Confidence, self belief amongst the playing group, a winning mentality. I don’t really care what you call it to be honest, all I know is that I want it to continue in earnest as the season kicks on. What has changed is hard to put a finger on. Fresh players have been given a chance and injected life into a squad that was stale and had seen little change over the first month and a half of the season.
Pardews’ tactics also seem to have evolved (a little) and buoyed by a shot of confidence, he is making more right calls than wrong. On that point, I have always maintained that Pardew is a confidence manager, when he is down his teams are right there with him, so it is nice to see he is showing a little more swagger again. I still harbor doubts over his long term tenure in charge but for now, Pardew is showing some backbone and if we keep improving, I am prepared to cut him some slack.
Everyone knows that winning games is the best way to regain lost confidence and pride. Until the second half against Spurs, I really had no idea where or when we would see either of those things but something has changed and the results have followed. Every player has stepped up a notch and they all are fighting hard to the final whistle. We are pressing hard in the middle of the park, getting players into the box more regularly when we attack and most importantly our defence is not leaking goals.
So I guess it is up to each person to decide what has made the difference during the last four games. No one factor is contributing alone, it is a combination of things. Everyone sees things differently but I think we can all agree that things are as good at the moment as we have seen for some time.
Long may it continue!
Well done AMF I needed to have something good to read for a change,I agree with the thread too.
I also like the title as there is the odd one that struggle with mentality lol
icedog(Quote)
😆 definite mentality problems on here mate!!
Aussie Magpie Fan(Quote)
Good read Aussie 😉 as you say it hard to put a finger on one thing but whatever the reason long may it contiue.
One thing is for sure after a few wins you can see the confidence growing in the team
Big Dave(Quote)
BD, yeah, some one stated the other day that the last 20 mins against Liverpool were quite calm and not the usual nail biting finishes we normally have.. You could say Liverpool lacked desire but I think the lads really grafted hard and basically shut
Liverpool down..You cant put a price on hunger and commitment. .
Aussie Magpie Fan(Quote)
Aussie, Nice one mate, good read and I mostly agree .
I think it’s interesting the turn around, Bris makes a point on the last thread that we look more defensively solid. It’s worth noting that when we had our 10 game unbeaten run in the 5th place season Saylor was partnering Colo. I feel Colo is more assured alongside him, maybe he trust Saylor to be in the right place more than Willo, also there is less inclination to hoof it out from defence when they are the CB pairing. Dummett also seems to be a good fit too. But for me it’s the pace out wide and Sissoko’s revival that our making the difference . We have lacked energy and pace for so long and it’s great to see this new intent, the kids look good and hopefully we won’t be beset with injuries anytime soon. Losing Oba was a blow as he’s been in fine form, hope the lad aint out too long. I’m sure Pards knows we have all been crying out for more pace and attack, whether he has chosen to listen to that is open to conjecture but frankly I care not either way, we are winning that’s the main thing and long may it continue.
kIMTOON(Quote)
Kim, agree.. Sissoko has been immense for us the last few games.. He really dropped off before that so it is nice to see him lift his game..
Aussie Magpie Fan(Quote)
I could be wrong but maybe Cabaye has had a word in his ear,the grass isn’t always greener elsewhere and he has settled down and got his mind in gear
icedog(Quote)
Ice, Yep that’s always possible mate, they only need look at players who have left us ,not many go onto better things, more money maybe but not a higher profile ,Debs aside like.
kIMTOON(Quote)
Good one AMF – and I think your point about the lads grafting is really well made – the whole ‘is the squad good enough’ debate is pointless, since work-rate and organisation count for so much, for most teams, over and above individual players’ talent – when Pardew’s teams have been ‘up’, its always been based upon effort and commitment, and that’s what we’ve seen the past few games. You all know, as I’ve droned on about it for long enough, that I think Tiote detracts from that, because he’s too slow thinking, and I have really enjoyed seeing the energy the central trio have been putting in.
GTE(Quote)
KIM how is dad and lewis mate??
icedog(Quote)
It’s just a “fluke” 😳
Apparently.
But like I have said previously it really is small margins between defeat and victory.
Perez looks settled and happy.
Sissoko much better not out on the wing.
Shame for Obertang as he was looking sharper than ever .
Boots(Quote)
Well done Aussie – you seem to have coaxed some good comments today. Most of which I agree with. Hard work and commitment abound it’s true and my god we’ve been putting some meaty challenges in. Not least Janmaat, Abeid and Dummett.
Still think it’s the absence of poor players making a difference. Defensively we look as good as anything I can remember although we’ll always be prone to high balls (like Adebeyor). Sissoko has been a real beast lately and those thrusting runs he’s now making in the penalty area are very hard to stop. Throw in the pace and fearlessness of the kids and we look really good. Just don’t ask us to dominate games though 😉
georgio(Quote)
I just hope that’s not his season over.
Good substitutions by Percy.
Lets all hope the good run continues thru November.
HOWAY the Lads.
Boots(Quote)
Keeping Saylor and Colocini fit is vital; We only Williamson as cover and his lack of pace is exposed time and again especially when hes with Colo.
The decisions to let Yanga Mbiwa & even Perch go are still so daft considering the lack of cover and pace we have at the back.
CC(Quote)
Pards had found a formula to be best teams that are theoretically better than us (allow teams to possess in MF, focus on defense, hit teams on the counter attack with our pace).
Now we have a few fixtures where teams might sit back on us to nullify that counter attack. It will be interesting to see how he goes at West Brom
MDS(Quote)
MDS – yeah it will be interesting. West Brom will come at us but it all works best against the good teams who want to dominate.
Hope he keeps Mehdi in instead of bringing back I want to leave Tiote. Off you go son, you’ve been **** for two years now!
georgio(Quote)
Aussie – good read mate. I reckon the turning point was about 7 secs into the 2nd half of the Spurs game. A cheeky little move thought up by Colback and Sammy. A little thing like that can give the whole team a lift and it was clear in that 45mins that it did just that. Confidence has bred from that moment, and a combination of better decision making by Pardew and players performing have kept things going.
On a personal note, I am thoroughly enjoying see young Geordie lads transforming things.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Ice, Sorry was over mums. Yeah dad seems a bit better, I’m off to visit him in a bit, just nipped in for lunch and a quick read of blog.
kIMTOON(Quote)
It would be just like us to beat Spuds, City and Pool then screw up V the Baggies and QPR 🙄
kIMTOON(Quote)
Sharpy agreed on the Geordie thing. Obviously I’m no local but it is great to see Geordie lads playing a major part in the club again. Considering their ages and ability that might continue for a long time
MDS(Quote)
MDS – here’s hoping mate. I know Aarons is Jamacian, but coming through the ranks he’s an honourary Geordie. Saylor in there and Dummett are doing great. Dummett in particular is quickly becoming one of my favourite players.
I also see Perez and Armstrong either having huge futures with NUFC, or going for mega money in the next few years. I hope it’s the first one.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Agreed on Dummett. The lad is quickly finding himself in this league. There’s no nonsense in his game. Very straightforward player which I like in a defender
MDS(Quote)
Good points from Georgio and MDS on the counter-attack style – I imagine that WBA will take the game to us, which is fine, but I’m expecting a difficult game versus QPR, packed ranks in front of goal, and them playing the counter. Then injries. Meself, I wasn’t bothered at the decision to let MYM go, but not to replace him in the squad looks reckless. Ameobi and Aarons go some way to accomodating Obertan’s injury, but we might still be literally limping through to January, by which time Diarra in for Tiote, a new CB and De Jong and Obertan fit again?
GTE(Quote)
MDS – he’s a real solid defender, but at full back he knows when to go forward and when to stay.
On Saturday, he had Sterling in his pocket, but he also played a big part in our goal, with an overlap out on the left. Cracking young player and I hope he keeps his place when Santon is fit.
I really like Colback too to be honest. I think he and Abied have good footballing brains and superb engines.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Agree Sharpy – it’s the fine covering/tracking work that Abeid and Colback do that allows Sissoko to maraud forward. Dummett’s such a tenacious player, he’s won me over. Looked better than Willo at CB too!
georgio(Quote)
Georgio – I played defence in my playing days, so I’ve always favoured a defender defending. I know the likes of Haidara and Santon like to push forward at every opportunity. But for me, having Dummett behind Aarons, Sammy or Cabella allows them to focus on the final third of the pitch.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Agree that with Dummett and Janmaat the wingers have more ability to attack which serves us well this week. But I think Santon and Hediera can play like that if instructed and there is certainly room for them in the squad, particularly if Dummett ends up at CB.
It will be interesting when Tiote is back. He is a rock in front of the back 4 but doesn’t have that passing ability of Abeid. There are enough minutes to go round between Tiote, Colbeck, and Abeid though. when Obie and De Jong return we might finally have the depth and competition for places that we’ve longed for. Especially if we add a player or 2 in January
MDS(Quote)
Never thought I would see the day, but it’s a real pity for Obertan that he is knackered. I think he had even more in him to improve before his injury, and will be a big miss. 😥
Still, it leaves a spot open for someone else, most probably Gouffron..
Munich Mag(Quote)
Munich – agreed. The lad was just starting to get the chance he’s been waiting for for ages. Looked like a real painful one as well.
I personally still think we should go after Aaron Lennon from Spurs if we could get him at a decent price. The kid has pace to burn and would get goals and assists IMO. The main issue could be that with him being a more senior player, he may want bigger wages. Nathan Redmond would be another pacy wideman to go after.
I’ve just been looking at the league table, and I reckon that all the teams below us now will still be below us at the end of the season – perhaps WBA as well. I reckon an 11-12th place finish.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Would love to hear if Bootsy still thinks Pardew is a Championship manager.
Troy Stavers(Quote)
Sharpy, I’ll be happy when we get a few more points on board and hit the 40 point mark mate 🙂
I like the way there seems to be an inconsistency to the EPL, and that the top 6 clubs don’t seem to be as invincible as they were, despite a few of them spending obsenely huge amounts of money. It makes for a much more interesting season.
Munich Mag(Quote)
Munich – what I mean is that I believe our squad is better than those below us at the moment – including WBA (one above us at the mo). But yeah, our first aim should be getting that 40 points.
Sharpy17(Quote)
MDS@20& Sharpy17@21
Another Geordie lad to watch out for in the future is Callum Roberts.
Only 17 and played a few games as a CF last season.
He has been played on both wings this season.
Don’t know if you saw the goal he scored in the pre season friendly against Eintracht Frankfurt but it was a great strike after he got past 3 defenders.
With Aarons, Perez , Armstrong and Roberts we are going to have a formidable strike force.
sidekick(Quote)
Sharpy17- I think the only addition we have to make is to put Ferreyra around 1st team. For Obertan’s injury, we have Cabella, Gouffran, Sissoko, Ameobi, Aarons all able to replace him.
Cholo A. Sall(Quote)
Scum won then 👿
kIMTOON(Quote)
And we still have Adam Campbell who can do a job on a flank
Cholo A. Sall(Quote)
Cheers sidekick. I had heard the name before but nothing else. Plus that Longstaff seems to be scoring for fun for the Academy
MDS(Quote)
Sidekick – I haven’t seen the lad play yet, but I’ve read good things about him.
Cholo – I’m not sure about Chucky, haven’t really seen him mate so jury’s out as to whether he can cut it in the EPL.
As for Oba cover, I don’t want to see Sissoko out wide ever again now!. He’s proven he’s so much better through the middle. Gouffran maybe short term cover. Sammy is an impact sub for me. Cabella would be ahead of Oba for me (once he’s properly settled in). However you’ve hit on another with Campbell.
I think Campbell on the right and Aarons on the left of a 3 man forward line would be worth a look.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Tory Boy – I am still convinced Percy Parsnip is out of his depth.
He would struggle even more in the championship, with **** players to choose from.
Luckily our good players are keeping him in a job.
For now.
😉
Come on now, just admit that you were wrong about our players.
You said it yourself, Percy cant do anything with **** players. Yet we have just won 4 on the trot.
What a chump you are. 😳 😳 😳 😳 😳
Beardsleys Boots(Quote)
Our main aim should be to finish top 10. If Ashley can’t support the club to that extent he should go. We’re still a thin, bottom 10 club, about 2 injuries away from disaster. After 7 1/2 years of Ashley it’s not nearly good enough. I’m pleased with our current form but it’s only a short stretch of positive results after over 20 games of dire results going back to last season. I’m not convinced we’re out of the brown stuff yet.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
That winning feeling!
The h2h Blog League after 10 games (top8):
1 Stripes and no stars 24 (527)
2 Natalie Sawyer No.1 24 (484)
3 Haven’t Got a Kalou 22 (573)
4 Solano’s Trumpet 21 (526)
5 Newbriscastle Roar 21 (439)
6 WaWa Toures 18 (488)
7 Newclear Attack 18 (481)
8 Joshua 18 (471)
Some chumps down the bottom …
16 Dubai-Toon United 9 (454)
17 Newkie’s Ale Stars 9 (428)
18 Aussie Magpies 9 (422)
19 Ivory Toast 9 (375)
20 Durham dynamites 3 (334 )
It seems that early season pacesetters, Dubai-Toon United, are trying to do an Aston Villa. And Durham dynamites seem to have given up (there’s no truth in the rumour that this team is run by Stuart).
Life’s tough for Why So Serious – 4th highest game points but lying 12th in the league.
brisvegas(Quote)
http://mobile.newsnow.co.uk/A/742089143?-11058:809
A real winning mentality alright!!!.
Great news and so pleased for Jonas.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Aussie I am really happy we won the last three games mate. I’m still reserving my judgement it only take one humiliating defeat and a couple of injuries and we our back to square one.
stem(Quote)
That’s the spirit, Stem.
brisvegas(Quote)
Sharpy17 that’s a nice story to start the morning mate. Glad Jonas has fully recovered.
stem(Quote)
Brisvegas I couldn’t be happier after last week mate. If I am being really honest I expected us to lose all three games. I’m just glad we didn’t and it’s nice to have a positive blog for a change. Finger’s crossed against West brom sunday.
stem(Quote)
Jonas returning to training in December. Really good news for him, but I doubt we will see him in competitive action again, much before the end of the season.
He may get a farewell substitute appearance, as I doubt he will get a new contract either.
Best of luck to him anyway.
Beardsleys Boots(Quote)
Stem – yes mate, the sun is shining brightly on Tyneside this morning … but it’s ******* freezing!!!!! 😆
Sharpy17(Quote)
I can see Pardew reverting to his favoured 4-2-3-1 formation against Wet *** on Sunday.
Krul
Janmaat-Saylor-Coloccini-Dummett
Abeid-Colback
Cabella-Sissoko-Aarons
Perez
I thought Abeid played well enough against cesspool to keep his starting place ahead of Tiote and Anita
Not sure if Aarons is capable of 90 mins, ?? but don’t think Sammy is either.
Not heard any news about Cisse or Riviere, but heard Ferreyra stank again for the U21’s last night. Armstrong scored again tho, so should make the bench at least.
Lack of defensive options, means Raylor and Haidara will make the bench too. Not heard any news on Willo either ??
Beardsleys Boots(Quote)
Sharpy – Freezing 😕
its 8 degrees mate not bad for November.
Are you getting soft or what ❓ 😛
Beardsleys Boots(Quote)
Brilliant news about Jonas 😀 😀
kIMTOON(Quote)
Boots – it was -1 in Lumley when posted buddy. Usually I’d tough it out but I’ve got a hole in me string vest 😕
Sharpy17(Quote)
Boots – I’d be happy enough with that starting line up mate. Start with Aarons and Sammy can always come on later. Armaz is a good option off the bench as well. Not sure if Satka or Streete are fit and available as bench cover too.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sidekick – agree with you about young Callum Roberts. Looks a real prospect. See he had 2 assists yesterday too with yet another 2 goals from Armstrong. Future is looking bright with the talent coming through lately.
georgio(Quote)
Have Troy and Eric kissed and made up ? I have noticed less messages.
stem(Quote)
The blogs gone dead.
stem(Quote)
SHARPYime struggling with the weather too mate,its only 28c today 😆
icedog(Quote)
First off, canny news about Jonas. Chuffed he’s on the mend!
As for the WBA match, MDS had some good words. Will be interesting to how it plays out.
Also, good to see that some things never change- Troy is still ornery as ever 😉
OHurley(Quote)
Ice – I’m really pleased for you mate :evil:.. Hope you’re having a great time with your boy. I was De-icing my motor this morning 🙁
Sharpy17(Quote)
So I read today that Cabaye is having a rough time at PSG and the lazy journos have him moving back to the toon :roll:.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Scratch that, I misread it – it said unlikely to join the magpies.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Stem don’t jinx it. I’ve been enjoying the banter on here for the first time in awhile.
I’ve jealous of the weather mate. Off to Texas for a week tomorrow so I’m about to enjoy some of it myself.
MDS(Quote)
“I’ve” was supposed to be “Ice”
MDS(Quote)
Ice I hope you remember your promise to stay out there 😛
georgio(Quote)
Troy,
Has anyone ever told you how monotonous you are?
JJ(Quote)
GEORGIO I will stay until the break(inter) but will back and get my eyes tested seeing four on the trot,or maybe its the drink here
icedog(Quote)
A few weeks is a long time in football isn’t it, I did say about a month ago I wished everyone would wind down the hysterics acting like we were already relegated. Football is such a seesaw of emotions and it happens to every club, but it seems to happen to us a bit more, or at least we make it out like it does. Who predicted fat sammy doing so well? Yet you can bet anything that before the end of the season, there will be west ham fans calling for his head – or even one of the owners, like he did in the summer! 😆
It’s nice to remember what winning feels like for sure, and who can believe it, actually looking forward to the football on the weekend, and not having it just spoil the day 😀 Reckon the Baggies game will be a good watch, they’re doing well this season and they’ve been a bogey side for us for about five or six years now, I wouldn’t be surprised if they beat us but I’m hoping for an entertaining game and hoping to see Ayoze, Abeid, Aarrons and Dummett build on their recent performances and attempt to cement themselves in the side. Last season Dummett was being a lot of abuse for being another of Pardew’s cloggers because he lacked the flair of Santon and Haidara but it’s good to see him getting some credit in recent weeks.
Shame he elected to play for Wales, I’d take him over smalling at CB any day 😆
Newkie(Quote)
I’m not sure the tactics have changed all that much in all honesty, we’ve attempted to play counter attacking football for a number of years now and it has often seen us get results against the “top” sides in what were often considered “freak” results. Mentality and motivation always play a part but it seems bigger with Newcastle for some reason. Maybe the fans translate it across the players because we still like to think of ourselves as in the “elite” of the league as we were 10 years ago or whatever.
What we’re seeing is a lot more effort and commitment, and thankfully, players playing with a smile on their face. I thought the pressure was getting too much for all of them – particularly as the nerves should have been settled and we should have taken all three points earlier in the season either vs Villa or Palace, but now they have some wins under their belt the confidence is there to play a more expansive and “risky” game.
Newkie(Quote)
Newkie I think the difference now is that we have a lot of new players and young players who have pace, are a bit fearless and have something to prove. But I’m not sure we have enough to break other teams down if they sit back and look to counter us. Getting De Jong back will help but we need to add another offensive player in January IMO
MDS(Quote)
Newkie – you want us to be risky? I think this counter attacking style is exactly the way AP likes it. No matter what he says about expansive attacking football he likes 7 defenders at all times.
georgio(Quote)
Interesting set of fixtures coming up. West Brom, QPR, West Ham, and Burnley. This is a real opportunity to get in the top 8 if our recovery is for real. Surely we should be hoping for 9 points from a possible 12? That would give us 22 points from 14 games. If we slip up in these 4 then we face Chelsea, Arsenal, mackems and ManU in quick succession. It could be a very bumpy ride to Boxing Day. I have no idea how we’ll do in these 8 games but surely the next 4 are very important.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
If we don’t beat QPR and Burnley the idea we have turned a corner will be long forgotten. Those are huge games for Pardew. Losses or even draws will bring back demands for Pardew’s head and rightly so.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
Sharpy17- Cabaye aint good enough for us lol. We got a very balanced midfield with Colback Abeid and Sissoko, and I hope that stays like this for the future. And we have de Jong coming back from injury. Id use him upfront as false 9. Same tactics with Cabella and Aarons on both flanks like this
—————-Krul—————–
-Janmaat-Taylor-Coloccini-Dummett
—————Abeid—————–
———-Colback—Sissoko———
—————S. de Jong————
—Cabella——————–Aarons
Sammy and Ayoze as impact subs. That would be our strongest team sheet in my opinion
Cholo A. Sall(Quote)
Tactics are the same, we still playin the Pardew way, but with more will, with more drive, pretty not, I like to see us playing with a winning mentality. With the talents we got and the collective intelligence we are building, we still play direct football but dont play bad at all. Need a fully fit Andy Carroll as final piece to complete this team. In defense no need to sign anybody, we have Good and Satka coming. In midfield we can sell Tiote and Anita without need new players, Abeid replace Tiote, and Bigi replace Anita, and we still have Raylor. Upfront, we have to sell Gouffran, and give a chance to Ferreyra. Dont think Cisse will stay long term. As wingers, Aarons Cabella Sammy Sissoko(if last choice) Ayoze and even Calum Chambers are decent options. Feel sorry for Obertan. Id like to see us sell Riviere quickly, but he might come good
Cholo A. Sall(Quote)
I would sell Anita in a heartbeat because he just isn’t good enough. I would keep Toite just encase of injuries and he does put in some good shifts. Jonas can go as well, I’m happy his recovered but we can’t have expensive players on the wage bill doing jack ****.
stem(Quote)