Pointless!

Shearer's Right Foot

Fifty two thousand people faithfully arrived at St James’ Park on Saturday to create a carnival atmosphere to greet the players as Newcastle began their home campaign. The opening day defeat at Fulham was disappointing but fans expected a much more profitable afternoon as Newcastle looked to take full advantage of unparalleled home support. What this incredible support was delivered though was shockingly woeful. Defeat to Huddersfield has left the Magpies pointless after two games and looking alarmingly short of quality.

The wave of optimism generated by Rafa Benitez’s decision to commit his future and some decent transfer activity now seems to have dissolved as cheers turned to jeers at the final whistle. The result is a devastating blow to Rafa and his men as they gift away, what could turn out to be, vital Championship points. Fulham and Huddersfield are not good sides, they will not be fighting for promotion at the end of the season. These are dropped points.

However, let’s not panic just yet. The loss is a bad one yes but Newcastle still have a long, long way to go. The season and the evolution of the team is still in its infancy. Benitez made good changes for the match, Perez and Colback rightfully dropped after struggling against Fulham. The presence of Mo Diame in the starting line-up and the omission of want-way Moussa Sissoko would have also pleased most fans. Chancel Mbemba was back in the back four and at kick-off everything seemed to point to a good day for Newcastle as fans cheered on their team. Of course Huddersfield had other plans.

It does look as though a trip to Newcastle is seen as a bit of a day out for the opposition. They can arrive with no pressure whatsoever and play at a magnificent stadium in front of a crowd the size of which many of the players will have never played in front of before. St James’ Park – at the moment – is not a fortress, an insurmountable castle, it’s blinking Alton Towers. Teams need to fear it, dread coming there and have nightmares about losing there. For that to happen we need to stick with Rafa and the team, as difficult as that may be after seeing such dross but it must be done.

Newcastle need to do their bit too though and desperately need to get into a winning mentality. They really cannot afford too many more days like Saturday. Even if performances are still not quite right, somehow Newcastle need to start picking up some points before they leave themselves with too much to do. There is still plenty of time to resolve some key issues, but as they try to bring more quality into the club, they must start winning games.

Jamaal Lascelles needs the fans’ support. He has the weight of captaincy on his young shoulders and it appears to be affecting him. Just as it seemed to disintegrate Jonjo Shelvey’s performances last season, Lascelles’ shoulders look heavy and he needs time to grow into a difficult role. Gayle too must cope with that number 9 on his back. Saturday was Alan Shearer’s birthday and Gayle did well to get on the scoresheet. He may have initially missed the penalty but the eagerness he shows to take penalties and free-kicks illustrates his desire to get on the scoresheet and get shots on goal. He too will grow into that formidable shirt.

It’s about as bad a start as anyone could have imagined but the only way, as they say, is up.

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295 thoughts on “Pointless!”

  3. Taking off a striker for a defender? Never usually goes down well with the faithful as previous managers showed, but hopefully rafa makes it work.

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  4. Kimtoon: not from open play yet though.

    A goal is a goal. This is the same logic people used to **** on Leon Best when his goals saved us for half a season.

    He didn’t score with his right foot then didn’t with his left then no headers then no goal with his right ********.

    I’ll take what we can get.

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  8. Kimtoon:
    FJ, I’m reserving judgement believe it or not, my post was merely making a point.

    I wasn’t singling you out, more speaking generally.

    I already feel Gayle’s “face doesn’t fit” with some fans and he’ll never do right.

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  12. boom. Onwards and upwards. Hayden has done well tonight, hopefully quieten a few of the doubters who were onto him after just two games.

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  13. Kimtoon:
    FJ, Don’t think he’ll lead the line but do well with a partner

    I tend to agree. He is a poacher, feeding off scraps that a partner would provide is his game.

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  15. Now Gayle has a goal ratio of a goal for every game he’s played for us.

    Can’t ask for more than that, Messi / Ronaldo levels.

    Haha.

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  17. Kimtoon:
    your man Gayle FJ

    He looks like an 8 year old boy’s face stretched over an adults skull but he’s getting our goals.

    All Hail Gayle.

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  21. Kim
    I knew Rafa would find the way. 😉
    MM
    😆
    To be fair MM, I thankyou for the radio links. 😉

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  22. Troy, any time bud. There was also a lad streaming the game via Periscope tv; i THINK THAT COULD BE THE WAY TO GO THIS SEason…..

    4-1 flatters us, from what I saw we couldn’t hold onto the ball for longer than 6 passes. To be honest that’s been typical toon for the last 3 years or so…

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  23. Talk about Rafa or Ritchie but Iv not been on the blog for months I come on and we win… Coincidence? I think not

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  24. We got the Arsenal Hayden instead of the Hull City Hayden tonight then? My impression of that result is that it could have gone either way tonight, had they scored that chance that hit the bar especially so. I’m not getting carried away as it’s been a shaky start. Still early days though and I think Rafa will suss this league in the end. I’m a bit surprised at the amount of experimenting, especially in defence.

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  25. This seems to be a weird league. Where two teams could be quite evenly matched, yet the game will end 3-0. Some of the refs let things go and others are spot happy. Lots of variables, we need to figure out a good attacking system though as I don’t think we will win many games 1-0, ‘the Rafa way’. It’s going to have to be the toon way I think. 😀

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  26. Well done Ice Pup. Do check in for the next game eh?!

    Tonight was make or break for the lads. If they lost they will have been under huge pressure and no doubt lots of boos at full time. I cam forgive a bit of a scrappy performance under the circumstances. The main thing is they rose to the challenge, held their nerve and won 4-1. That’s a good result and very reassuring for the future. It means they do have it in them after all, despite the doom merchants insisting otherwise.

    A big plus for me today is the fact both Ritchie and Gayle give is decent options when we win a dead ball situation. We have had very limited options there for a long time.

    Hayden is going to be a good player for us. He is always busy. Yes he makes mistakes but he is still learning. He has a proper engine, work ethic and brings influence to the middle of the park.

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  27. Not a convincing performance but got the result we really needed.
    We even have a positive goal difference for the first time in a long time.

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  29. Fk me that lad Duffy takes his total in 2 games for Blackburn to 3 own goals and 1 sending off. Is he being paid to relegate them?!

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  30. Shane Duff from Blackburn, scored 2 own goals and got sent off today…
    I read that is 3 own goals for him this season.

    Did we sign the right bloke from bLACKBURn ? 🙂

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  32. My only concern is Clark defensively, Villa fans always moaned he had a mistake in him and he didn’t have the best of debuts tonight. Hopefully just nerves getting to him.

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  35. Kimtoon, if the Villa fans say that about him, then it’ll be true 🙁

    Sham, dead right bonny lad 🙂

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  37. Perhaps importantly, tonight’s result has shown potential new signings that the existing squad does a bit of quality and is capable of getting a result. Definitely a big win, regardless if it was 1 nil or 4-1. Just need to get some momentum going now.

    Bristol, Brighton and Derby next. Not an easy set of fixtures.

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  38. Shelvey actually went in for 4 tackles today and won 2 of them! He even chipped in with a couple of interceptions around our own box, made 2 clearances in the box and even went in for 3 headers in our box, winning one if them!

    The lad has discovered what doing the dirty work means and has shown willing!

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  40. Very good result and that was more important than the performance, although we played reasonably well. I saw encouraging signs from Perez, Gayle and Shelvey and I only see us getting better.

    Fair play to Rafa for making the big calls and he was obviously vindicated.

    It will take time but once we get the balance right of hard work and skill we will be very good this season I am sure.

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  42. Very pleased with the result. I was not impressed with Haydn against Huddersfield but last night he was a different player: more positive and getting forward more. I suppose I am nit picking but Clark didn’t impress me but it was his first game and I think he may have been a bit nervous. I thought Gouffran put in a decent shift and at least played in a position more suited to his abilities. At least he does give his all.
    One thing good under Rafa is that no one can take their place for granted thinking they only have to turn up.

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  44. Kimtoon:
    Moussa Sissoko Verified account 
    ‏@MoussaSissoko
    Well done boys for tonight

    What a ******… making a comment public just to appease the fans. As if he gives a ****

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  46. This is a must read from an independent journalist at football365 on Pardew. Troy thinks that I, and others on here, twist the facts to fit our narrative on Pardew. With me, I think Troy thought I had a personal vendetta against Pards. Not true! I have always only stated the facts (thanks Rafa) which I always said included my dislike for Pardew’s personality and HIS vendettas:

    http://www.football365.com/news/alan-pardew-still-stuck-in-the-moment

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  47. Eric Sykes:
    This is a must read from an independent journalist at football365 on Pardew. Troy thinks that I, and others on here, twist the facts to fit our narrative on Pardew. With me, I think Troy thought I had a personal vendetta against Pards. Not true! I have always only stated the facts (thanks Rafa) which I always said included my dislike for Pardew’s personality and HIS vendettas:

    http://www.football365.com/news/alan-pardew-still-stuck-in-the-moment

    Yep, couldn’t put it better myself, that’s him in a nutshell.

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  48. Eric Sykes:
    This is a must read from an independent journalist at football365 on Pardew. Troy thinks that I, and others on here, twist the facts to fit our narrative on Pardew. With me, I think Troy thought I had a personal vendetta against Pards. Not true! I have always only stated the facts (thanks Rafa) which I always said included my dislike for Pardew’s personality and HIS vendettas:

    http://www.football365.com/news/alan-pardew-still-stuck-in-the-moment

    Eric. You don’t need to prove anything regarding Pardew. We all know what he’s like.
    I’m sure the article will go straight over Troy’s head. His love is blinding.

    I will await Troy’s excuses for his dreamboat 😀

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  52. Dutch Football
    ‏@football_oranje
    Monaco seriously interested in Sebastien Haller. Striker not eager to join Newcastle United at the moment. (VI)

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  54. The article is cheap & shoddy journalism.
    Pardew proved all of you wrong as you predicted his sacking which never came.
    He was starved of cash and investment in the team yet left us in 8th place.
    You all got your new manager and we were relegated.
    I warned you all but you wouldn’t listen.
    Palace fans are no different to you lot. Wanting perfection and instant success.
    Somewhere amongst the Palace fans will be a cockney Troy Stavers who will be speaking wise words and have a greater understanding of Pardew than the Palace clueless crew.
    Each club has a clueless crew and a Troy Stavers.
    I was acknowledged as the “Wise One” following our relegation by Gashley, Psychs & others and now you all deny calling me it.
    Shame on you all. 😯

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  55. There are reports we are in for Bas Dost too. Don’t k ow if his name has come up because he’s an old target, but I’d be happy with that signing. At 27 he is experienced and the other lad is French. I’ve had enough of reluctant French players for a while.

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  56. Shamrock:
    There are reports we are in for Bas Dost too. Don’t k ow if his name has come up because he’s an old target, but I’d be happy with that signing. At 27 he is experienced and the other lad is French. I’ve had enough of reluctant French players for a while.

    i would go for that mate,even Mitro could work off him as Dwight could work off both imo

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  57. Shamrock:
    There are reports we are in for Bas Dost too. Don’t k ow if his name has come up because he’s an old target, but I’d be happy with that signing. At 27 he is experienced and the other lad is French. I’ve had enough of reluctant French players for a while.

    </blockquote
    where did you see that Sham?

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  58. Troysta: all I ever acknowledged is that you were quick to call time on Schteve and as such were correct. I had decided I had had enough after 8 games but changed my mind because I thought even he deserved a chance. As I have said many times, wanting rid of Pards is not the same as wanting Ugly John or Schteve as his replacement. You always make that mistake. It was two novices at running a club (Carr and Charnley) who made the disastrous decisions to hire losers as managers and nobody that I know of on here ever wanted them. So I don’t know what you are on about.

    Is there a Troy clone at Palace who wants Clarky as their new manager?

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  59. How did this new Frenchy/Belgian League guy come up? Haven’t we had 3 months to identify someone? The papers are saying he is not keen. Just do what you have done with the rest of them and throw wads of cash at him if you think he is good enough.

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  60. Lee Ryder added,

    @Bristol_NUFC @Bristol_NUFC @PeteGravesSky Alrite Pete, you coming city on Saturday? All meeting ??? BS1 6XJ if you wnna join? Thatchers? #NUFC
    Nova Scotia pub 🙂

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  61. Oh God, Haller is a Frenchy in the Dutch league. Sorry. We can’t write them all off though as we have had mixed results really. Just got 25 mil for Gini and will probably get the same for Sissoko. They have not all been financial failures although the transfer policy ultimately got us relegated.

    We need experience so Dost or Walters for me. It is all a massive gamble at this point as there are no proven scorers in the English leagues at a decent price. We are forced to go abroad and roll the dice. I have been wondering for a while why Rafa has not used his Spanish and Italian contacts more?

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  63. Journalists could write similar articles about Mourinho, Wenger, Van Gaal and most other managers, like the article written about Pardew.
    It won’t be long before Rafa is written about in the same manner.
    It’s done because it’s easy and the Clueless Crew buy it.

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  64. The comments about Pardew, a relative of mine was up here a couple of weeks back, he is good mates with him. Was talking about the deal he had at Newcastle and it was true, had to play the reserves in the cup told that he was not allowed to get into further rounds. He told Pardew before they played a lower league club down there that we may not win the league but get us to a final not even win it, give the fans a day out at wembley and he will be ‘loved’ (maybe not that much of course) but he knew he couldnt. He did play the 1st team that day and got through to the next round, but got into so much trouble back at the club

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  65. Mario Gomez has left Besiktas cos he got nacky at all the trouble going on in Istanbul. That’ll mean Bas Dorst will be looking for a move. Hell do a job in the Champo thats for sure… get him in Rafa..

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  66. Well, after spending 32 million on Benteke, Pardew will no longer have the excuse that he was not backed in the transfer market. I seem to recall a certain pair of Argies that were bought for gazillions and he didn’t play them (but that doesn’t count, does it). I don’t doubt that Pards had restrictions at NUFC, but he is still **** and it wouldn’t have made any difference in the long run. He has a honeymoon period and then when he gets his own stupid ideas across he loses the dressing room and goes on a death spiral.

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  68. Get French Football ‏@GFFN · 14h14 hours ago

    Crystal Palace make loan with buy option offer for Chelsea’s Loïc Rémy; Everton have enquired, according to L’Équipe

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  69. Exactly Kim, we all have problems and yes some worse than others, but really most of us dont know how lucky we are. Mind you, I know some have major problems as well, maybe not like him, but still so much to deal with, yet dont complain and just get on as best as possible. The rest of us should show those people a lot more respect and say well done, just wish we could help. Know its not a lot we can do, but just so know we are thinking about them

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  70. Simon, He was born into that conflict, it is all he has ever known, it’s just really sad. When you think what a 5 year old kid should be doing, it shouldn’t be living like that. 🙁

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  71. No kids should ever have to go through that Kim, nobody should at all, but when you see a young kid, its heartbreaking

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  72. Troy Stavers:
    Journalists could write similar articles about Mourinho, Wenger, Van Gaal and most other managers, like the article written about Pardew.
    It won’t be long before Rafa is written about in the same manner.
    It’s done because it’s easy and the Clueless Crew buy it.

    But how many trophies have those managers won and how many has Pardew? When have they gone on death spirals? How many times have they been sacked or walked away prior to being sacked. They have for the most part managed better players but they have had absolute and relative success when compared to Pards. So – I do not take your point because it makes little to no sense.

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  75. Kimtoon:

    Kim it’s on news now, taken from a Portuguese rag called A Bola. It says Sporting want him, but can’t match the money both Newcastle and Leicester have offered – with the Toon having offered more allegedly. Obviously all just paper talk but he’s exactly what we need so you never know.

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