We never do things the easy way, do we!
After missing several HUGE chances from open play seeing Ritchie have a penalty saved against a 10-man Southampton side, Allan Saint-Maximin stepped up late on to seal all three points.
Our first league win since mid January, a goal that ends our 4-game drought and a vital 3 points that takes us EIGHT clear of the drop zone after results went well for us elsewhere.
To a few people’s surprise, Bruce made a few changes in attack, dropping Joelinton (despite his best game in months on Tuesday) for Gayle and bringing Ritchie back in at Lazaro’s expense – who must also feel hard done by to miss out after his eye-catching all round display in midweek.
We stuck with 4-2-3-1, but Fernandez replaced Schar, Bentleb and S Longstaff made way for Shelvey and Hayden and Manquillo was passed fit to start at right-back.
The game kicked off and Southampton had an immediate spell of pressure, putting a few too many dangerous balls into Dubravka’s box and winning several early corners.
Then, the first of a whole host of first-half chances for Newcastle United arrived in what was to be one of the most entertaining yet frustrating 45 minutes we’ve seen this season.
Shelvey prodded a clever pass across the box with the outside of his foot, but Gayle’s close-range strike was straight at McCarthy. His save then fell to Almiron and a goal seemed certain, but he too also fired straight at the Saints stopper, and even forced a THIRD save in as many seconds on the resultant rebound.
It was a huge chance missed, yet just one of several we were to spurn in the coming 40 minutes.
Then to the first of TWO VAR incidents. Moussa Djenepo came in late on Isaac Hayden – who looked in some pain – and the referee brandished a yellow.
VAR then took a second look and it was a clear red, with the Saints winger late and high, giving Graham Scott no option to send him off after being instructed to watch it again on the pitch-side monitor.
10 vs 11 and we were well on top, with Shelvey pulling the string and Saint-Maximin having the beating of him man every time, but there was one issue – our woeful finishing in the final third (or should I say Dwight Gayle’s woeful finishing).
The former number 9 got on the end of an exquisite cross from Shelvey, but his point-blank header was straight at McCarthy AGAIN, and he fired another golden chance wide moments later after a brilliant run and cut-back from Saint-Maximin.
Another big VAR incident then came, with Sofiane Boufal adjudged to have handled the ball in the box. The video assistant referees took their time, but it was clear he leaned his arm into the ball and a spot kick was given.
Matt Ritchie stepped up and a pretty tame effort was saved once again by an inspired Alex McCarthy, who’d picked the perfect day to play like Oliver Khan in his prime!
We should’ve gone into the break at least 0-3 up, but instead made it another 45 minutes in the league without a goal – and more importantly gave Southampton that slight glimmer of hope they should have NEVER had going into the second period.
They gave as good as they got for the first 15 minutes of the second half, with neither side creating many clear chances, and Steve Bruce made a change on the hour mark as a result, bringing on Joelinton for Ritchie; who’d missed a penalty, been booked and failed to capitalise on our first half dominance despite all his best efforts.
Shelvey then began to go off the boil, misplacing more passes in a 2-minute spell than he had in the previous 60 and Jamaal Lascelles then had a stupid 30-yard effort sail over – which was proof a resilient Southampton were starting to frustrate us.
Lazaro then came on at right-back for the solid Manquillo to give us a greater threat down that side, but we weren’t creating much and the game threatened to fizzle out into another 0-0.
Then, the man of the moment stepped up. Allan Saint-Maximin.
His winner came via some awful indecisive defending from Valery – who failed to deal with Longstaff’s chipped ball in behind – but Saint-Maximin got in ahead of him, burst into the box and poked the ball in off the post past a previously unstoppable McCarthy.
The celebration that followed and resultant scenes in the away end were brilliant, with the goal not only securing a big 3 points in a game we had several huge chances to win, but taking us WELL clear of the drop zone after today’s results went in our favour.
With Bournemouth losing in the early kick off at Anfield, Watford being beaten at Palace and West Ham losing it late at Arsenal, we’re now 8 points clear of the bottom three and have leapfrogged Southampton in moving up to 13th.
A game that should’ve been MUCH more comfortable than the scoreline suggests, but a huge win all the same and improved performance – even if most of it was against 10 men!
Sheffield Utd next up at St James’ Park.
HWTL!
Howay the lads!
Much better performances since Bruce changed the formation.
It felt like it would be another disappointing afternoon not being able to put the chances away.
Lazaro should come in for Ritchie on the right wing.
Shelvey showed real quality.
And of course, Saint Maximin is pure class. Speed, strength and quality!
The club is where it is and we have to make the most of it.
Joelinton and Saint Maximin were purchased above Bruce, and we may not be best pleased about the Joelinton signing, but the club has got it right with Saint Maximin.
Looking forward to the quarter final!!
ToonFanSaber(Quote)
Sooner we are safe the better, i might actually start to enjoy the games then . Always such a tense affair, even when facing 10 men i’m worried we will lose, need to start burying these chances.
Nice to get the win but bloody hard work getting there.
Would of given Jonjo motm but his second half shift was not up to his first half shift so i’ll go for ASM who at least knows how to convert a chance.
KIMTOON(Quote)
It’s a good thing my heart is relatively strong. I’d be close to a coronary most games the way we play, sit back and invite pressure/disaster… ??
Dubai Toon(Quote)
Sorry to bring up Rafa but this is the point in the season last year when we started to play decent football. Before thst we were pretty awful. Man City was the turning point.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Well I wish we put a goal scoring bonus in Ritchies new contract – he might have put some effort in that bloody penalty!!.
I don’t understand why Gayle can’t buy a goal, and he’s not on penalties?! – not that we get that many like.
This formation change seems to have really lit a fire in our forwards and we look a different team going forward now.
Typically I slated ASM last week for flattering to deceive and then he pulls the last 2 or 3 games out the bag. But he’s shown just what he can do now, so I expect it from him now.
With the number of chances Gayle spurned again yesterday – it just emphasised where our focus needs to be again in the summer. Really poor finishing again yesterday.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I like Ritchie, he always puts in a shift and seems to be a good pro.
But I think he’s a better LB or left sided player than he is right winger.
He pretty much all left foot and doesn’t provide a very good balance when he’s on the right wing. I’d rather push Yedlin up to right wing as back up if needs be.
Lazaro has looked ok up there so far, but with ASM, Joelinton, Atsu and Ritchie all left footed – the focus needs to be on up front and on the right.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpy, To be fair McCarthy pulled off some great saves yesterday, it wasn’t all Gayles fault, even the pen was a good save as he guessed the right way .
KIMTOON(Quote)
Kim – their keeper played well but Gayle should have had at least a brace. He has the whole goal to aim for and always seems to manage to put it straight down the keepers throat.
The keeper guessed right for the penalty, but having guessed the right way, it wasn’t a difficult save.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpy, Gayle is not a PL quality striker imo. I read that his stats are a goal every 5 games in the PL, and yes he should of done better but as i said he was up against a keeper having a blinding day . Ritchie should of put the pen straight down the middle with power as well.
KIMTOON(Quote)
So France has now cancelled gatherings of more than 1,000 people.
KIMTOON(Quote)
I don’t understand why Ritchie got a new contract. Apart from being feisty he offers absolutely nothing to this team. And after Gayle’s misses (again) we still need a goalscorer. Hard to come by I know but what about Mitro?
georgio(Quote)
Southamton put up for sale 250mil,wonder what jabba thinks of the price
icedog(Quote)
They’ll be sold before us as they actually want to sell.
KIMTOON(Quote)
thats very true mate
icedog(Quote)
1. I’m so pleased Rafa didn’t get to bring Reina to SJP – he’s awful!!!
2. I’m pleased Villa brought Reina in ? – he’s awful!!!
Sharpy17(Quote)
Villa bang in trouble
KIMTOON(Quote)
Kim – big defeat that one.
Silly mistakes, nee fight and a bunch of players who look like they have accepted their fate.
I know Eric likes an overhyped player and Mings certainly fits the bill for me.
I think it’s Norwich, Villa and one other – and I think we probably need 3/4 more points to make sure that one other isn’t us.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Agree Sharpy, how i would love West Ham to drop
KIMTOON(Quote)
me to mate,would love it
icedog(Quote)
It’ll be Bournmouth for me. Time has run out for this Div one team and manager. They’ve had a good run in the prem for such a small team. All their best players are looking for a move too.
georgio(Quote)
Georgio – I agree mate. Whilst I would love it to be WHU, B’mth are in free fall and can’t buy a win at the moment.
That said, I think Brighton are at risk too – between them & Bmth for me.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Lets all try a Uri Geller moment , concentrate on the team you want to drop
Altogether now
WEST HAM
KIMTOON(Quote)
?????? I’m a bit too far away, but I’ll give it a go… ?
Dubai Toon(Quote)
Good man Dubai
How’s the job hunt going, you sorted yet ?
KIMTOON(Quote)
Glad to see Ferdy has had his 1 year extension activated .
KIMTOON(Quote)
Toning yet Kim. Not even acknowledgement… I’m pretty resigned to coming back to Newcastle at the end of May when my visa is stopped. Then we will see. Maybe I have to rely on selling my photos… ?
Dubai Toon(Quote)
Should’ve read nothing yet… but thanks for asking!
Dubai Toon(Quote)
two Sunderland fans smashed my windscreen today,mind i could have swerved but i though nah fk em 😆 😆
icedog(Quote)
Good one Ice 🙂
Dubravka missing for a few weeks not so funny. 😥
sidekick(Quote)
Dubai – for you mate, but I hope you get sorted ??
https://youtu.be/GnuQBYAZocM
Sharpy17(Quote)
Dubai – there’s worse places to have to come back to!
georgio(Quote)
Dubai, that’s pretty s hitty not even getting a response back mate. Hope you get a position soon my friend .
Darlow needs to step up big time now then. How much more damage was done by Dubs staying in goal on saturday, he really didn’t look comfortable to me.
Gonna miss him for sure.
Ice, nice joke, cheered me up, full of cold thanks to Lewis sharing his germs 🙄
KIMTOON(Quote)
I said the other day to a mate that we wouldn’t ban crowds at football matches until after the rich mans sport at Cheltenham had gone ahead. 😉
KIMTOON(Quote)
got it in one,i would prefer games to be played behind closed doors than having to cancel the season, i need w/h and villa to go down lol
icedog(Quote)
Agree Ice, we need to finish the season albeit behind closed doors.
KIMTOON(Quote)
Didn’t amazon of BT screen all PL matches on New Year’s Day?.
I’m sure it could be done if they decided to play behind closed doors.
There’s only 9 games left I think and all this will have settled down in 4 or 5 weeks I bet.
Keep calm Carry on!!!
Sharpy17(Quote)
Thanks everyone for the good wishes! Heading to the Toon on Sunday to start preparing for move home. Renovating our house we just got, etc.. need to see what space we have too as downsizing considerably…
Take care on this virus guys… specially Kim with your boy, Lewis. I guess he would be quite vulnerable… look after yourselves people!
Dubai Toon(Quote)
Dubai, thanks for the thoughts, me and Lew both have colds at present, i got mine from him .
Good luck with the house relocation and i’m sure you’ll get a position soon .
KIMTOON(Quote)
Bristol student the latest here to test positive, god only knows how many he’s infected.
KIMTOON(Quote)
Just got back from Mexico. Not much talk about you know what there. As soon as I got on the plane though there was some gobby woman yacking on about it none-stop. Met a friend who works for Amazon in Seattle and he is working from home indefinitely.
Concur with Dubia Toon in wishing Kimtoon all the best of health for Lewis and with Kimtoon in wishing DT and smooth move.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Arteta has corona virus. I think that pretty much means PL games will be camcelled. Not even sure if they will be played in empty stadiums , more than likely will be postponed until they assess the situation more.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
PNev likely to quit as Manager of England Women. I said on here a few times that he is a total moron and whenever I listened to him commentating on US TV all you have to do is assume the opposite of what he says and you would be correct.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Thanks Eric!
Dubai Toon(Quote)
Looks like PL will cancel the games and go against gvt medics advisors.
Stuart79(Quote)
60% of the population need to get it so we can get immunity. Something to look forward to
Stuart79(Quote)
Probably right Stu, but what happens when it mutates like the common cold virus and flu virus does ?
I do think our government are really underestimating this thing. Boris constantly defers all questions to the CMO and CSO and is saying they are going off their advice. That’s a very handy scape goat for him when it goes tits up.
#don’tblameBoris will be trending soon .
KIMTOON(Quote)
Can’t see the PL continuing tbh Liverpool fans must think they are cursed.
On the bright side it gives Dubs time to get well, provided he doesn’t get covid19 🙄
KIMTOON(Quote)
PL suspended until april 3 SSN
KIMTOON(Quote)
Would you want him to overrule the governments health experts? That doesn’t seem like a very sensible thing for him to do.
Stuart79(Quote)
Stu , no I don’t expect him to, after all he will need someone to blame later.
KIMTOON(Quote)
Stu, it makes no sense not to follow the lead of other countries, they are a couple of weeks ahead of us and we are learning nowt from it .
So many politicians in Italy, Spain all trying to warn us, yet Boris and his clowns know best.
There are more stringent tests at Deli airport than Heathrow !
We are an island and that should of given us a massive chance of stopping it had more stringent practice been put in place 3 weeks ago.
So what if certain food can’t get in, we grow and produce plenty here according to brexiteers.
Now we are all going to be paralysed with far more of a workforce off sick than could of been.
Same with the Cheltenham cup, should never ever of gone ahead, but there is money to be made and it’s the sport of Kings so profit once again before the countries health.
Thank god the PL and EFL have some bloody sense at least. We now have footballers self isolating at various clubs and others testing positive along with managers (Arteta )
KIMTOON(Quote)
Prof John Ashton is spot on , this government is believing in it’s own rhetoric too much.
KIMTOON(Quote)
He’s a Labour Party member so he can’t be taken seriously.
As for your view that we should be following the rest of Europe, why are you aiming that at the PM and not the experts who are advising him? To be fair, Kim, it’s party political bull ****.
Stuart79(Quote)
Stuart: I know you are a Tory but why give Johnson a free pass. I would say my political views are more left leaning but that doesn’t stop me from thinking Corbyn and Biden are/were unelectable. To tell you the truth, I do not trust any politician, especially not who we have here who governs by tweet and gave all of the country’s money away to his billionaire cronies.
I would ask that you actually examine what BJ does and not just blindly accept that he is right because he is a Tory.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Apparently the peak is 10-14 weeks off so don’t expect games back on after april 3rd. The long term strategy is to let so many folk get it that we develop herd immunity and it becomes just like another winter flu every year. As for the rest of the season – nobody knows. It’s a right ******!
georgio(Quote)
My guess is that they will not be able to catch up with the postponed games and that the season will be a write off. Bad for Liverpool. If this is the case I just cannot see how the FA would allow promotion or relegation this year.
It will settle down but I just don’t see how to cram the remaining games into the schedule. Maybe play some as glorified friendlies?
As for the Euros, my bet is that they bump it to next year as they are held in several countries and I don’t see the Governments getting this under control in time to go ahead. I think the panic will have died down but the logistics of going ahead will not work out.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I am not trying to be flippant here but there are several implications of this suspension. I agree with georgio that this is not the end of it and that the suspension will go beyond April 3.
So, no promotion or relegation. That will allow us to get a goalscorer and central midfielder for next year. Again, I am not trying to be funny, just looking at what is likely to happen.
It will be good for the bottom 6 as there is no way the PL will allow relegation. They could say we end the season now but then would be tied up in court for years as the clubs sue them. Ain’t gonna happen. Pity, as I was hoping that Villa and West Ham would be relegated.
I will tell you who it will hurt – The Mackems. Their whole existence is predicated on promotion this year. Stuart Donald mortgaged the club to a hedge fund for 10 million quid and they will be after their pound of flesh.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
So NUFC training has been suspended for 2 weeks. There is just no way that games will resume on April 4. With players and managers testing positive, the logistics are too complicated. Every player, manager and the support staff will have to be tested, but then what? Some teams might be given a clean bill of health but what about Arsenal etc? You cannot have some games going ahead and others not. This is a logistical nightmare and this season is done – PL, Football League, Champions League, Euros. May as well get used to it.
Since there will be no football for the forseeable future, time for Charnley to get a few contracts sorted – Matty Longstaff for one.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
nee footy then,just have Eric keep us going hopefully
icedog(Quote)
Eric, what can Boris do? He isn’t qualified to make decisions and overrule the medical experts. Do you want him to overrule them?
Stuart79(Quote)
Stuart mate, I don’t know what the correct response to this problem is. BJ will be accused of under-reacting or over-reacting no matter what he does. Both sides as bad as each other and anybody trying to score political points over this needs to be voted out. Not saying Boris is.
I have become a political agnostic, especially since Crazy Donald was elected. They are all as bad as each other which and all I was saying to you. Defending any of them is indefensible 🙂
Eric Sykes(Quote)
They have suspended all US sports now and even broadway shows. It is all a bit haphazard. It didn’t seem to stop anybody travelling. Just been to Mexico and there were very few people wearing masks in the airport and only 1 on the plane. If I was going to catch this thing, that’s probably were I would get it – O’Hare, one of the biggest airports in the world.
By haphazard I mean they are stopping football but leaving schools open. Cancelled the NBA season but planes are still flying. I have no idea what the correct response is. They cancelled the St Patrick’s day parade which gets like 100,000 people but public transportation is running normally. I cannot make head nor tails of what the authorities are doing.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Look, I am not trying to make light of the worldwide health crisis, but it does throw up some interesting issues if the season is not completed:
1. There is no way the Euros will take place. It is taking place in 13 different countries. That may allow the PL to finish in the summer but I highly doubt it.
2. Will the red bin dippers slit their wrists if the season doesn’t finish? And will the red Mancs give themselves a hernia from laughing so hard if Liverpool are “robbed” of the title?
3. If the season doesn’t finish then you cannot call it now for Top 4 and relegation as I have seen some people suggest. I think you have to just reset and act like the season never happened.
4. Let’s say the season could restart May 1, which my gut tells me is as early as it could, could they get the remaining 9 games in? They probably could if they cancelled the Euros and curtailed pre-season. This is the only option to avoid Scousers talking about how they were robbed for the rest of my life.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I don’t really have a problem with red bindippers, except:
1. They all think they are funny. Not everybody can be funny. Stereotypes work both ways.
2. They are annoying (how’s that for stereotyping). In the pub I go to Liverpool sometimes play after us and there are hoards of scousers wanting my table before I finish my beer. Some even want to sit down and almost force me out. I am not just a NUFC fan I am also a football fan and actually might fancy watching Liverpool.
3. There are just too many of their ex-players on telly.
4. That accent. Especially Carra. I have said this before but when did the accent change from the pleasant Cheeky Chappy Beatles voices to the chirpy throatal death to my eardrums of Carra and McManaman?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Stu, You are being daft now, this is not political point scoring. Since we can have no idea what labour would of even done in this situation you can not realistically score points either way.
Take a read of this
WHO director general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has said that Europe is now “the epicentre of the pandemic”.Our message to countries continues to be, you must take a comprehensive approach. Not testing alone, not contact tracing alone, not quarantine alone, not social distancing alone – do it all,” he said.
“Any countries that looks at the experience of other countries with large epidemics and thinks ‘that won’t happen to us’ is making a deadly mistake – it can happen to any country.
This is what i’m on about, that last bit.
We have the b loody bath half marathon going ahead this weekend , totally stupid decision. All those sweaty bodies shredding germs everywhere all over bath ! Thankfully the London marathon has been postponed.
My point Stu is that Boris isn’t showing leadership here at all, it should not of fallen on the PL or other sporting events organisers to cancel or postpone events. He should of taken control of these things yesterday.
He and his Government are not beyond reproach no matter how blue your glasses are.
As for having a pop at Prof Ashton just because he’s a labour member , that’s a cheap shot Stu , since most MP’s across parties have been supportive of the Government until this last week or so and only now raising serious concerns because of what they see as slow reaction to events.
Anyway we all want everyone o stay safe and well no matter our political colours.
KIMTOON(Quote)
They have cancelled The Masters golf tournament which wasn’t even scheduled to start until April 9. There are also travel restrictions going into effect. I just don’t see how the PL will start up again on April 4.
Just wait until there are a few more deaths in the US. They love a full blown panic over here and the American media is broadcast all over the world.
A minimum of a month without any football I would say. I am almost looking forward to it to see the scouse pundits tie themselves into knots explaining why Liverpool actually did win the title this year. I am sure there will be calls for extrapolation of points based on current totals if the season doesn’t finish. Good luck with that one lads. I will see you in court 🙂
Eric Sykes(Quote)
This too shall pass. Hudson-Odio was ill on Monday and was diagnosed with Covid19. He posted a video on twitter today and said he was fine now. Again, not making light of this at all but the evidence seems to suggest that if you have a healthy immune system you will recover.
Kimtoon, my guess is they will cancel the Bath half Marathon now. They are shutting down almost all large scale gatherings here now. Even the Met Opera in NYC. I still don’t understand why they would do that and leave schools open.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Bloody Hell.
La Liga have said they will come up with a “formula” to work out standings if their season cannot be finished. Good luck with that. I am guessing it would somehow be based on points on the board future strength of schedule. Fine, if it to decide the CL slots but RELEGATION? That’s a nightmare and a lawsuit in waiting. There is no simple solution and anything they come up with will be immediately challenged.
Even more so in the PL as promotion is supposedly worth 160 million pounds and relegation could cost you your club – ask Sunderland about that. Their owner sold their soul to a hedge fund for 10 million. They were valued at probably 200 million only 3 or 4 years ago.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Eric, No mate, it’s defo going ahead just said on news west, lots of folk really unhappy about it though.
KIMTOON(Quote)
I am shocked. The reaction has just escalated here if they are closing 500 seat theatres and cancelling the NBA season. There doesn’t seem to be any coordinated plan for any of this. I don’t even blame Boris or Trump for any of this. You would have thought that there would have been some sort of contingency operation in place. They have known of the threat of Chemical and Biological weapons for decades and this is not the first pandemic. Think about Spanish Flu or Black Death or even HIV.
How can the governments not have had a plan for this? Just fcking winging it. All of them are. They even have an agency over here called the Centre for Disease Control. What have they been doing all of these years? Sitting on their hands and attending expensive conventions where they talk about nowt, or nowt important by the looks of it.
Yet another demonstration of incompetence by all of our governments.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
And I didn’t even mention SARS. Another corona virus that happened only a few years ago. How can they not have had a plan? It boggles the mind.
Winging it and making things up as you go along is not acceptable.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Eric, totally agree mate, Stu thinks i’m party political i’m not. I’m just angry that their seems to be no leadership from him. They were not talking to supermarkets, or care homes to offer guidance or advice even last week. They said they were but they were not as confirmed yesterday by head of ICELAND stores and local authorities .
Truth is i would be having a pop no matter what party was doing this because as you say it looks like they are winging it.
KIMTOON(Quote)
Me and Lew had Swine flu, bl oody terrible illness. In hospital for 7 days and not right for weeks after.
KIMTOON(Quote)
Let’s do a silver linings because I am sure we will not see football until May at the earliest:
1. We are pretty much safe.
2. We changed the system from that god-awful 9-0-1. We will now see if our forwards are **** or if they were unsuited to how we were playing. I think they are better than many think. Even Joelinton if we play him in the correct position. A lot of players take time to adapt to the PL. Examples? Son, Fred, Fermino, Traore.
3. It will give Dubravka and Gayle time to heal.
BUT, BUT, BUT… even if we do eventually get PL football you know at least the first few games will be played behind closed doors. The authorities will be ultra-cautious given their total incompetence so far and go too far the other way. I wouldn’t be surprised to not see any fan attendance allowed until next season. The suits at the FA and the politicians will be so careful now to pretend they have done their jobs. The fall-out has not even really begun. There was ample warning with the 3,000 or more deaths in that Chinese provence months ago. I am not saying they could predict how bad it would get but they should have had plans in place, just in case.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I am seeing calls to just give Liverpool the title if the season is cancelled. They are so far ahead, I think I would agree with that. The rest of the European places should go to wherever the teams are now.
The problem is relegation. I don’t think anybody should be relegated. That would mean no teams are promoted either. OR promote the 2 automatics from The Championship and have a 22 team PL next year. That would mean you then relegate 5 teams at the end of next season.
Eric Sykes(Quote)