After months of anticipation, our opening afternoon back in the big time didn’t quite go to plan, as moment of madness from Jonjo Shelvey and some untimely injuries helped Tottenham to a 2-0 win at St. James’ Park.
A competitive and compact first half display saw us go in at the break at 0-0, however injuries to Paul Dummett and Florian Lejeune left a slightly sour taste in the mouth after promising spell of pressure, with the Frenchman unable to continue after being seethed down by Harry Kane.
Early into the second half the game took a turn for the worst. Jonjo Shelvey was adjudged to have stamped on Dele Alli in an altercation with the England midfielder, and Andre Marriner showed little hesitation in showing him the red card.
Tottenham had been pushing – albeit without making any real headway – and were likely to have stepped up those efforts as the game went on, but Shelvey’s dismissal gave us a an unnecessary mountain to climb.
As you’d expect, Tottenham gained a strangle hold on the game from this point onwards and finally put their possession to good use as two goals from Dele Alli and Ben Davies arrived in the space of ten minutes to put them 2-0 up.
Shelvey’s petulance and some injury blows leave myself and many Newcastle fans heading home a frustrated figure tonight, however there are some positives to take.
We tended to rush our opportunities to spring a counter attack an were often a little too enthusiastic for our own good in possession, but in large parts of the game we competed very well, gave them very little and looked a well organised unit, so there are positives to be taken.
Christian Atsu was lively throughout and was undoubtedly our biggest threat going forward, as well as Javier Manquillo and Isaac Hayden putting in great shifts. Mikel Merino also showed his class in a late cameo – he looks a silky player with great balance and passing range.
A harsh lesson to learn on our opening game back in the top flight and a moment of madness that Shelvey must eradicate from his game. Jonjo is believed to have apologised to his team mates in the dressing room straight after the game, but it must be said that he cannot be our vice captain if he continues to show this lack of responsibility.
Now we await further injury news on Lejeune and Dummett and look ahead to Huddersifled away.
Hey man, I said I was trying not to preach. And from what I have seen you say on here I know your lad will have a lot of fun and has a great Dad.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
If we go out and spend £20m on McCarthy having scrimped on a CF I’ll go nuts!!
Sharpy17(Quote)
Eric – I know mate, I wasn’t accusing you of preaching. It was an explanation not a bite ?
Sharpy17(Quote)
The club reporting Lejeune and Dummett out for weeks rather than months. The Telegraph reporting Rafa still wants four more players after Joselu.
georgio(Quote)
I never really try to make anyone “bite” on here apart from The Troysta, because that’s his nature. And the Aussies, who never talk football and just want to have a moan 🙂
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I never understand why people think Dummett is ****. I think he is pretty good. The sooner he is back the better.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Good news on Lejeune and Dummett then if weeks only, really thought we was looking at months for Lejeune .
kimtoon(Quote)
Taylor & Besty Retweeted
Sam @_SamAlex · Aug 13
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Mbappe going PSG, Draxler left out of PSG squad, Liverpool wanted Draxler in Jan. You know what that means?
Welcome to LFC, Nathan Redmond
How would we feel if that happened ?
kimtoon(Quote)
Wouldn’t of minded Redmond to us tbh
kimtoon(Quote)
NUFC Index @NUFC_Index · 21m21 minutes ago
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Shay Given: “I’ve heard from those at Newcastle that Mike Ashley and Rafa haven’t spoke in MONTHS.”
kimtoon(Quote)
Treasure your time with your laddy Sharpy and take him to as many different places and new experiences as you can. I will tell you the funniest story.
I was back in London a few years ago and I took my brother and his 5 year old son to the Tower of London. They weren’t that bothered but I am sort of into history and forced them. Anyway, we’re in the Tower and the boy sees a lance on the wall and asks his Dad if giants live here because that’s the biggest pool cue he’s ever seen.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
New thread!
https://www.nufcblog.co.uk/2017/08/15/three-players-who-impressed-me-in-our-2-0-defeat-to-spurs-on-sunday/
Olly Hawkins(Quote)