or a managerial change.
My expectation with this group of players is a minimum of 60pts this season. It keeps us challenging for a top 4 & europa league place without a guarantee of getting either.
Position wise we could finish anywhere in the top 8 bug our pts total is a better measure of how well we’ve done this season.
KK(Quote)
W Southampton
W Palace
W Stoke
D Arsenal
W West Brom
1st january 39 points
Terry(Quote)
If that happens I’m betting on a league win 😛
Seriously though i would love another unbeaten month and my predictions would be about the same. Things never go as expected for Newcastle though. Need to start beating the smaller teams and this month is perfect to see if we can do it.
Santii(Quote)
http://www.bsports.com/statsinsights/football/stoke-newcastle-noteworthy-performances
Nice to see Santon getting some recognition for his good performance.
Santii(Quote)
Arsenal, Chelsea & Man City will finish in the top 4.
Spurs are still in the europa league, they don’t have bale & they have too many new players to integrate into the team. Unless spurs suddenly click & become a real force, i think they have less chance of a top 4 place than us.
I don’t think southampton have a big enough squad for the type of footballthey play. I’d expect them to fade away towards the end of the season unless they make some signings.
Man utd will surely spend big in january. Without a better midfield, there is no way they could finish higher than everton or liverpool.
Liverpool & everton have the best chance of finishing 4th. Liverpool have a better squad so they shpuld edge it but everton under martinez should keep getting better. Neither team have to worry about the europa league.
There is no reason why we shoud not be able to push everton & liverpool all the way. We’re almost doing it now & i don’t think we’ve played our best football so we have room to get better..
History on the other hand shows us that we tend to implode just as the good times begin.
KK(Quote)
Someone that agrees Santon was MOTM
“The young Italian defender had a magnificent game and was largely responsible for keeping the creative and offensive minds of Robin Van Persie, Adnan Januzaj and Rafael at bay. He completed 82% of his passes, dribbled past 6 opponents and made a key pass. Santon also made 3 interceptions, 3 tackles, 2 accurate crosses and 5 accurate long balls.
Santon’s runs from the back showcased his ability and he proved to be a real problem for Manchester United in all areas of the pitch. He defended brilliantly and his movement on and off the ball allowed his teammates the freedom to move around United with great ease while keeping the majority of possession and limiting United’s attacking options. Though he didn’t contest any headers his 187cm frame provided a threat from set pieces and distracted United from other more threatening players.
While Santon is the player of the weekend it was Oussama Assaidi who stole the headlines”
The Kid(Quote)
If terry’s prediction turns out to be right, we’d need another 9 wins after 1st january & we would almost be guaranteed 4th!
I think the predictions might be a little optimistic. I can see us really struggling against southampton & arsenal.
We could also quite easily lose to west brom, palace & stoke & end up picking up no pts!!
That would really kill expectations.
KK(Quote)
Looks like Southampton were missing quite a few players for some reason but still drew 1-1 with Man City. These teams like Swansea and Southampton have strong squads now, even with several players missing they can get results.
DJG(Quote)
We have a bit of a problem at full back. Debuchy, hadaira, santon & even dummet are all very good.
I’m especially dissapointed about hadaira. He looked fantastic last season but fair enough, santon has done well enough to keep him out of the team.
KK(Quote)
KK Debuchy is the only right back out of all them as well which is worrying. Dummett can play center which is good. Would love if Haidara could adapt to play both flanks.
Can’t see Dummett getting much game time with Mbiwa ahead of him for both full back positions and CB as well. Him or Haidara could do with a loan to a high level club.
Santii(Quote)
I think dummett should go on loan as hadaira already has top flight experience in france.
I’ve heard santon is as good on the right as he is on the left but i can barely remember 1 game where he played at right back.
Yeah, it would be very good if both haidaira & santon were comfortabls on either flank.
I’d expect colo to pick up an injury over the next few weeks so mbiwa should be back. I do think this is colo’s last season & i’m not confident staylor could last a long run of games without injury. We need a minimum of one centre back next summer, maybe 2 if curtis good doesn’t progress.
Otherwise we have a very good back 5 which could last another 3 years but quite possibly 6!
KK(Quote)
Santii I just hope Cisse can find the back of the net and get some confidence back because that would be a big help ?
Terry(Quote)
Would be nice to get another utility man like Mbiwa who can play all across the defence. Perch but better quality really 😀
Not really sure what is going on with Colo at the minute but there is no way he is leaving for nothing and San Lorenzo can’t/wont splash the cash for him it seems so i would agree he isn’t going anywhere soon.
Taylor seems to be getting a lot of slack recently when he hasn’t done to much wrong. He is a solid squad player if he can stay fit.
Another Striker is what we need most i think. Bloody can’t wait to January now to see if we continue are great January buys this year. There is a few strikers who match our usual criteria.
Santii(Quote)
@Terry
Cisse just seems happy to be here at the minute 😀 Did you see how happy he was when he came on with about 3 seconds to go 😆
It is hard to get him enough time on the pitch to have any impact really. He just need to come on and leather one from 40 yards out 😀
He is a strange one. He will close down all day for the team but offers nothing in an attacking sense. Whereas Shola can offer something in attack but cant close down as much. Ameobi has proved he is the best partner for Remy so he has to stay in imo. Now if we could get a player like Ameobi but who can score that would be superb 😀
Santii(Quote)
Let’s just win the next game and take it one game at a time – sooner we get to 40 points the better
@toonsy – like the new mobile layout – thanks
stevep(Quote)
My expectations are to get 50pts and fight for 7-9th. If we do that we are on track given our resources. Anything above that shows well for the manager, anything less than that then poorly.
I understand the lets get to 40pts mentality, it will take a long time to remove the memories of that recent relegation.
I think Bris is right at 24 when he says that there are 6 clubs chasing 4th spot. and we are in that mini league. If we finish in the top half of that eg 6th or better we will have done well.
I hope we can meet KK’s expectations of 60pts but at the moment I think we are a couple of seasons away from expecting that, at the moment the best I can muster is to hope for it and see it as achievable.
Premandup(Quote)
looking at the remaining games through an optimistic eye, We may get . 64pts. lets wait and see.
Premandup(Quote)
The Kid@41, Agree, Santon had a very good game Saturday, truth is he has been steadily improving this season .
KK@46, yep Santon started out as a right winger so no surprise that he’d do ok at RB, but it’s odd that when Debs is out Pards chooses to put Mbiwa there when he could swap Santon over and put Haidara at LB :???:Having said all that Mbiwa does fine there and don’t forget Anita has done ok at RB when called upon.
KIMTOON(Quote)
Prem, I would agree with that mate, we should manage 50 this season ,as you say the relegation is hard to forget and last seasons disaster is still fresh in the mind. I wonder if we made Europa if it would happen again or are we better equipped to cope with another dally in Europe 😕
KIMTOON(Quote)
Next two games will be interesting as Saints will be a tough old test imo and then there is Palace who won’t be the easy game it would of been a few weeks ago. They look to have some renewed spirit about them and are back in with a fighting chance now. This is when we need to show our mettle as we HAVE to be beating teams like Palace and to a certain extent Saints too.
KIMTOON(Quote)
I agree, we need to act calm and take each game as it comes, and each result as it comes. Not go off quoting 5 wins in 6 is CL form and all that, or saying we will take points off Stoke, Palace etc. As soon as we expect results, Hull/Swansea we get treated to a lesson. We need more consistency and a more relaxed approach to results. Get to 40 and see what happens
Although on the other hand, no club achieves consistency. There seems to be a lot of talk about this this “strange” season with anyone beating anyone but it has always happened really. That 5th placed finish was good because we were pretty consistent at beating the clubs below us but it all came about after a quiet summer and in a season where people predicted relegation. Well, similar story this season, the pressure is off and we’re doing well.
People need to keep calm and allow the team to play without pressure, not throw more expectation at them. And jesus wept I know it’s difficult for some of the oldies on here to not get over excited after a good or bad result but come on fellas, it’s not raquel welch giving you a spongie 😉
Newkie(Quote)
Santii,
Same night as the facy dress, but they were all in their clubbing gear by the time I met them. None of them seemed too drunk, I was probably the worst of the lot. Although I was told Remy faceplanted and was kicked out. Debuchy was sound, albeit struggled with the language. The two argies were in good form. Sammi seemed to be dictating where to go out.
buddy(Quote)
Buddy – I get the feeling that Sammi is the driving force behind team spirit and togetherness the 1st team squad has at the moment. I think he’s in the squad as much for his craic as his footballing ability. Him and Bigi seem to be the banter boys.
Sharpy17(Quote)
If we’re around 6/7th in January I would hope Jabba spends £20m or so to improve us still and give a real push for CL.
I guess we will certainly find out what his ambitions are come January.
Stuart79(Quote)
I’ve just been watching some footage of Conor Newton up at St Mirren at the moment. He seems to be making decent progress and as a right sided midfielder would certainly replace Obertan in our current squad for me like. Suggestions that Adam Campbell may join him up there in Jan, so would seem we have a bit of an arrangement with St Mirren – not a bad idea and worked well for Dummett.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Stu – I don’t think he needs to spend as much as 20m mate, unless you’re talking agents fees included in that?.
I think the players needed to make those improvements could be bought in for alot less – maybe half that.
What would you like to see us sign in Jan mate?
Sharpy17(Quote)
I would like to see us sign another striker and a left winger.
Stuart79(Quote)
I heard whisper ince could be next one in depends on this zaha lad and his agents,three clubs pushing for him down to agents backhanders I bet
icedog(Quote)
Stu – yeah, certainly another CF or 2 and a winger. I wouldn’t mind keeping an eye out for a CB either tho. We’re find at the moment but if there is any truth in the Colo rumour then I’d rather be ahead of the game. If not, the CB would replace Saylor for me.
Sharpy17(Quote)
The most astounding thing about this run is that Willo has played his way back into favour. Miraculous I would say. I’ve been his biggest critic but have to agree he’s been good recently. Funny old game. 🙂
georgio(Quote)
Ice – I’d far sooner sign Ince than loan Zaha personally. I don’t see the benefit of a 6mth loan of Zaha to send him back to Man U.
I also think Ince is a more effective, direct player. I think Zaha is too much of a showboater – a bit of a Benny. Zaha would have to nutmeg the opponent or turn him inside out, whereas Ince is happy to run beyond the player and either get a cross in or have a dig. If we can sign him for 3-4m I think that would be a great signing.
Sharpy17(Quote)
GEORGIO,I tend to agree with you mate I thought the same as you,the only fault I can see with him is when the ball is played in behind him he lacks a bit,but they are trying to cover him on that score
icedog(Quote)
SHARPY I do agree with you on ince mate my only worry is can he step up to the PL but at 5mil (that’s the crack) I would chance him and move oba out quick sharp
icedog(Quote)
Georgio – I totally disagree with you. I think you’ll find I’ve been his biggest critic! 😛
Completely agree with the rest tho, he’s be solid for the whole 90mins of each game as well, which sounds daft but you tend to find that defenders have a lapse in concentration at some point in the game – I know I used to 🙄
Pleased for him tho, and luckily I quite like the taste of humble pie. Pardew and the boys are seeing that I get thru quite a bit this season 😆
Sharpy17(Quote)
Ice – I wonder if we offered Gosling as part of the deal whether they may take say 3.5m plus Gos. That would work well as Ince would just pick up Goslings wage. I’d certainly look to shift Obertan – maybe an Ashley special, take Gos get Oba free 😆
Sharpy17(Quote)
good call mate that would work spot on
icedog(Quote)
Could it be that Pardew has coached Willo into being a better player, or is that still beyond reason? 😛
Newkie(Quote)
Sharpy-the rate Oba is going we will have to pay for someone to take him! I like the idea of putting Gosling in a deal for Ince though because we’re really struggling to move players on that we don’t need-we’re good at moving first teamers on-but soon we’ll have plenty of “youngsters” that require a squad place and I’m not sure how many of them will make the grade..
Newkie(Quote)
Newkie – possibly, but I think it’s been more a case of opportunity and a bit of faith in the player.
I think Willo has been showing alot more composure this season, which has maybe been worked on. He was very much a boot it away and clear the danger type of player at one stage, however now he seems more concision of finding a toon player with his clearance.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Gomis and Zaha seem likely, Id take that and at least a crack at nailing Remy down in january with nee significant outs please mr fat man…
CC(Quote)