A stunning display from Allan Saint-Maximin and a few more goals from Callum Wilson propelled Newcastle to a well deserved 3-1 win over Burnley tonight.
In a performance almost incomparable to the ones against Newport, Tottenham and Brighton – we showed real attacking quality, scoring two superb goals before Wilson converted from the spot late on to make it four goals in four league starts for our new £20m man.
The win takes us to 6th in the league and arrives as a welcome boost for Steve Bruce – and hats off to him for getting us further up the pitch in a display that was much more positive and easy on the eye from a NUFC perspective!
There were four changes in the line-up from last week’s draw at Spurs; including a first start of the season for Fabian Schar – who replaced skipper Jamal Lascelles as a result of his hamstring injury. Elsewhere, Emil Krafth came in for Javier Manquillo, Lewis returned in place of Ritchie and a fit Allan Saint-Maximin took the place of Miguel Almiron in the starting 11. I’d imagine the Paraguayan will feel hard done by to miss out, considering the fine form he’s been in so far this season!
Steve Bruce’s side have been under intense pressure recently to play attacking football and we tried to control the action from the off tonight – with Burnley being content with allowing us to dominate possession off the ball and doing little but pump it long or look to win free kicks or force set pieces on it.
After a few half chances fell to Callum Wilson via some wild moments of Nick Pope and electric movement from our £20m man, the first real piece of quality of the game came via our marvellous Frenchman.
Wilson won an excellent flick-on from a Darlow’s punt up the pitch and the ball fell to Allan Saint-Maximin – who immediately drove at the Burnley defence.
He had plenty to do as he approached the 18-yard box and created space for himself through two chops that completely bamboozled three Burnley defenders. He sent them one way, and then the other and having created a clear sight at the goal he possessed the composure to fizz a fantastic effort past the helpless Nick Pope! 1-0.
There was an alarming moment in the latter stages of the half where a shot from the edge of the box was deflected and eventually fell into the path of Ashley Barnes, who poked the ball into our net. Just as he reeled away in celebration, it was thankfully ruled out for offside. It was, however, a warning sign that Burnley – despite looking pretty desperate at both ends – were only ever a long ball or 18-yard box scrap away from an underserved equaliser.
We had another great chance in first-half injury time. An inventive Jonjo Shelvey cross found Jeff Hendrick in acres of space at the back post. The Irishman had time to take a touch before shooting, but that touch was poor and his effort was extremely tame, rattling the side netting after getting the ball caught under his feet. As the half-time whistle went, the only negative I can draw from that was our wasted chances of that ilk.
Nevertheless, we went in at 1-0. A solid start.
We were much better than we’d seen in recent weeks, but Burnley were woeful throughout the first period. Their passing at all distances was atrocious and they tried to make it nothing other than a scrappy and physical affair throughout. Luckily, our men didn’t stoop to their level and tried to keep the ball on the deck – even if Ashley Barnes left a few sore ones on us and Saint-Maximin got kicked from pillar to post!
From a Newcastle standpoint, the football was a lot prettier than anything we’ve had the displeasure in viewing this season. Passes were played with zip and intent, Joelinton looked far more comfortable when picking the ball up in a natural, deeper role and both Krafth and Lewis were able to push up and join attacks as a result of our pressing.
Saint-Maximin was, in moments, back to his electric, unplayable best and Callum Wilson played like a ‘proper number nine’ – showing constant movement in between the lines and giving the Burnley defence a physical presence to think about too.
The only missing piece was our tendency to waste a few key chances – but it was 1-0 at the break and a win felt likely if we kept that up.
It was frustrating to see us sit deep at the start of the second half and allow the away side to take the initiative. We played right into their hands as they created the first chance of the half, with Karl Darlow having to deny Chris Wood with strong hands from a powerful header. Moments later, Krafth then stopped the Kiwi getting in on goal with a last ditch challenge after a smart turn from the big man saw him steal a march on Fernandez.
The Swede then had to slot into the centre-half role as Fabian Schar was replaced by Javier Manquillo – Schar had just recovered from a shoulder injury, but aggravated it once again after an awkward landing in the first half. Hardly what we wanted to see – a right-back up against two of the league’s most physical forwards, but there’s little else we could’ve done with no centre-halves on the bench!
Soon after, we’d finally pay the price for all of those missed chances. A Phil Bardsley cross wasn’t cleared effectively and eventually fell to Ashley Westwood – who leathered the ball on the half volley into the bottom corner, giving Karl Darlow absolutely chance. 1-1.
So frustrating after our clear dominance in the first period, but this is what can happen when you back off, sit deep and allow a physical Burnley side to pin you in!
Despite being on the back foot at the start of the second half – with Burnley having 67% of the ball in the 2nd half after enjoying just 36% in the first – we had a brilliant response up our sleeves.
Just four minutes on from that equaliser, Emil Krafth found Saint-Maximin on the right hand side – the Frenchman burst past Charlie Taylor and then drilled the perfect ball across the box – putting it on a plate to Callum Wilson who just had to tap the ball into the net to restore our lead! He did so and that makes it three goals in four Premier League games for our new talisman – but he wasn’t done there.
A stellar assist to cap off a phenomenal performance by Saint-Maximin; which made it even more heart-wrenching to see him hobble off just after the goal. He was targeted by Burnley the entire match and received no protection from the referee.
Hopefully, his injury is just a knock and not a re-occurrence of anything serious! My heart can’t take it!
Our spirits were lifted once again just moments later, as we were awarded a penalty kick and a big chance to put this one to bed. Nick Pope made yet another mistake and then wiped out an energetic Ryan Fraser – leaving the referee with no choice but to award a penalty.
Callum Wilson stepped up and chipped the ball down middle! Cool as ice! He kissed the camera and took his tally for the season up four.
We had been punished for our poor start to the second-half, but our response to their equaliser was EXACTLY what we wanted to see. We could’ve had two more goals late on – with Fraser nearly dinking Pope from long range and Hendrick just failing to make contact from a superb Shelvey cross – but it didn’t matter in the end as we cruised to victory.
The final whistle blew and with it a massive sigh of relief from Steve Bruce! Putting the missed chances as well as the lacklustre start to the second half aside, it was an all around great performance.
It wasn’t pretty at times as Burnley constantly hit it long and kicked us to pieces, but the first two goals were excellently worked and our third meant for a relaxed end to a game we thoroughly deserved to win .
Saint-Maximin was Burnley’s nightmare and undeniably the man of the match, Wilson was lively and continued his dream start to his Newcastle career and the defence was resolute against Burnley’s physical onslaught; it was a much better showing than that of our last few games.
A honourable mention also goes out to Joelinton – who won’t steal the headlines for his performance, but it was again a great performance from the Brazilian. He worked hard, linked the play from midfield to attack, held the ball up well and overall looks much more comfortable in a deeper role. His confidence is growing and I’m very happy with his progression.
Three goals and a comfortable win – making it seven points from four game for Bruce’s boys. We’re sitting pretty in 6th place and have a cup quarter final to play, not bad at all.
A pat on the back to Steve Bruce. He’s been under pressure all week and hasn’t always responded well enough to fair criticism in press conferences, but he deserves a break after responding well to his haters in this one.
Credit to Bruce and the players after a much more enjoyable night for us Newcastle United fans!
Follow us on Twitter (@NUFCBlogcouk) and on Facebook HERE
Excellent report Olly.
I will repeat what I said on the previous thread that Steve Bruce should have saved his rant until AFTER this performance and not BEFORE. He was setting himself up for criticism.
Plus Shelvey did not play quarterback. He pushed forward and it was not the usual tactic of give it to Jonjo and hit it long. I actually think Joelinton helped in this respect as he was an option for Shelvey and can run. It meant we had a bit of a transition game for once in addition to St Max scaring the **** out of them.
Glad Fraser got more minutes and he should be fully fit by the time we play Man U.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I’ve been posting #BruceOUT this week as I had come to the end of my tether with Bruce and our horrible performances.
However, I wanted and want Bruce to prove me wrong.
I predicted 3-1 tonight funnily enough, and the performance was pretty good. We haven’t set the Premier League on fire, but we were pretty good.
Saint Maximin is a legend already. What a player. But who is managing him? Bruce is. Let’s not forget that. It’s all well and good that we slag Bruce off for the bad things, but what about how he is getting the best out of Saint Maximin?
And Joelinton. There is obviously a good player in there. Watch his hold up and his ball control, and a couple of really good passes today. Bruce is managing him well.
Finally, when we were comfortable we were still pushing up the pitch an committing players. Bruce tweaked Saint Maximin’s position too, left, right and no.10 role.
Maybe we have given Bruce a bit of a kick up the backside with our criticism. So now let’s give him credit where credit is due.
Let’s not cut of our noses to spite our faces.
Howay the lads!
Saber(Quote)
I will be very happy if Joelinton comes good. He hasnt really proved anything yet, but we do know that a year was wasted trying to convert him into a hold up centre forward. They would mention how they were working on it in training, and I think they confused the lad.
He showed a few glimpses of what he could do last year but they were few and far between. Fermino had a terrible first season at Liverpool. The same with Son at Spurs. Maybe there is something there with Joe but we have at least discovered he is not a number 9.
We may have seen how he can fit in. It would have saved a lot of heartache if Bruce had just read Olly’s article with the German journalist when we first bought Joe 🙂
Eric Sykes(Quote)
You know what they also did today – take short corners. Maybe they have finally realised that Shelvey just cannot take a corner. It was Fraser and Shelvey and creating a different angle coz they still knocked a few in high, it just wasnt Shelvey’s little floaters that almost always were too close to the keeper.
Possibly it was time wasting but it was better than having their keeper claim it and immediately start a counter with all of our defenders in their box.
Let’s see if Fraser can take a proper corner if we get Clark back in as he is our biggest threat.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Good write up, and for once I enjoyed watching us play without having to deal with an approaching coronary … let’s hope it continues. Our defenders are dropping like flies though, so really need reinforcements there!
Gilly Toon(Quote)
For once – a game I enjoyed. Even Shelvey played with energy, almost unheard of.
Still struggling that Bruce is playing Joe instead of Miggy or Frazer (needs a kick up the ***. He’s had 6 months to prepare for a new club and he’s still not fit!)
georgio(Quote)
I was angry man after the Spurs game & slaughtered Bruce – and I stand by that because yesterday proved what we can do and how good some of our players are with the right approach.
I know we were at home to Burnley yesterday rather than away to Spurs. But I hate this defensive approach we take against the top 6 teams – they are all beatable, but that’s far less likely to happen with the park the bus approach.
But here’s the thing. No toon fan expects us to win every game – we just want to see our team trying to win it.
When you see Hayden in a back 5 and we sit back and allow Spurs wave of attack after attack – how are we meant to enjoy that.
I’m justifying my criticism of last weeks performance, because I give huge credit to how we went about taking on a very well organised and tough Burnley side.
It felt to me like a 4-3-1-2 formation with Hayden, Shelvey & Hendrick in midfield with ASM given a free role behind Joe & Wilson – and it worked brilliantly well.
We reduced Burnley to hacking and fouling, and how Bardsley didn’t see 2 yellows is beyond me.
I always wanted to stay fair to Bruce, but the Spurs approach was awful. Yesterday went somewhere to winning me back – but he needs to stick with it. I know he won’t care whether he has me on side or not, but if criticism inspired yesterday’s performance, then it has worked.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Georgio – Joe was excellent yesterday battling with the physical Burnley players – Miggy would have bounced off them.
Fraser looked good when he came on and I think we will see a very good player in the next weeks.
I love Miggys energy, but there is rarely an end product. He’s an excellent player to have in the squad and would be a good option for a Brighton of Shef Utd for example – smaller, less physical, pacy teams.
I think Bruce got it spot on yesterday.
Hopefully Schar and ASM can recover from their injuries in the international break ??
Sharpy17(Quote)
I see we’ve been linked with Walcott on loan – no thanking.
But I would take Cenk Tosun on loan from Everton. I think he’s a similar type of forward to Wilson & would be a decent back up to him if he needed a rest or gets injured.
More mobile & a greater goal threat than Carroll imo.
Sharpy17(Quote)
No thanking ?. That was no thanks til spell correct incorrectly corrected me ?
Sharpy17(Quote)
Are we in an alternative universe? After our opening day result, you looked at West Ham’s fixtures and thought they could have zero points after 7 games. Then Moyes gets Covid and has to manage from his couch and they beat Wolves 4-0 and now Leicester 3-0 away.
And Leeds take it to Citeh and get a deserved draw. Shows what Sharpy says, that we give the “top 6” too much respect. And Leicester had beat Citeh 5-2 the week before.
The pundits had almost assumed it would be the usual 6 plus Wolves and Leicester for top 8 but there are some strange results including Brighton taking us apart but only have those 3 points to show for their season.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Darlow got a bit lucky yesterday. He had at least 3 drops and a couple of failed punches. I am not going to slate the lad too much because of the weather but Pickford is being hammered because of one drop that led to a goal. Rightly so, the short-armed arrogant Mackem thicky.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Georgio – Joe was excellent yesterday battling with the physical Burnley players – Miggy would have bounced off them.
He is the battling type that’s for sure but Miggy would have left them all for dead, all game, and he scores and gets assists. Don’t get it.
georgio(Quote)
Sharpy: I think there will be plenty of minutes for Miggy and Fraser this season. The main reason is the hacking of St Max as a deliberate tactic. Unless the Refs give him more protection he will get knocks and bruises every game and Bruce will have to save him sometimes. Plus, even though Joe has improved a bit we cannot play him every game.
Not to make this a Jonjo blog but you saw what he can do if he keeps things a bit simpler and plays higher up the pitch. He is often a liability if he hangs around the D because he is slow and cant tackle. That is not a criticism it is a fact. You have to play to his strengths and mitigate his weaknesses. I do worry about him against high press teams because even though it might seem logical that his ability to hit the out ball would help, it usually doesnt. That is as much about having no one to pass to. The problem then is that Shelvey becomes a defensive liability because of lack of pace.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Georgio/Eric – I don’t disagree with either of you. I think what’s great is we have numerous options in attack now – and they are good players, players who can potentially change games.
I think that is why I was so annoyed with the Spurs game. Those players could have had a real go at a very shaky Spurs defence.
I think players who struggled last season will become better players because of those option & added competition.
Sharpy17(Quote)
If Wilson stays fit it looks like he will easily get double figures especially if he can get back to the understanding he had with Fraser a couple of years ago.
I am not getting ahead of myself. I have another reason – Penalties. Traditionally we never get them but I reckon that might change this season. We should show St Max some videos of Wilf Zaha. I think Palace had like 11 penalties a couple of years ago. I am not suggesting St Max cheat, I am saying he doesnt need to stay on his feet all of the time 🙂
Wilson has 2 penalties in 4 games and if we get, say 6 for the whole season that will give him a big head start in the goalscoring stakes. We are due a few penalties. Remember a couple of years ago we went like the whole season without one.
Same with corners. We are **** at them. How many times does their goalie just stand there 3 yards out and get them unchallenged? They dont even need to make a decision, they can just stand there and wait. How difficult can it be to hit one at the 6 yard line and force the goalie into a decision of whether to come for it or stay on his line? We need to find someone in the squad who can take one – not hit the first man and not a Shelvey floater. I have always thought the most dangerous corners are whipped in with some bend on them. Maybe give Lewis a go a la Trent Alexander Arnold. Or see what Fraser or Miggy can do?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I don’t think 3 CBs has to be a defensive set up either.
Lewis looks a threat going forward, and Manq or Yedlin can be offensive on the right.
Hayden can hold the midfield & he looked decent with Longstaff, but I think Hendrick would be a good parter.
ASM looked unreal behind a front 2 yesterday, but equally Miggy could play that role.
Wilson looks better with a partner and Joelinton was very good yesterday, but I think Gayle would be a good partner for him too.
If he goes with 3-4-1-2 against the top 6, we would be more defensive, but could still be threatening going forward. Play the 9-0-1 formation and it’s horrible.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I doubt Gayle will be given a squad number as I cant see him returning before Xmas. Then they can change the squad numbers in Jan.
Man Us defense are a shambles. We have to put some pressure on them and cant just let their attackers pick us apart because they have quality in Midfield and Attack. They will all be on international duty and we can rest up. Only half time and it is 4-1. C’mon you Spurs let’s make it 7 or 8.
What does all this mean for England? McGuire makes so many mistakes. Then you have Stones and Pickford. Means we have to go all out attack with all of these quality young players because that lot will not keep a clean sheet against a decent team.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Hope Bruce is watching this Man U game. They were/are tring to play the high press but dont really have the personnel for it – Matic and Pogba, really? High press!!! Then in defense they are doing the play out from the back no matter what but all of their defenders have a mistake in them.
Bruce has 2 weeks to set up to take advantage of these flaws but also to drill our own players se we give THEM something to think about.
How much did McGuire cost them? 80 million? Makes Kepa look like a bargain.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Eric – this is why I hate us giving these teams respect!!.
Spurs gave a pen away immediately because their average CB was rushed by Martial.
But then ? then Maguire stepped up – helped out by the rest of his defence as well by the way. But look at the mistakes they have made when pressure is put on them. The WORSE thing we can do is sit back and give them time the way we do.
If Man Utd go and buy Sancho – that is equal to Arsenal buying Pepe imo.
Massive price tag when that money desperately need to be spent elsewhere.
They desperately need a world class CB – but they have 6 bang average ones at the mo.
The need to get Dembele and Koulibaly imo. Then they have half a chance of top 4.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Watford want Atsu on loan. I’d do them a swap for Andre Gray coz I think he could be a decent back up to Wilson too.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Get ready for the wounded animal talk in the build up to our game against Man U. I would prefer we concentrate on their **** defense. They have spent so much money on it and it is still terrible. McGuire 80 mil, Shaw 35, Wan Bassaka 50, the other centre backs cost about 30 mil each and there are 3 of them. Probably about 250 million total. That’s insane.
It is not that they havent spent on defenders it has been that they have bought **** defenders. They wanted to do a Liverpool/Van Djik with McGuire but maybe should have watched some of his games. They paid at least double what he is worth.
Wonder what The Daily Man U (Mail)will say. About half of their sports section is dedicated to Man U every day, even when they were **** under Van Gaal.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Man Utd will not be as bad as that again against us. They were truly awful today. Spurs played quite well with Kane in particular playing a clever quick pass and the high press. But Spurs best player today was Harry Maguire.
Bruce can not fear Man Utd, he can not pay them too much respect. He has players that can get at Man Utd and really hurt them. He has to give it a go imo. If we get ahead, I have no problem defending a lead – like we did last year when Matty got off the mark. But please, please make it entertaining and get after them.
Sharpy17(Quote)
There’s Villa going toe to toe with Lpool and winning 2-0 and have had good chances to make it more to be fair. I know there is still an hour to play so all could change. But I bet their fans have loved this first 30mins.
As I say it Salah scores. But Villa are playing well and shouldn’t bottle it.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Stuck on old thread all day again.
Hate Villa so much
Watkins looks good value
kimtoon(Quote)
can’t believe this scoreline, scousers will be in meltdown .
kimtoon(Quote)
I said after West Ham beat Leicester 3-0 away we were in an alternative universe. Then Man U and Liverpool happened. What is going on? Maybe the fear factor of playing these top teams will abate?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Eric, it’s certainly a very odd start to the season, so many goals and no fans there to cheer . If it carries on like this it’ll be a record PL season for goals.
Is it the pressure off without crowds?
We defo need to attack Manure as we’ve nowt to lose cause if we sit back we’ll lose anyway.
kimtoon(Quote)
Eric – you’re right mate. The world has gone mad!!. Villa were brave today – but Liverpool were truly awful in defence.
It was hilarious when the camera cut to Klopp on one occasion and the look on his face was ‘what the f@ck is going on’.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Villa put 7 past Liverpool! ??? ***…. pool and manure both totally outplayed and humiliated today…
Gilly Toon(Quote)
It is good to see entitled fans of Man U and Liverpool get a sample of what the rest of us go through. Of course, Man U have been knocked off their perch to use Fergie’s phrase from when he first joined about Liverpool. But all it ever needed was a couple of decent results and they were back to crowing. Same with the Red Bindippers. If anybody reads the comments in The Guardian or letters in Football365 the scousers would be discussing if they had the best team of all time and were they at the start of a dynasty.
It is good to shut both of these teams plastics up if only for a week.
1st game back for Liverpool is the Merseyside derby. I could care less about Everton but I dont like crowing and entitled fans so I will be pulling for them.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
And then there are the pundits. So many ex-Man U and Liverpool and so many so partisan and biased. When both are winning they just crow and if they lose sometimes they lose it and go into a depression because this really cant be happening to their team – entitled tw@ts.
They are so hard to watch when their teams are winning but a day like today shows you how sore losers they really are.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Despite this fantastic weekend it will probably all end up with the same old top 6 and the expected teams relegated. But it also looks like there will be a lot of upsets on the way and not the usual procession. We have already seen quite a few shocking scores. I would say Leicester away at Citeh winning 5-2 and WHam at Leicester winning 3 nil.
I just hope there arent a couple of teams getting 90+ points. That would mean walkovers for City and Liverpool in most games and that the only interesting games would be between themselves and and maybe Chelsea. The pundits were absolutely certain that City would return to the form of 2 years ago and there would be no dropoff for Liverpool.
Too early to say, but has Klopp played his starters into the ground? He hardly ever rotates except the midfield and they play more than 50 games a season.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
It’s obviously freak that Man U get 6 put passed then, Lpool 7 and City 5 last week.
But is it so freaky that they are beatable?.
I think it was more freaky the points tally that both City & Lpool got over the last 2 seasons. But I think a big reason for that was because teams like us showed them too much respect. Going into games trying to minimise the number of goals your beaten by rather than trying to win or at least compete with them.
That’s not a pop at Bruce or Rafa even. Lots of teams done it.
The top 6 obviously have better players, who’s level of play is generally consistently higher than most. But you’re never going to catch them on an off day if you sit back and don’t put pressure on them.
This is the season to do it as well with games coming thick and fast, the coaches not getting the time between games to fully work on things and players picking up and playing through injuries.
Sharpy17(Quote)
It looks like Spurs might be the surprise this season if Jose has managed to fix that defense. Any team with Kane and Son in it will give you problems.
Dwight Gayle will not get a squad number and uninformed fans and journos will say he is off. But he is out until the New Year according to the Chronic today which means he will not be part of the 25. Better to use it on Murphy if he is still around. Dwight can then get a shirt number in Jan. He needs a new contract as well or we will lose him for nowt.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I dont understand how we cannot get a fee for Yedlin. His contract is up next year so a loan to Southampton means we are basically giving him away. The only explanation is that Bruce has no faith in him at all and they want his wages off the books. He has played OK for us on occasions but I think the lad feels unwanted and I think that has hit his confidence.
Same with Murphy. There must be someone willing to pay a fee for him. He also only has a year on his contract so what’s the point of a loan? He is 25 as well, so its not like we would be sending him out for development purposes. I would give him a new contract and maybe a 6 month loan to see how the players currently ahead of him go with form and injuries.
It is just stupid business to let players leave on frees – hello Bmth and Burnley – that’s how we got Fraser and Hendrick. Wouldnt put it past Ashley and Charnley to be penny wise and pound foolis though.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
From watching other teams this weekend:
The Man U fans seem to have turned on Pogba AGAIN.
The whole media seems to have turned on Harry McGuire.
Jack Grealish is a very good player when he doesnt dive (cheat). I have found him really annoying because he has all of the skills but would rather pick up a cheap foul.
Will Declan Rice live up to the hype? Another good player but the West Ham loving media had him anointed as the next Bobby Moore (or at the very least Michael Carrick) when he was 19.
West Ham may have hit on a solution – addition by subtraction – that subtraction is Mark Noble.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
This is for Kimtoon. Sky are just so obviously sexist which is what you would expect from Murdoch. They are showing transfer deadline day over here and I see a presenter come on called Sue Smith. I had never heard of her but immediately thought she must be a footballer because she is not cute. Sure enough, the caption flashes up – Sue Smith, 93 caps for England.
That is not a comment on women footballers being dogs, it is a comment on Sky picking hot chicks in tight dresses and high heels whenever I watch it.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
So this laddie Vilca has signed … let’s hope that he’s decent! Nobby seems to rate him but it’s going to be a big culture shock for the lad. Still hoping we get a defender in! ?.
Scum under 23s have beaten our U23s 4-0. Are we really that sh.it in our under 23 squad? ???
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Gilly: did you watch that Spurs documentary on Amazon and see their training facilities? I know I have made fun of how the press had a collective w#nk over the new stadium but if you are a young player you could not fail to be impressed by the training ground. Contrast that with NUFC.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I think what I am saying is that no wonder we bring nobody through – local, national or foreign. If you are a sought after youngster and doing a tour of a few clubs, who would you choose NUFC or Spurs?
I can understand now why so many fans b!tch at Ashley about not upgrading the training facilities.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I didn’t see it, but it must be a lot better than ours!
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Well we best hope Wilson stays fit, cause with Gayle out until new year and joe not being a real number 9 and AC not scoring it’s thin ice time.
Typical toon, dicing with danger .
kimtoon(Quote)
Kim – A lot has been made of not getting a CB in – I can’t say I’m too concerned about that.
But I agree, CF is balanced on a bit of an injury knife edge really isn’t it.
The only thing I’m trying to keep in mind is that the Jan window has not been pushed back. So it could be addressed in a few months.
But that’s a lot of games & a lot of points.
I suppose it depends on who was available for loan really. We may have made enquiries, but if clubs either only want to sell or won’t loan the players out, then there’s not much they can do.
I’m not going to heavily criticise because I think they have done very good business this window and fairly early on – when many of us didn’t expect half of that.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I have been keeping half an eye on transfers today and can’t say there’s one yet where I think we should have gone for him.
I notice that the Chelsea lads are staying in London. Can’t say I’m surprised.
Would it be fair to say COVID could be playing a part in that?!. Chelsea to WH or Fulham would mean the lads wouldn’t have to move home or anything like that.
Like I say, there’s another window in around 3 months so maybe a lot of players are staying put and sitting out to see how things look by then ??♂️
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpy, agree on the London issue and covid most definitely made a difference.
kimtoon(Quote)
Loftus-Cheek is also on £150,000 per week!
That made the biggest difference for me, especially when we were unable to flog the deadwood. That in itself meant around £150k p/w remained on our wage bill.
Olly Hawkins(Quote)
Fair point Olly
kimtoon(Quote)
I said it at the start of the season but I reckon Everton are dark horses this year.
The reassuring thing so far is that there are 4 or 5 sides with zero or 1 point so far. We are already pulling clear of the relegation race.
And Villa – wow. Fair play to their manager. They have made some smart recruitment choices, retained Freakish and are looking sharp and hungry.
I’m loving the Leeds return too.
Shamrock(Quote)
Man U are not as bad as they have looked this season. We better not underestimate them but they do have some problems in the shape of their defense and Pogba who looks like he cant be arsed again. But, this same team looked very good after the restart and they have Agent Bruce. Have to have a camera on Bruce to watch him celebrate any Man U goals.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I did watch the Man U / Spurs game again and the Man U midfield looked as bad as their defense. Not sure if McTomaney, Fred or Matic would get in our team! And Pogba was the worst player on the pitch and that is saying something considering how Shaw and McGuire played. For the penalty, I think he might have been trying to get himself sent off so he doesnt have to play. I know, conspiracy theory, and it was probably just frustration.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I am trying not to be a total downer but I am not getting the over the top love for Karl Darlow. He has always been a good shot stopper and played a blinder at Spurs but he made many mistakes against Burnley that we were lucky did not cost us. I know it was wet but he had at least 2 punches that were weak, and I would go so far as to say feeble. He also dropped the ball 3 times and was very lucky to gather it up again. His kicking was also atrocious.
As I said, I am not hating on him, I just dont understand what game some fans and pundits were watching. If he gets credit for a great show at Spurs then we should be realistic about a very bad performance against Burnley.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Sham – I think the only thing that hampers Everton is Pickford. Top teams have top keepers. Pickford just makes too many mistakes imo. But I could see them challenging top 4 this season for sure.
I agree about Villa too. Fair play to their owner as well – he’s put another £85m in when they only just survived last season. He could have cashed in on Grealish and just tried to stay up, but he’s pushed them on and they have an exciting young squad now.
I do think we have done really well in the window too though. If we can keep the players fit, and Bruce is brave in his approach, I don’t see us having any problems either this season.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I have been thinking about the Grealish and Declan Rice valuations. I sort of ridiculed them because the press were saying 70 million for each last year when they had 1 England cap between them. I think they are both very good players, especially when Grealish stays on his feet. I have adjusted my attitude a little bit now, partly because they have had another PL season but mainly because the valuation is what Man U would pay – the team that paid 80 mil for McGuire and 90 mil for Pogba.
In the light of that, the press may not be that far off NOW. But a year ago it was 70 mil for unproven players.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I may be crazy butI dont think Hayden is that far off Rice. Hayden’s passing is very underrated. He hardly ever sends one astray. If you look at his passing % he is up there with the top midfielders and they are not all just short to Shelvey to launch one.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Time for Dummett to be a full time centre half now. They (managers, the press, fans) have talked about him being a FUTURE centre half and he is 28. When, if not now? He is the best tackler on the team. Not sure if he will get in though as there are 3 players ahead of him who have been CHs all of their careers – Clark, Lascelles and Fernandez. Plus Schar is fit.
Gone from crisis at CH to at least 1 not even making the bench.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Good result on Saturday and a improvement on performance. What happens if ASM and Wilson get injured God knows…
I see debate is raging about playing with no fans and people saying that’s possibly the reason we’re seeing some odd results. That’s possible. I’d like to say it will make the game realise how important fans are to football but I doubt it. The PL are desperate to get fans back in and so are the clubs. But not because it makes the game better, it’s because they want the money. What a sad state of affairs.
Stuart79(Quote)
not happy Leeds are in the PL,they have by far the worse fans in any lge,used to travel to all the toon games over the yrs and they are really bad followed by Everton fanscould never understand why L/pool fans were so good to away fans yet Everton were a nightmare,there woman were really bad
icedog(Quote)
I am seeing some fans including the Harrisons say that Dubravka will be in for a fight to get his place back and citing stats that show Darlow has been the best keeper in the league. Sometimes stats do not tell the whole story. First, 4 games is a very small sample size. You would really want to see at least 10 games before they meant anything, especially when he had the game of his life against Spurs and that is included in the figures. Then there is the evidence of our own eyes. Nobody is going to convince me that Darlow had a good game against Burnley. He had an incredibly lucky game where he dropped the ball 3 times and was able to gather and where at least 2 punches were ****. The T-Rex Mackem dropped 1 ball and was punished with a goal. That could easily have happened to Darlow.
In my view, Dubravka is the unquestioned number 1 and should be in the team the minute he is fit.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
On the other hand, apart from against Burnley Darlow has been OK. He has always been a good shot stopper but he doesnt quite have that deer in the headlights look that he had before. Maybe that is coaching or just maturity. He still doesnt know what he is doing when he comes to gather a ball though which is why Dubravka is number 1.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I think I am living in an alternative reality in the US. A right wing militia of at least 10 people, emboldened by Trump, were just thrown in jail for plotting an armed kidnapping of the Michigan Governor and plotting to overthrow the Govt. This is the state and their crazy militia where Timothy McVeigh and Terry Neil lived and trained before the Oklahoma City bombing. Trump is encouraging these people. Michigan is about 60 miles from Chicago. Trump is also doing the same for groups in Portland where armed men were setting up their own road blocks during the wildfires and asking to see drivers licenses to see if drivers were from other states. Trump is stoking all of this up and a lot more besides. He is a Mad Man.
And then there is the Burnley game 🙂 Again an alternative reality. I have no clue what game fans and commentators alike were watching who say Darlow had a good game. He could easily have cost us 3 goals, but we rode our luck. That does not mean he had a good game, it means he was lucky.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
That elbow to miggys’ throat was a red all day long and then he gets a muscle injury 👿 , not the luck we need with Manure up next.
Frustrating.
Eric, now Trump is on ******** he will be more dangerous than ever. I was on high dose ******** when my platelets dropped to suppress my immune system. They gave me serious side effects, incredible hunger, insomnia, weight gain, excess energy and most importantly a very short fuse.
You feel on top of the world at high doses and inclined to take on anything and anyone a dangerous combo for a man already seriously unhinged imo.
kimtoon(Quote)
So the PL file a £170m lawsuit against Chinese broadcaster
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2020/10/07/premier-league-launches-170m-lawsuit-against-chinese-broadcaster/
What with Jabbas potential lawsuit on the horizon the PL will be busy boys.
kimtoon(Quote)
Hope Miggy recovers quickly but we have a lot more cover now with both Frazer and Murphy. We also have Joelinton because Wilson took his job as Centre Forward.
Alright, how does Miggy get back into the country without quarantine?
I am not even sure if I am allowed in full stop at the moment.
These bloody Covid-rules are so confusing.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Eric, maybe because PL players are tested so frequently the rules are different for them.
My mates husband has just been randomly selected to take a covid test, it’s something to do with one of the London uni studies. They are randomly selecting folk all over the UK.
I understand the need for studies but when tests are so hard to get it seems a waste.
kimtoon(Quote)
Seems like some very strange things going on at Man U and is OGS the one to give them a kick up the ****?
First, there is Pogba who seems to be in a sulk again. Then Fernandez looks like he is off the boil. Maybe he is burned out? He started so well but I think he has played for a full year with like a 2 week break.
Their forwards have a lot of talent but are inconsistent.
Then there is McGuire whose head still seems to be in Greece. De Gea has lost it, I reckon he is on par with Darlow now.
And Shaw, I am sure he wanted to be sent off last week.
They just threw in the towel against Spurs. Hope that attitude carries on to our game.
Did I miss anybody? Yes, Wan Bassaka looked jaded as well. There is an attitude problem with that team and hopefully their players will be even more knackered as almost all are on international duty.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
After the lockdown, what Ole did was play the same team for game after game. They were in the FA and UEFA cup as well remember. I really think it might be coming back to bite them. Losing to Palace at home!!!! That would have been a disaster a few years ago, almost unheard of. Andros and Zaha destroyed them and then they just couldnt handle Son last week.
Hope St Max is fit. It might be a laugh to see him go up against McGuire, assuming Bruce lets us get into their half.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Eric The signings Manure made on deadline day smacked of panic buying too, is Cavani a good fit for them? apparently he has said how he would still like to play for Boca juniors who he was talking to prior to joining united !Not exactly sounding that committed to Manure there like, still it’s only a 2 year deal.
kimtoon(Quote)
With the addition of a LB, CB, 2 WINGERS and Cavani they will be stronger you would think Eric.
kimtoon(Quote)
Wonder just how fit Cavani is, he’s not played since march and he’s no spring chicken anymore.
kimtoon(Quote)
Chris Waugh
@ChrisDHWaugh
·
Oct 9, 2020
I find it astonishing that the @premierleague as an organisation, the 20 clubs that comprise it, & broadcasters have managed to come up with a viewing policy which alienates all supporters, who already pay an astonishing amount to watch their team, & can’t be in stadia.
Chris Waugh
@ChrisDHWaugh
It is so poorly judged at a time when they have spent hundreds of millions in the transfer market.
It is a difficult time for everyone, including clubs & broadcasters, but even more so for a significant number of supporters, particularly in areas back in local lockdown.
George Caulkin
@GeorgeCaulkin
I pay over £100 a month to Sky and another chunk to BT. That’s already far too much and it’s absolutely shafting fans, in this of all moments, to ask for more on top as the only legal way to watch their team play. How much money do they want? Football is going to break.
2:18 PM · Oct 9, 2020
Scott Wilson
@Scottwilsonecho
Premier League confirm behind-closed-doors games that are not selected for ‘normal’ live TV coverage will only be available via pay-per-view from now on. Set to be £14.95 per game. Yet more expense for supporters who are barred from watching their team….
So the Manure game will cost me £14.95 On top of what i already pay.
Well i was thinking of getting SP and BT sports removed and this has made up my mind as i suspect it will for many others. Greedy gits the lot of em, not a penny more from me .
kimtoon(Quote)
Rapidly falling out of love with the game .
kimtoon(Quote)
Kimtoon: I am not even sure any of the Man U additions will have even trained with the team as they will probably be on international duty. Cavani will be their Ryan Fraser and not match fit. He was a brilliant player but is 34 in Feb and I think PSG restricted his playing time. He scored 4 in 14 games last year. Maybe he was injured but that would be just as bad as it would probably show age catching up with him.
I really think the Man U players have been overplayed. I hope so anyway.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
You lot seem to be being gouged by the Premier League. They have cut up the games into tranches knowing that you will have to pay for separate subscriptions and now this latest money grab. I suppose that you didnt have access to the 3 o’clock games before so that will be the justification for charging 15 quid. Still seems a bit steep.
If it saves you from listening to Phil Thomson then it might be worth it? Or was he sacked?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Seen in a few places that Miggy was taken off as a precaution.
Eric Sykes(Quote)