With key players injured, Allan Saint-Maximin rested and Man City a wounded animal after Sunday’s shock defeat to Southampton, it was always going to be a tough evening, but that was absolutely shocking.
We couldn’t string three passes together, constantly lost the ball in awful positions, looked half asleep defensively and didn’t ever impose ourselves on the game.
I expected to get beaten, and I don’t think many would’ve minded if we went down trying, but we looked resigned to our fate early on and were slow, sloppy and sluggish in all areas from start to finish.
The starting line up initially looked like we’d gone with a five at the back, but it was actually a more ‘attacking’ set up than many expected and, if we’re being honest, incredibly bizarre.
Shelvey looked to be playing as a second striker just behind Joelinton, Schar was in midfield alongside Bentaleb and Krafth was part of a two-man central defence with Fernandez next to him and Yedlin and Rose either side.
A 4-4-1-1 which suggested Bruce wasn’t going to sit back and surrender as we did in the FA Cup, however a complete lack of marking and some awful passes gave us that dreaded feeling early on that this was going to be a VERY long night.
Firstly, an untracked David Silva run allowed him to cut the ball back for an unmarked Gabriel Jesus, who slotted past Dubravka.
Then, after a spell of Man City dominance (which saw them have literally 90% of the ball for a spell) and Newcastle sloppiness, it was 2-0 ten minutes later. A similar goal, with Kevin De Bruyne ghosting in and cutting back for an unmarked Riyad Mahrez.
It was that one-sided for the first half an hour that us winning a corner and subsequently getting the ball into Man City’s box was arguably our ‘moment of the half’ 31 minutes in.
Half-time couldn’t come quick enough and it eventually did. 2-0 City.
Onto the second half and we were hoping for a much better display – and it needed to be to avoid a hammering.
We started the first few minutes in a 4-5-1 set up, with Shelvey dropping back into midfield to give our defence a bit more protection. Well, that was plan at least.
Without posing a threat we’d kept them out for 13 minutes, however that soon changed when Matt Ritchie scuffed a last ditch clearance off Federico Fernandez and into his own goal past Dubravka.
It capped off what had been an awful night for the usually reliable Argentine, but City weren’t done there, with David Silva making it 4-0 moments later with a brilliant free-kick:
That said, how much space did Dubravka give him to put it into that corner?!
Nothing more to report from a Newcastle perspective, with us still unable to find a way into Man City’s box, however Man City made it 5-0 in stoppage time.
It was another awful goal to give away, with Nabil Bentaleb – who was shocking throughout – gifting the ball to David Silva, who set up Raheem Sterling for their fifth.
A night to forget, yet one that reminds us how far away we are from the top sides at this level.
I can take a towelling if we go down with a fight and at least attempt to learn from our mistakes, but tonight was sadly as much about us strolling around and gifting them easy goals, not them simply being ‘too good’ and steamrolling us.
Next up, Watford away on Saturday. Let’s hope we see a response.
Awful?Do not even try to play fotball,supporters deserve to watch a team who is up for it.joelinton is AWFUL,how do they pick players.he is not alone,but please roll up your sleaves and try.DISGRAISE
Eivind(Quote)
Comparisons are regularly drawn between Rafa and Bruce – but one thing they certainly have in common is both roll over when we play Man City.
I know we had numerous injuries tonight, but his team selection again was very defensive – and to play Kraft out of position when his confidence will have grown from 2 very good performances before tonight – that’s cr@p for the lad (I’m not blaming Kraft for anything tonight or singling him out for criticism there either).
I just hate seeing us play so negatively. Dubravka had the most touches of any NUFC player tonight. We had less than 20 touches in City’s final third – pathetic.
We break records when we play the top clubs & never good ones.
I know it’s a nothing game coz we are safe – but that’s the mentality of our club under Ashley really isn’t it.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Glad i missed it .
kimtoon(Quote)
That is the second time we have put up a completely gutless,talentless display against Man City.In both matches the tactics were woeful if there were any in the first place apart from if the ball comes near you just kick it any where even if it is to the opposition which was usually the case.You would think that most of the Toons players had never kicked a football before never mind control it and I think the players should give their wages for these two matches to a charity because they had no desire,team spirit,pride or ability in these games and were a disgrace to the shirt ,supporters and themselves.
Angus Davison(Quote)
I knew we were in for a hiding. It was a totally false narrative that Southampton had put up some sort of heroic rearguard against City. They were the luckiest team ever and should have been beat about 7 nil. The pundits were spouting their usual **** as they are now about Bruce.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
looked beaten at the start,players never put their all into game,but remember it only a week that they put four past L/pool are they a **** team???
icedog(Quote)
Embarassment!
georgio(Quote)
Ice – I know what you mean, and I appreciate we had numerous missing yesterday as well – even with them I expect we still would have lost. It’s the manner in which we lost that is so disappointing mate.
Dubravka had the most touched of any NUFC player, we had less than 20 touches in their final third and I don’t remember Ederson making a save all game.
In contrast, I watched the Brighton v Lpool game after ours, and whilst Brighton were beat 3-1 – they gave Pool a game at least. Their were times in the game where Brighton were on top and pushing Lpool.
The negativity we showed against City isn’t a one off either – it seems to be our approach every time we face them. Bruce complicated things last night with that defence, which also affected the midfield.
Playing Kraft at CB with Schar moving between CB and midfield. Just set up to play our game rather than trying to out think Pep.
Bruce knows Joelinton struggles at the best of times, so rather than mess around with this thrown together back 5, why not stick with the back 4 and stick Gayle or Muto up with Joelinton to give us an extra out ball.
It also makes me wonder why the hell we have given Carroll another contract, when yet again he was out injured last night.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Olly – I take it there is no chance this site is ever getting fixed then???
Sharpy17(Quote)
https://twitter.com/OptaJoe/status/1280939206584471554
kimtoon(Quote)
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Craig Hope
@CraigHope_DM
Steve Bruce’s biggest problem right now isn’t his detractors, it’s his supporters, who are antagonising NUFC fans (who actually watch every game) with wildly inaccurate claims. Yes, he deserves credit for PL safety, but let’s not ignore the story of a fairly miserable season.
He’s not wrong.
kimtoon(Quote)
Kim – and that’s because there was little to no pressure put on the players making those passes.
Weakened team or not – that stat is embarrassing.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Only saw the last 10 mins mate, so can’t comment on whole game but have seen plenty of tweets and match reports saying we were utterly ****. Not surprised, the cup game was the same, towel well and truly thrown in from the first whistle.
We desperately need the takeover, i’m not daft enough to think we’ll suddenly be world beaters signing world class players but the change of ownership will be a breath of fresh air and that in itself will be inspirational to the club, players and fans.
We are as stale as last weeks bread, well past our sell by , only a change of ownership can save us now and he PL need to grow some balls and make a decision one way or another as it’s effecting contract talks and forward planning now.
kimtoon(Quote)
Kim – to come in and replace Rafa when the vast majority wanted Rafa to stay. To loose Rondon and Perez and have them replaced with players you didn’t pick. To have pretty much the whole of the season, talk of the club getting sold and not really knowing what your future holds – and yet still be 8 points better off than last season.
Yeah, I think Bruce deserves great credit, because let’s be right, very little (if anything) has been in his favour this season.
The vast majority of performances have been awful, but he’s got the results to have us safe with 7/8 games to spare – and it’s right that people should recognise he had pretty much an impossible task at the start of the season – most thought we were doomed.
But as good as his achievements are, I still don’t see a team identity. I know he’s only had 1 season and only the January window really (which if we are being honest and fair, very little true business happens).
Maybe that’s a factor too – he’s had no opportunity to properly make his mark on the team. He knows Joelinton isn’t a true CF, but there’s nothing he can do about it until the summer.
Has he done enough to deserve the opportunity of at least a summer transfer window, where he can have some say on the players that come in – is that the only time when it would be fair to truly judge him?!.
I understand the doubt and lack of confidence because of his record with clubs before us, and the fact it hasn’t been great this season.
If Ashley stays, Bruce stays – and he’ll get no budget other than cash he generates id imagine.
If the takeover happens, I’d be surprised if they stick with Bruce, but it’s not beyond the realms of possibilities as their first aim would be to break into that top 8 – and Bruce isn’t far off with players that aren’t really his choice.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Kim – we need Ashley out for sure, but the whole takeover had nowt to do with last night – neither did injuries.
We chased the ball down against Bmth and played a high press – so the players are capable of doing it. I know the team was different last night, but we still had 11 professional footballers out there who are all capable of running and closing down – regardless of their passing and shooting abilities.
We would likely still get beat, but at least you leave with a bit of pride and City would have earned the victory.
Following on from my above post about Bruce – that’s what I find inexcusable. He’s a Geordie managing NUFC. He should be damning 100% every game – blood, sweat and tears for that shirt. He should set the standard for pride in representing that badge!!.
That might sound a bit fairytale, but listen to Chris Wilder if he thinks one of his players under performed.
Sheff Utd don’t have a squad full of the most talented players – but they graft!!.
Sharpy17(Quote)
We are nowhere near top 8 Sharpy imo . Get us a decent number 9 a couple of good MF players to try and create a spine and top 10 is a possibility . Under new owners top 8 might happen quicker who knows but other teams are strengthening. Chelsea, Manure, City, Pool, Arsenal,Spuds, Leicester , Wolves and even Everton and Shef utd will all inject more cash to progress than us and we’ll still be fighting to survive under the fat man and Bruce.
I like Steve but i think we need better going forward in both ownership and a coaching capacity , not sure i can stomach another can we just get to 40 points season tbh.
kimtoon(Quote)
Don’t know why we just didn’t go for it last night tbh, we are safe, odds on to lose but lets at least try and get in to them a bit.
The Bournemouth game papered over the usual cracks, beating a team so bereft of confidence is hardly a ringing endorsement of our ability albeit it was enjoyable to watch.
We’ve scored just 3 more than second bottom Bournemouth and conceded 9 less so there is hardly much difference in us in reality.
As it stands we are closer to the bottom three than the top 8. Dubs, goals from defenders and the emergence of St Maximum class is what’s saved us this season.
kimtoon(Quote)
Kim – we are 16pts clear of bottom 3 and 7 off 8th.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Kim – we are 16pts clear of bottom 3 and 7 off 8th.
But that doesn’t tell the whole story Sharpy, we are clear because of heroics from Dubs and a huge slice of luck at times. We struggled against Villa and West Ham at home and the players and Bruce cannot say there was pressure from the fans at play there. We conceded a late goal from Bournemouth. If you look at goals scored and conceded we are not good and need a major overhaul if we are to stay in this league next season .
Have to keep opening up a new page as when i refresh post have disappeared ! also still got to keep filling in my details.
Gonna take a short break for DIY, as frustrating trying to have a convo with these issues on the site.
Chat later Sharpy.
kimtoon(Quote)
Kim – I’ve heard luck mentioned a lot, but I don’t know many times we’ve had luck?!. The only one I can think of was Schars equaliser against Watford where the ball hitting his hand was missed by VAR – but we drew that game so we are one point better off thanks to ‘luck’.
But luck works 2 ways and his bad luck has been that for most part of the season he’s had a front line that simply can’t score – Joelinton, Almiron and ASM all missed good chances earlier in the season.
He’s rarely had Gayle or Carroll to turn to before the Covid break – and I think it’s fair to say we’ve looked a lot better with them up front. Imagine if he had Rondon to use?.
You’re right, Dubravka has had some big performances – he’s also dropped some real clangers as well don’t forget.
Don’t forget how late into the pre-season Bruce came in as well.
Trust me, I’m not for a second saying I’m happy with how we have performed this season. But he clearly has the players on side & you don’t get to 40 odd points with 7 games to go all on luck.
I guess thinking about it, I’m comparing him with McClaren. He had arguably a better squad, more time to work with the players and probably more say in which players came in.
My top 8 would be like most others I’d imagine – Lpool, City, Chelsea, Man Utd, Arsenal, Spurs, Leicester and Wolves – I think Everton with investment will be knocking on that door as well.
Do I think Bruce has what it takes to mix it with those clubs – no, if I’m honest I don’t. But that’s my opinion and not with the right players, who knows.
But I do think, all things considered, Bruce has done a good job this season.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Those that run this site still manage to through numerous ad filled articles up every day. But fix it for those who regularly post on it – and they can’t even reply to queries on when it might be fixed.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpy, The lads do seem to like Steve, as i said, i like him just don’t get the whole media push about him doing an amazing job.
Would i want him in charge of a substantial transfer kitty, not so sure tbh.
kimtoon(Quote)
@NUFC360
Kurtys Saint-Maximin, brother and agent of ASM: “I have never talked to Napoli about a transfer of Allan. Even in the past there has been no contact.
“I still don’t know his future, it’s too early but he will want to play as a starting player in the UCL.”
Oh well, enjoy it while we can.
kimtoon(Quote)
George Caulkin
@GeorgeCaulkin
Friendly memo to Steve McManaman (and others).
There is nothing “wonderful” about being ****.
kimtoon(Quote)
Should Fat Boy Moss be reffing a PL game? He is like 21 stone.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Down with Villa.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I don’t really appreciate that mate. For starters I’ve not been well this week (I have Crohns and sometimes have bad days) so have had to take it easy and have therefore have missed some of these comments, and secondly I’ve told you that I don’t have anything to do with the bugs/fixes side of the site. I’m literally a writer and editor, that’s it.
I do however always pass on your complaints to the owner who opens up a line of communication with the web experts who deal with this side of matters, so please don’t act like I’m ignoring you.
I have been in touch again and am trying to get to the bottom of it, but please stop shooting the messenger here!
Olly Hawkins(Quote)
Olly unfortunately you are the public facing side of the management of this site and so you will take the brunt of customers voicing their dissatisfaction at the service of the site management.
I wouldn’t get emotional about it, but just keep passing updates and pushing upwards.
The ads are certainly getting OTT and the issues being highlighted by various people on this site have been rumbling on for months.
No doubt there is an easy fix, but would compromise on profit – so it has been out on the back burner. It would be nice if the regulars could be valued a little more.
We all know you personally work hard to provide content for this site and we appreciate your effort and engagement with people. It seems to me like you have left to take the flack whilst others take the profits and regulars are disregarded as disposable. It’s a real shame
Shamrock(Quote)
? do you feel better after that then?.
Once you’ve simmered down a bit read my post back – where did I name you?.
You may have been unwell, but articles with your name on have gone up on a daily basis – and the question has been asked my a number of us with no reply.
But mention the ads and profit margins and it’s amazing how quick the reply (and defence) goes up.
I have no idea who’s responsible for the fix mate coz they don’t bother actively posting on their own site – their choice. But don’t take it so personally when the post is not directed at you – it was a general observation.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Put amazon prime on my tv so i can watch the match later 😀
Olly, hope you feel better soon , crohns is nasty, my mates dad had it and I know it is hard to deal with.
Maybe suggest to the owners of this blog that they should read it and comment from time to time and let us know via updates about issues that need fixing .
It isn’t fair to expect you to take the flack if it’s nothing to do with you, as Sham said it’s unfortunate that you are the face of the blog and that you take all the flack. In the absence of the owners of this blog on the site we can only vent in the hope it reaches the powers that be.
Really not having a pop at you, just the issues with the blog . Issues that have been problematic for quite some time now.
kimtoon(Quote)
RIP Jack Charlton
kimtoon(Quote)
Your post said people who run the site keep putting articles on but don’t fix the problems – you know I run the site and sort all the articles, and your post before that which asked if the site would ever get sorted personally addressed me. You may not have meant it that way, but your approach seemed personal to me, hence my defence.
It’s also not fair to say there’s been no reply. Yes I may not see every message, but I drop into the threads every now and then to check up on things and help when and where I can.
I’m not exactly sure what you want me to do when I am not paid to for this side of matters yet still try and help where I can.
I am only frustrated in my response because I have explained to you my situation and work damned hard to keep this site ticking over – even in times when I’m not well – so it doesn’t feel right for you to take a dig at the content coming out.
Once again I’ve flagged up these issues with the people that have the power to sort them (and have pushed for it to be sorted again last night and this morning). That’s all I can do, so I’m not sure why you’ve lowered yourself to comments suggesting I’m only replying now because you’ve mentioned ‘ads and profit margins’ , because once again that has nothing to do with me!
Olly Hawkins(Quote)
Thank you for the comments Kim, Shamrock – I only gave a bit of a defence because I felt Sharpy was suggesting I’m happy to post articles left, right and centre but won’t fix the site. Which is not true and unfair on me. He didn’t mean it that way it seems, but that’s not how it initially came across.
Moving on, what is the full extent of the issue? Is it the comments not saving details?
Olly Hawkins(Quote)
Olly, issues are, having to keep filling in details every other post or every post at times.
previous post disappearing when i refresh.
Being told i’ve duplicated a comment when i haven’t
Not appearing to have any new comments yet if you open up a new link to thread there are lots of new comments that are not showing are previous link you refreshed.
Think that’s it for my issues.
Cheers.
kimtoon(Quote)
I’ve passed all of this one mate, cheers.
In the mean time, here’s the preview piece posted yesterday if you missed it.
https://www.nufcblog.co.uk/2020/07/10/watford-a-pre-match-thoughts-team-news-predicted-line-ups-3/
Olly Hawkins(Quote)
RIP Wor Jackie
A real hero of mine. I’ll never forget having just moved to Ireland and watching the World Cup in 1994. The song ‘were all part of Jackie’s army’ – that Ray Houghton goal. Magical.
And his accomplishments as a player too. Proper humble man. He will be missed.
Shamrock(Quote)