We’ll be in the FA Cup 5th round draw for the first time since 2006, but not how we wanted to be, with us failing to beat Oxford within the 90 after a flat and toothless display at a packed out St James’ Park.
Steve Bruce named a strong starting 11 as promised, but nothing clicked all game, with Oxford being fully deserving of a replay – especially after squandering a few big openings in the second half.
The way the game started, it was immediately clear that Oxford were going to be much more competitive than the Rochdale side we beat 4-1 few weeks ago – despite both being in League One.
They immediately created a dangerous opening by flashing a ball across the box, pressed well (giving new boy Bentaleb little room for manoeuvre) and didn’t allow us to play out from the back nearly as easily as Rochdale did.
The first flash point was a lunging Jamaal Lascelles tackle that fortunately only saw him see yellow, but the first 15 minutes was a cagey, seeing Oxford give as good as they got all over the pitch.
Saint-Maximin had a few explosive moments and a shot saved after a dazzling run, Joelinton went down too easily for a potential penalty and Jamaal Lascelles missed a big chance with his head, but aside from that it was a pretty awful first 45 of football, with us looking disjointed and in second gear in all areas as things struggled to click.
We had 67% possession and the bigger chances, but were too slow and laboured on the ball and managed just one shot on target going into the break.
The 52,000 crowd started in good voice, but we had to up the tempo considerably in the second 45 – and
Joelinton had the ball in the back of the net just over 5 minutes into the restart, but he was offside, with Saint-Maximin taking too long to play the Brazilian in behind.
The Frenchman almost made up for it just moments later, skinning his man and getting a shot away inside the box, but it was straight at their goalkeeper.
It looked like we were just upping our intensity and edging closer to the breakthrough, yet sloppiness took over once again, with Oxford creating a host of half chances after Sean Longstaff was ponderous in possession.
We were playing a dangerous game and struggling to string anything together, and we were nearly punished, with Browne taking a brilliant touch to get in behind Jamaal Lascelles – only for his final finish to be straight at the onrushing Karl Darlow.
Joelinton then had the ball in the back of the net again minutes later, but it was chalked off this time because he was stood in an offside position when a Oxford clearance was deflected to him via Yedlin. He finished calmly – for the SECOND time today – however we was clearly offside again, sadly.
A few more half chances arrived, with Lascelles heading wide, Almiron firing over from close range and the Paraguayan drawing blatant yellows from Oxford midfielders as he burst in behind them on the break, but we looked like a side just struggling to know what to do with so much possession.
After all, we’re used to have little over 30% of the ball most weeks – so having over double that today left us looking a little stifled at times.
In the 87th minute, Joelinton’s big chance arrived – and one that would’ve counted had he found the net.
He latched onto a knock down from Clark but fired the ball high up into the Gallowgate End. He’d put in a half decent display today, yet ballooned over jus when we needed him to show a bit of quality in the final third – something we’ve been lacking all day.
Atsu burst into the box late on and forced a corner, but Oxford held on to force a FA Cup replay – yet could’ve easily won it late on if Holland’s 93rd minute strike wasn’t straight at Karl Darlow.
A full crowd and a day that promised to cap off a brilliant week off for the club, but a flat performance.
A disappointing day and an unacceptable display given what a win would’ve meant to the 52,000 fans inside St James’ Park!
At least Darlow did ok.
Groucho(Quote)
I only listened to the game but from Olly’s ratings it seemed that Darlow was his usual self with a decent performance marked by a few moments of indecision. That is why he will never be a PL keeper. The other thing I noticed in the ratings was Sean Longstaff continuing his run of poor form. At least we now have a few options and his brother should probably be promoted above him in the pecking order. It is time for Sean to start again and prove himself all over again. After all he only played like 12 games last year and was never totally dominant. That’s a small sample size and I think it was Aussie who said he was over-hyped and he might be right.
Sorry to be negative, but it seems a lot of players were off form together. How does a replay fit in with the winter break we have after Norwich?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Wor Lee is reporting the Reuben Brothers would be part of a deal with the Saudi Royal family. That sounds so fishy. Can you imagine how that would look to the Saudi people There is still a lot of hatred between these 2 groups. The US fund the Israeli military and the Saudi’s use their oil money to buy US planes and weapons to threaten the Israelis. I can hardly see them getting in bed together! I know the Reubens are British, but do I really need to spell this out more?
Even Ryder must see this is unlikely. They are sort of sworn enemies and the only winner is the US arms industry which sells to both sides.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
So is this the fella that is reportedly inline to buy the club, the same one that had the reporter murdered? If this is the case then if anyone thinks this is even remotely ok is fuxked in the head. Hope this is not true.
Ashley is a god **** saint compared to that fella..
Aussie(Quote)
Aussie – how can you say that?!
Have you forgot that Ashley renamed Shearers bar???? ???
Sharpy17(Quote)
Aussie: Ryder also has Arabs and Jews getting together to buy NUFC. This Prince and The Reubens. I would say that is unlikely.
Not sure if this Prince was the one to order the killing of the journalist at the Saudi Embassy in Turkey but the Americans and the world have seemed to turn a blind eye.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
The Guardian is saying the takeover of NUFC is 90% certain. Fifa and Man City have already sold their souls for oil money so why not us?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
There could be some comedy at Tranmere today. Isn’t it really near Liverpool? I wonder if Mike Dean is getting the day off to attend. It is the club he supports.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Oh well, Man U can’t be **** every week.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
This takeover is about as likely to happen as we are of winning the league. My bet is it’s Staveley leaking nonsense again. Journo’s reporting what they’re told from her side. Remember last time she was spreading nonsense in the press.
Stuart79(Quote)
The last FAKEover by Bin Zayed Group looked real. There were supporting documents and companies set up. There were also e-mails to The Chronic from the Chairman of the group. Worryingly though the Chairman was also on twitter replying to fans. Nobody ever explained how all this activity went on and then it all collapsed and nobody ever said a word again about it. Only Ashley, who said if it is in the public domain then it probably will not happen. We should remember that and we all have to check our morals at the gate if this goes through. Like Stavely does, like Prince Andrew, like the arms dealers, like the British and US Governments.
I have said this before but the Journos knew there was something fishy with the BZG deal and stayed silent for 3 weeks. The Times, The Telegraph and The Chronic were very coy. They kept what they knew to themselves which is anathema to what journalism should be . They still haven’t explained what they knew even now, 6 months later.
Would you trust those journo snakes covering a bunch of Saudi rabid wild dogs?
I have to go along with Stuart and Kimtoon and say I will believe it when the Prince is wearing an NUFC top. And even then I think I will have to hold my nose.
Honestly, I think we may be better off IF Ashley p!sses them around and moves the goal posts again. At least I will not have to deal with reconciling the fact that the Saudi unelected oppressive and murdering regime own NUFC. Then I would have to get into an internal dialogue of how much worse it is than what Britain and the US have done in the middle east. I would rather just bury my head in the sand and not think about it.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Eric, I actually don’t have any doubt that the Saudi’s are interested and have been in serious talks. There’s too much talk from serious media organisations. My point is that Jabba is such a Cracker Jack he could wake up tomorrow and say “**** this” and carry on as normal.
Bottom line is I don’t believe he wants to sell.
Stuart79(Quote)
???
Aussie(Quote)
ime with STU on this he does not want to sell,theres that much flying about some say sticking point is jabba wants to keep at least 10% in the club,who knows what ganning on,i know ime sick of it
icedog(Quote)
Chronicle now reporting it’s a “real possibility” and Jabba coming back to UK and will establish whether they have got the wherewithal to take the club forward.
We will be cheering every time petrol goes up… 🙂
Stuart79(Quote)
Ryder says Ashley flying back to the UK. Doesn’t say if he was flying back anyway or making a special trip. Typical of Wor Lee.
Also noises that Rafa might be offered job back. I wouldn’t do it. Our record of appointing Managers based on fan approval is not good. Max Allegri and Poch are available IF, BIG IF, a takeover happens.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
If you are going to do a takeover, then this is the time to do it with Man U, Arsenal and Spurs all faltering and Chelsea playing their kids under an inexperienced Manager. They all have shed loads of money to put it right but Abramovich and Man City have shown that PL football can even be a good investment if you do it right. It can also be a money pit as numerous other owners have shown us.
You look at the usual top 6 and there are massive holes in all their teams except Liverpool. I even include City because Pep will be leaving soon, Aguero cannot go on forever, Sane might return to Germany and Silva is leaving. Their defense is a shambles and any new Manager would not be protecting it the way Pep does so they would probably need 3 or 4 70 million pound players there.
I am not getting ahead of myself. Just stating if there was a time when the so-called big 6 are there for the taking it is now.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Eric, I don’t doubt the Saudi’s are in for us. They would have quashed it by now if they weren’t. This isn’t a company who have a P.O. Box address in Duba replying to fans whatsapps and sending obscure press releases to the Chronicle. It’s a whole country who are desperate to be taken seriously on the world stage. My biggest worry is Jabba – always has been. I don’t believe he’s that motivated to sell.
He has a major decision now though.
Stuart79(Quote)
This is also the perfect time to do some Sport Washing. You have the next World Cup in the middle east followed by the US (plus Canada and Mexico). Get a couple of super-stars in a PL team and you achieve your goal.
NUFC are really the only PL team on the chopping block. All of the rest have entrenched owners or are too small potatoes (Bounemouth etc.). You might be better off buying someone like Roma but they would cost double and the PL has the visibility and that doesn’t look like it is changing. Language is a big factor in my opinion, especially if you want to spread the game to China and the US.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Any new owner could also write off the 40 mil spent on Joelinton. The price before Joe was supposedly 350 mil and it is still 350 mil after Joe. They could act like it never happened 🙂 Like it was also a Steve Nickson bad dream, who would be gone as well.
Charnley is the only one I can see still having a job but with no say in football and probably only for about 18 months.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
It’s I tereati g we haven’t signed up a short sponsor yet for next season. Wonder what the odds are on Saudi Aramco ?
Stuart79(Quote)
How you keeping Aussie. Hope you weren’t effected by those fires mate.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I’m trying to ignore all this takeover nonsense – but that they’ve flared up with a week left to go in the window and us still needing a LB and CF is typically coincident for NUFC … oh and Ashley isn’t happy about it being leaked – I bet he’s not!!.
Going back to transfers though – I do hope the Rose loan comes off. I also like this link with Paco Alcacer from Dortmund – he’s real quality
– which is why I expect someone like Chelsea or Man Utd to snap him up if he is available.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I am not even sure if PSG has worked. Even with 2 superstars they don’t get much play on the world stage. French football has zero visibility here in the US and I am guessing it is the same in the UK and China. Is it worth the investment in a club like PSG for a couple of Champions League knockout games? Then there is Spain where it will always be Real Madrid, Barcelona and the also rans. That is not a good investment either. Maybe Valencia? But you still have the language issue if you want to expand to the US and China.
The Pub I go to to watch the PL in Chicago are all Americans with about 1 third Brit ex-pats. No Hispanics. I assume they have other bars because even for El Clasico it is mainly white Americans and tourists.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
If and it’s still a big if Jabba sold and the new owners brought back Rafa it would get fans onside but I am not a fan of going back. It never really ends well. I’d rather go for someone else who’s talented and has something to prove. But then again there’s aren’t many around. Pochottino would be anybody’s first choice I imagine.
Anyway, that’s enough dreaming. I’m off out for the day and by the time I get back I expect to have been bought by MBS, signed Messi and got Klopp as manager. ?
Stuart79(Quote)
Eric, is that the pub I watched the match in? If we get bought I imagine there’ll be plenty more NUFC fans all of a sudden…
I’m off to Napa Valley in February. Never been before. Been to San Fran and LA but this is a special visit exclusively for the wine! Can’t wait!
Stuart79(Quote)
We had Bein Sports here in Chicago for about 3 years. They showed live La Liga, Serie A and Ligue Un matches with English commentators and International panels. It couldn’t have reached a critical mass with an audience because they cancelled it 2 years ago.
The Premier League and Champions League are the only “soccer” games with any visibility which is what you want if you are Sports Washing.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Stuart: you need to book restaurants NOW. Have you ever seen the movie Sideways? Black comedy set in Napa.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Stuart: the London clubs and Liverpool always had a lot of fans. There are a lot of ex-pat cockneys all over. Man U have their own bars – usually Irish.
Yes, Man City fans just popped up out of nowhere 🙂 10 years ago I never saw any.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Never done the Napa wine trip. This is a total generalization, but I don’t like California wine. I think it is the soil, because I find it sweet. But I know a few wine snobs and have seen what it costs. Make sure you take a few credit cards Stuart because you will be ripped off royally.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
The swear checker stops c0ckney.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I’m taking one ty of cards plus the DHL account details for contraband transit back to UK ?
I quite like Californian wine actually. It’s getting quite popular.
Stuart79(Quote)
Stuart: the CA wine I have seen the wine snobs I know drink is Stag’s Leap. Not sure if it is a vineyard or area but I know it was about $200-300 a bottle. Not sure of the vintage. I bought a bottle as a Xmas present for wine snob ex boss and it was $180 in a wine shop so you can double that in a restaurant. I have had it and it was OK but I tend to drink Italian reds as I don’t like sweet wines.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
The super snobby restaurant in Napa is The French Laundry. You might get a reservation in Feb. I have just done self guided tours of Yellowstone and The Grand Canyon. Got very lucky with the weather but chose this time of year to beat the crowds. I doubt there will be that many in Napa but the weather is still nice in comparison to Chicago or the UK.
I realized I had lived in the US for 30 years and had seen all of the major cities but not the monumental scenery. I also went to the Trossachs last month so I am a bit National Parks satiated.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I am loving the West Ham meltdown. What did they expect with Dour Dave second time around? Mark Noble is screaming at team mates saying they cannot always rely on him to sort things out. That’s rich. A distinctly average player with ideas above his station is why West Ham are in this mess. He should have retired or moved on to Millwall which is about his skill level.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Personally it’s Douro valley Reds and Loire valley Whites for me.
PremAndUp(Quote)
Prem: I like Portuguese wine. And Bordeaux. Just not sweet, so I tend to stay away from merlot even though most people probably wouldn’t consider that sweet.
I don’t eat dessert either 🙂
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Good to change the subject from a takeover and unwanted replay 🙂
Get 3 points from Norwich and I think we stay up. Then there’s the transfer deadline. It should be a busy news week. Possibly being bought by a murderer should add some spice. But then again, Blair sent British troops to murder Iraqi civilians.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Thanks Sharpy, nowhere near me thankfully. Cheers for asking mate. Pretty full on stuff.
Aussie(Quote)
Oh FFS: just saw a picture of JLingz after he scored at Tranmere. Yes, Tranmere. He does his stupid Jlingz hand gesture/logo. I can think of many hand gestures he needs to see.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I think Amanda is a self serving media ***** that loves pushing her brand out via these alleged take overs. Jabba is a wanka but I think Amanda is the female version. All about brand promotion.
Aussie(Quote)
That’s it – it’s not happening. Jim White in TalkSPORT says he was told it’s further forward than many think. So that’s that then. 😕
Stuart79(Quote)
On wine I’m not a fan of Portuguese. Spanish and French mainly. Especially Rioja and Bordeaux regions. But lately been getting some decent Napa Valley stuff. Cakebread Cellars is really good. Ask Opus One is a bottle I bought recently
Stuart79(Quote)
The Saudis also own Sheffield United…. doesn’t seem to be any issues over them there… looking forward to having Aramco as our sponsor! ??
Dubai Toon(Quote)
I could believe it more if the Chronic were not saying Arabs and Jews were getting together to buy NUFC. Wor Lee will be sayin Nancy Pelosi will be giving Donald Tr#mp a bl0w job next.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I just do not believe the Crown Prince Murderer of Saudi Arabia and the Reuben Brothers could be in the same deal to buy NUFC.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I don’t think I am being racist in what I am saying. Am I? I have been to Israel and Egypt and have seen the distrust and more the hatred between these groups. There is no way they will get together to buy NUFC. It doesn’t matter what push-up-bra Stevely wears in pictures in the Chronic. These 2 groups will never get together.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
It just doesn’t make sense.
But Lee Ryder says it so it must be true.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Awful mate. Pleased to hear you’re ok though ??
Sharpy17(Quote)
Eric, in business there are many different people who work together for the common purpose of making money. Also Saudi – Israeli relationship has improved an awful lot recently due to their mutual hate of Iran.
This will be down to whether Jabba wants to sell…
Stuart79(Quote)
Don’t agree Stuart, man. It works until there is a knife in the Arab or Jews back.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Probably shouldn’t get into this arab and jew thing mate.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I just don’t believe that Stavely has put up a consortium of Arabs a Jews to buy NUFC.
Not possible.
They bomb each other!
NOT POSSIBLE.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
So Jabba has said if they want it they can have it. That’s according to the Mail anyway. We shall see
Stuart79(Quote)
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2020/01/27/newcastle-united-set-businessman-yasir-al-rumayyan-chairman/
Stuart79(Quote)
This all seems to be progressing and the media covering it all seem more bonafide than previous ‘takeover’ stories.
My gut feeling though, is we will still have Ashley – and still need a LB and CF when the window closes.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Spot on, Sharpy. I would say we will likely have Ashley at the end of the season too. I wish it hadn’t have leaked. It just focuses everything on this one issue when things were going along nicely and quietly.
Last time we had all this during a season we went on a mega losing run. We can’t afford that again.
Stuart79(Quote)
Stu – I took the takeover stories with a pinch of salt and an eye roll.
But today I got annoyed with the media claiming that the first thing the new owners would do would bring Rafa back.
It’s one thing to run with a leaked story of a takeover – but to then go on and claim they know which manager they’d bring in – that’s BS and I’m sick of it on behalf of Brucey now. He’s operated in Rafas shadow all season so far – and regardless how he’s done it, he’s got us in a decent position and imo he deserves a bit more respect than that.
I’m pretty sure Bruce himself doesn’t give a ****, but I just feel like media in general is a joke.
Most know absolutely nowt, and those that get info – like this leak, are so quick to go to press on it nothing gets fact checked.
I believe nowt til it actually happens now.
Sharpy17(Quote)
not happening peeps, don’t waste your time reading about stuff.
kimtoon(Quote)
If the whole thing relies on Jabba and how many pints he’s had it really isn’t great. He’s probably at home now making a list of how to p1ss us off. Top of the list; Reject bid from worlds largest sovereign wealth fund. That should do it.
Stuart79(Quote)
Does anybody know what is going on anymore?
Donald Trump, the shill for his NY boys and Braggard-in-Chief is president.
Flouncy-Eton-Poofta is Prime Minister.
Murderer buys NUFC.
Who the fark knows what is going on.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Very un PC, Eric. I like it. 🙂
Stuart79(Quote)
He dresses good though.
The red checky tea-towel is a good look.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
So you gan into an Italian Restaurant. Find the red checky table cloth. put it on ya heed like. Put an Alice Band around it and there you go – new owner of NUFC.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I’m not sure about that, Eric. He’s actually quite plump under that robe.
New reports today on the daily treadmill of takeover stories are that Jabba is talking to two other parties too. For someone who’s not keen on leaks he isn’t shy in leaking…
Bottom line is this. Saudi’s have made him an offer and he’s desperately trying to find a reason to not accept it. He’s a *****.
Stuart79(Quote)
The Chronic are also trying to explain what “Sports Washing” is.
20 years after Chelsea
12 Years after Man City
11 Years after PSG.
Well done Lee, Douglas and the rest of you. Only 11 years minimum behind the times.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Ah, the old other interested parties line. Yep course there is . How come he’s talking to them if that’s now also been leaked then, apparently not bothered or angry about that.
Been here before haven’t we, last season and the one before and so on.
Time for all fans to wake up
Not happening, never was, just like every other time.
Lets be real here, why would a mega rich guy like that take months to tie up the purchase, it makes no sense, they will hardly be dicking about over the odd £10-£20m will they, it’s pocket change to that lot.
If and it’s a big if, there ever was talks, then likely Jabba wants to retain some kind of interest which muddies the waters or more likely he dose not wanna sell at all.
Either way it’s all b ollocks imo
kimtoon(Quote)
This comes down to one thing. Does he want to sell or not. The Saudi’s have shown him the colour of their money. It’s up to him. His history shows he will do the one thing that gets right on our tits. Reject the offer/make the terms so difficult that it’s not possible.
Stuart79(Quote)
Stuar: the colour of the Saudi money is blood red.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Eric – Don’t care. If everyone Only did business with morally ethical and 100% pure countries we’d find ourselves only working with The Faroe Islands.
Stuart79(Quote)
Now the Look North now say Jabba also talking to a Russian group but “would prefer to sell to a Far East group”. Not sure whether that’s a slip of the tongue as there’s been no Far East interest reported…
Stuart79(Quote)
Another day goes by – no takeover, no LB and no CF.
(I’m just gonna cut & paste that tomorrow – save a bit of time)
Sharpy17(Quote)
Stuart mate, I have worked with some very shady characters and called them out for what they did. I still took their money. So I am not one to cry.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Stewie: it all boils down to show me the green. Even with me. I think I have morals but I don’t really.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Correct, Eric.
Stuart79(Quote)