Last night marked the first time this season that Rafa Benitez’s Newcastle had reached the English Championship summit. With many games still to go over a hard ol’ slog of a season, consistency will be what keeps us there.
Dwight Gayle, a player who is after each passing day, justifying his £10 million transfer fee from Crystal Palace in the summer, netted twice again to bring his season’s tally to 11. And whilst there were splutters and stutters in an otherwise uneventful first half, the Toon got well into their stride in the second period with Gayle not hesitating to rifle home our first from close range after 49 minutes.
Scoring at the ‘perfect time’ is somewhat of a cliche these days, but with just over 20 minutes to go, Gayle’s second from outside the box brought the hammer down on a Barnsley performance which did not deserve anything more than 0 points. Whilst defensively they were spirited, it was always going to be a case of ‘when’ not ‘if’ with Rafa’s burgeoning Newcastle side bearing down on them in the second half.
They tried to frustrate us and alienate us but after our early season mishaps, you get the feeling that this Newcastle side is now made of sterner stuff. Mid-summer defeats to the likes of Huddersfield has taught us some valuable lessons about a league that is rarely forgiving.
As Shamrock pointed out yesterday evening, it seems as though something has finally clicked. With our rightful place at the top of the Championship pile taken, what are we supposed to do now?
Curiously, I believe this advice from terrible boss David Brent from the hit show the Office, sums it up perfectly.
‘If we’re facing in the right direction, all we’ve got to do is keep on walking.”
Until next time…
I think all Mitro needs is a goal or two and to get them he needs playing time. He could do to the championship what Carroll did as they are similar players. At least give him a run out if we are 2 up with 15 minutes to play.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
i havent given up on him, i would like to see him given a run as you say even if its a bit part,i think some fans are judging him before really seeing him given a run
icedog(Quote)
i think Rafa will get us over the line maybe a odd upset along the way,dont forget other clubs in the running will have a bad spell along the way,imo we dont have to win every single game to get there
icedog(Quote)
Icedog I think it’s fair to say Mitrovic was very over priced. He hasn’t lived up to his price tag and to be fair probably never will. I think as soon as Rafa win’s promotion, he’ll have someone better lined up and rightly so.
Stem(Quote)
i have no doubt Rafa will have someone in mind along with the backroom guys/scouts,they have done well up to now,so you could be right,but still think there is more to come from Mitro part of his problem is he trying to hard to please he just needs to calm down a bit
icedog(Quote)
Mitro scored 9 goals in 22 starts last year and has knocked a few in for Serbia while still only 22years.
There isn’t a striker in the Championship who’d be getting minutes over Gayle at the moment.
MDS(Quote)
I’d rather pplay Mitro up front as a brusier with Gayle playing off him. Diame does not appear to be doing enough to justify his place as the attacking midfielder.
Premandup(Quote)
now i would go with that,at least give it a try it for a couple of games
icedog(Quote)
I don’t know if any of you saw Yedlin’s tweet last night regarding away support. Pretty nice to see. But, it begs a question, and of course I am going to look silly, but since I am not at any games and therefore can’t learn them, how do you all learn the songs and who comes up with them?
I was at the pre-season Sacrament game 2 summers ago and learned a few from the supporters there, but if I am just watching online (or TV when in the BPL) I can’t make out the words. Is there a secret song sheet somewhere that you all pass around prior to games?
I am just thinking about my trip in April and how unfortunate it will be not to be able to join in the songs because I have no friggin idea what y’all are singing.
Other than that, the result was excellent and Gayle is just tearing it up. Well worth the money at this point, less 1MM per goal now.
I would like to see Mitro in more as well…I still have faith that he’ll come due. Maybe not as prolific as Gayle, but the dude is big, tough and a bruiser…can seriously wear out some defenses.
NorCal Toonfan(Quote)
you might find some here mate https://www.facebook.com/NewcastleUnitedTimes/?hc_ref=NEWSFEED&fref=nf or maybe on here https://www.facebook.com/NUSWW/?hc_ref=NEWSFEED&fref=nf good luck 😆
icedog(Quote)
I would too but Rafa has said he prefers the extra CM.
Interesting too that Rafa said Diame isn’t “a natural no. 10.” Makes me think the next purchase will be someone who is
MDS(Quote)
I read yesterday we have only conceded 2 on the road this season. Can’t be bothered to look that up, but if true then we are doing well and it justifies Rafa sticking to his current system of only 1 striker. I do think 2 up front would work well, but the old saying stands. If it ain’t broke……
Shamrock(Quote)
H/field getting beat at Preston 😀 😀
Icedog(Quote)
3-0 to Preston…wow. Good week for us thus far.
NorCal Toonfan(Quote)
Our goal difference is 2 times better than anybody else’s and we are clear at the top of the table. Not bad considering. This is just the beginning of the good times for the season.
Shamrock(Quote)
Has their bubble bust??
Icedog(Quote)
I am not surprised we have gone on a run. Rafa has done it many times before. His 08/09 Liverpool team won 10 out their last 11 and still finished runners up.
I said it before the season that we would walk this league and I am more convinced now.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I’d say their morale has taken a serious hit. And it could be that they won’t be able to regain quite the form and runs they had.
It would be nice if the same thing started happening to Norwich. I personally like a lot of cushion. It’s a long season in this league and we’re not even a 3rd through yet.
The lads are playing great, and I hope that they continue to do well. Personally I am enjoying it immensely . I noticed that in terms of places on the table, we’re only one place behind SAFC right now. However, I think clearly there is a larger gap in quality…we’re just trapped by the division of leagues…ah well.
NorCal Toonfan(Quote)
I still think we will ‘walk it’s, but so will Norwich. It will us and Norwich comfortably taking the automatic spots with a sizeable gap to 3rd place. Toon to win the league but not to match Hoots’ points tally.
Shamrock(Quote)
Didn’t get chance to post over the Barnsley game – full of busy, but well pleased with the result and great to see the toon on top.
I did have a smile when I saw the result – ‘maybe Sham was right’ I thought ??.
My mate was one of the 6k who travelled down there – how impressive is that turn out by the way!!!.
He said it was a really scrappy game (particularly the first half), but quality showed out in the end – and the big difference being Ritchie & Gayle – who’s 2nd goal reminded me of Alex Mathies goal against Shef Wed years ago.
I think if Rafa does have thoughts for Jan, I’d hope that no.10 slot is his main focus. Diame is more of a midfielder IMO and for whatever reason Perez just isn’t doing it.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Yep sham, 1 at Fulham the other at Villa
kimtoon(Quote)
Brighton seem to be the only ones that can challenge us and Norwich for the top 2 spots and I’d bet we leave them miles behind in the end.
Georgio(Quote)
Norwich will be on our tail’s but yeah there will be a nice gap between 2nd and first place. Huddersfield seem to falling apart at the moment. Bristol City might even get promoted as well.
Stem(Quote)
Hudders result is massive too, that’s two losses now and could signal a poor run for them. Norwich will be right on our heels.
kimtoon(Quote)
From some of the underlying stats I’ve seen, Brighton’s performances have actually been noticeably stronger than Norwich’s this year, so I wouldn’t be at all surprised if they finish 2nd, or even 1st.
I don’t think Huddersfield will actually play much better or worse than they have been, but their results will be more mixed, which is what you would expect from a team who is constantly involved in close games. Over time, lucky bounces tend to even out.
I do think it will probably come down to a three-horse race for the automatic spots between us, Norwich, and Brighton, with the three remaining playoff spots going to some combination of Bristol, Huddersfield, Wednesday, Fulham, Birmingham, and maybe Wolves or QPR.
Charlie Prince(Quote)
It sounds to me that Ashley never trusted Pardew or Keegan with the club’s money. He was frightened Keegan wanted to spend hundred’s of million’s like Chelsea. Maybe he sore Carr as the cheapest option to stay in the league. Who know’s but his obviously seen the error of his way’s and trust’s Rafa.
Terry(Quote)
To be fair last seasons mess was down to Carr. I’m surprised the man still has a job and Ashley for letting him pick the player’s. Ashley must have watched the games at home and had the same insight as the fan’s. Questioning signing’s like Thauvin, Carbella, Riviere and he must have noticed Colocini was well past it as well. Carr signing’s could of destroyed the club long term. McClaren was also Carr’s choice. Why is he still here ?
Terry(Quote)
what a lovely flick from the lad
http://www.101greatgoals.com/101ggvideos/chelsea-loanee-charlie-colkett-creates-bristol-rovers-goal-unbelievable-piece-skill-video/?
icedog(Quote)
Ice, aye lovely bit of skill
kimtoon(Quote)
very slow on here today, but remember,always look on the Dwight side of life 😆 😆
icedog(Quote)
Ice ? Has everybody decided they like Gayle then? A fortnight ago people were calling for him to be dropped!
Shamrock(Quote)
Excellent article Andy mate. The Mitro story has become a strange one for me. Surely Rafa could have put him out there once we were 2-0 up? Is it an attitude problem? Once Rafa finds a winning first 11 he seems to stay with them until they lose so Mitro may have a while longer to wait unless he gets used in the cup game coming up against Preston.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
If Charlie Colkett can do that all the time he’s going to be quite a player. What a perfect first touch! 😀
GeordieTwo(Quote)
I don’t get only playing one up front all of the time. I thought we had bought murphy so we could have him or Mitro provide flick ons or knock downs to Gayle.
I know Rafa’s preferred formation is 4-2-3-1 but would that ever have Murphy or Mitro as the 1? I doubt it. However, why can’t Gayle play in the Bellamy role when we had him and Shearer. We are winning though and who am I to second guess Rafa.
I just think if we can get a big man firing as well as Gayle we might give a few teams a hammering. Rafa’s mantra is “compact” but I would still like us to let loose again like at qpr. Didn’t Mitro play that game?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I’d definitely like to see us play with more attacking intent at home. Would like to see more of either Murphy or Mitro in those games.
Shamrock(Quote)
Toon news summary;
1) Howard Webb says Craig Bellamy was the hardest player he ever had to referee.
2) Nile Ranger says he has finally grown up. He was signed by Southend this summer (4 appearances, zero goals so far).
3) The Telegraph say Ashley has rejected attempts by foreign investors to buy Newcastle. The article is very non-specific and quotes no sources.
4) Dwight Gayle has said the players all agree it will take 90 – 92 points to achieve promotion. I hope they can add 10 points to that and make sure of it…
5) According to a couple of unreliable internet sites, Rafa Benitez is interested in taking Hungarian Tamas Kalas back to the Toon as soon as January.
6) Toon U-18′ defender Lewis Gibson has managed to get a call up to England U-17’s. One for the future?
Shamrock(Quote)
Very interesting news summary Shamrock mate. I think we should all enjoy this time in the club’s history. It’s a very special time that will only get better under Rafa.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
Your not wrong mate,I cannot say Ime 100% convinced yet myself but long may the goals keep coming
Icedog(Quote)
Well the Crystal Palace fans are all gutted they sold Gayle 😀
kimtoon(Quote)
You felling better mate,tooth and house sorted ??
Icedog(Quote)
Gayle 10 mill, Mitro 15 mill, Gayle has been a massive hit this season
Munich Mag(Quote)
Teeth treatment resumes in November mate, 3 hour sitting followed by a 2 and a half sitting 🙄 🙁 House survey done on mine today, wait to see what my buyer thinks of it, can imagine he found a ton of faults though , they always do. If she still wants mine I will get a survey done on the bungalow. Still got the hacking cough and cold though, into week 4 now for me and lewis. Every one I know has it too, it’s an epidemic here in Bristol, everywhere you go folk are coughing or blowing their nose. Lews day centre has everyone ill wit it.
kimtoon(Quote)
Hope things pick up health wise for you mate,haven’t heard many people up here with the problem mind we only venture out once a week this time of year
Icedog(Quote)
Ice, ha, I bet. It’s the changeable weather mate, wet, warm, cold, wet and so on and so on. Need a good hard cold spell to kill off them bugs imo.
kimtoon(Quote)
Back to Rooney. He is only a few short of Bobby Charlton’s goal record and mourinho doesn’t trust him on 2 penalties. It is like he thinks he is **** or summink. Played full 90 mins and ran about a lot and accomplished little.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
New thread y’all – apologies in advance for the awful pun in the title. 😀
https://www.nufcblog.co.uk/2016/10/21/ipswich-need-to-be-suffolkated/
Andy The Magpie(Quote)