It could’ve went either way in the final 10 minutes, but that’s a huge win for Steve Bruce, a big moment for Joelinton and another reminder of just how important Callum Wilson is to this team!
Our £20m man broke the deadlock in the 88th minute via a cool finish and brilliant assist from Joelinton, and was then on hand to set up the big man just 90 seconds later, with the Brazilian bagging a well deserved goal to seal a much needed 0-2 win.
It wasn’t pretty at times, with a promising first half display followed by an uninspiring second 45 that saw us create very little and begin to sit deep, however it’s a big three points that stops the rot and sends us into the top half and 10 clear of the bottom three.
Bruce made FOUR changes to the team that went down without a fight against Chelsea, bringing in Shelvey, Hendrick, Almiron and Wilson and ditching five at the back in favour of a 4-4-1-1 system – a move that must now become the norm after we created more, won and kept a clean sheet!
Elsewhere, Lascelles and Saint-Maximin dropped out through injury, with Hayden also missing (Covid?) and U-23 star Elliot Anderson on the bench for the first time in a Premier League game as a result.
(4-4-1-1: Darlow – Manquillo, Fernandez, Clark, Lewis – Hendrick, S Longstaff, Shelvey, Almiron – Joelinton – Wilson)
We started well, having 60% the ball in the opening 15 and pressing higher up the pitch, with a good give, go and run in behind from Joelinton creating an early opening for Callum Wilson – only for a last ditch Palace clear their lines after a dangerous ball across the box from the Brazilian.
Aside from the odd decent stop from Karl Darlow, who parried clear powerful efforts from Schlupp and Eze, we were the better side and looking the more likely to score.
Shelvey’s ability to pick out forward passes was making a difference and Joelinton looked lively. He was pressing well, linking up nicely and looking much more confident in possession, however he did lack conviction where it mattered, hitting a tame effort too close to Guiata after catching Dann on the ball.
Going into the second half, this felt a lot like that opening day game at West Ham. We were the better side without being brilliant, but the home side were passive and there for the taking if we wanted a win.
That said, the biggest chance after the restart came for Palace, with Ayew getting in between Fernandez and Manquillo and through on goal – only to poke his effort wide.
Sadly, the much improved pressing and passing game that saw us control large parts of the first half seemed to disappear in the second, with us punting hopeful balls long to Wilson and Joelinton for the first part of the final 45.
Without creating much at all, Palace were now the ones enjoying just short of 60% possession and looking the more likely, with them getting behind our midfield on a few occasions and winning the odd dangerous free kick.
Not much to write home about, but Bruce-ball was creeping back in and we now looked the side both there for the taking and most likely to lose.
Aside from one header apiece from Joelinton and Benteke – who had his well saved by Darlow – there were few chances, meaning it was anyone’s game heading into the final 10 if one side could kick one.
Thankfully, we rode a late Palace storm, with Fernandez doing brilliantly to block a goal-bound Kouyate shot and Van Aanholt flashing wide from a dangerous position…and you know what happened next!
Joelinton burst inside, latched onto a lay off from Wilson and played a clever reverse pass to set his striker partner in behind, leaving our lethal No 13 to do the rest.
A clever finish through Guiata’s legs and brilliant late goal – but we weren’t done yet.
This time it was Wilson who turned provider, getting the ball out to Joelinton down the right hand side. He got one-on-one with his man, cut inside and saw a left-footed shot sneak in via a wicked deflection.
A slice of luck for the big man, but a goal his industrious performance fully deserved, with him refusing to let his head drop after a few too many first-half misses!
Next up, a trip to Aston Villa and several winnable games ahead of a few tough tests after Christmas:
- Aston Villa (A) – Friday 4th December
- West Brom (H) – Saturday 12th December
- Leeds (A) – Wednesday 16th December
- Fulham (H) – Saturday 19th December
- Man City (A) – Saturday 26th December
- Liverpool (H) – Wednesday 30th December
A big win for Steve Bruce and more proof that we must stick with a four-man defence!
HWTL!
Follow us on Twitter (@NUFCBlogcouk) and on Facebook HERE
This is typical NUFC. No transparency and no information to the fans and press. They are continuing with this as they are not saying which players are infected. What other clubs are doing that? I have no idea but I have seen clubs like Palace say Zaha is isolating, then there was Moyes and Arteta. This medical privacy is a very weak excuse.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Here is the Craig Hope article. NUFC say they have followed all of the protocols and not even they could be stupid enough not to. Could they? It would be shooting themselves in the foot. As Icedog said earlier, cutting back on testing was probably a cost saving method. It was allowed but why woud you not do all you can to protect your investment – the players, and continued PL status. I really, really hope there are not more shoes to drop here.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-9011779/Newcastle-trying-Covid-19-outbreak-control-TWO-WEEKS.html
Eric Sykes(Quote)
AND… with Ashley going after the PL you can bet they will do all they can to uncover any misdeeds and if they find anything to give us the harshest punishment they can.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
NUFC now have Public Health England involved. Is this closing the barn door after the horse has bolted. There must be some sort of handbook saying what PL clubs need to do if there are cases. It is a totally different to the general population because they were allowed to specifically by-pass lockdown rules and social distancing and travel restrictions specifically because they were in a bubble and did testing.
This really should not have just been left up to the NUFC medical staff but I suspect it was.
The problem is compounded by NUFCs secrecy. Craig Hope gives some details of who knew what, when. I bet there are more.
I am even more angry now. If they sent players they suspected of having infections to Palace that is unconscionable. If the tests were a week old that is bad as well. They knew that staff had tested positive and they kept players home who had tested positive. I said it before but they should have been doing tests the day before any games at the very least because they knew the cramped conditions at the training ground made it more dangerous.
If they said players with Covid had injuries that is BS as well. This is not something should lie about. Who do they think they are? Donald Trump or Dominic Cummings?
Please read Craig Hope’s article. There will be more to come I am sure of it.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
It certainly wouldn’t be the biggest of shocks if we cut corners to save money.
Stuart79(Quote)
Good luck with the house sale Kim! Hope all goes smoothly this time. With no stamp duty, it’s a good time to sell. ??
Gilly Toon(Quote)
thought i smelt a rat
https://www.themag.co.uk/2020/12/concerns-that-mike-ashley-cutting-virus-testing-to-save-money-contributed-to-outbreak-report-newcastle-united/
icedog(Quote)
KIM
good luck with house mate
icedog(Quote)
I told you this was gross incomtepentence and that infected players were at Palace. Luke Edwards now says there are 8 players with Covid and 2 more suspected to have it.
As I have been saying, there is no way the Baggies game will go ahead. Now I am convinced there will be a full PL investigation. We will be very lucky to get away with just a fine and not a points deduction.
I know most people will not have read my rants because some were legnthy but most of it was common sense and knowing how NUFC operate.
If you add what Luke Edwards has said today to what Craig Hope wrote yesterday, we are in deep ****.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I will be shocked if Steve Bruce does not have Covid. That is 10 players, plus staff now and Bruce is in close contact with the players every day. He does not wear a mask on the sidelines and I am guessing he doesnt in the dressing room or in training.
I wish all at NUFC a quick recovery but this does not end here. This is the start. The start of the recriminations. The national press should be all over this. We have been totally irresponsible. I am surprised Simon Jordan at Talkshyte has not ranted yet.
I have always thought the press and pundits had a bias against NUFC. What they say this time will be justified.
I have no inside knowledge it is just common sense they had screwed up and there was a possible cover up. Craig Hope has not said it but he is hinting at it.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I am not a sky is falling type of person for NUFC, except when I talk about Managers. I even predicted a win at Palace. But this time, the sky IS falling at NUFC. They say they followed all of the protocols. I will be shocked if they did. At the very least they were sloppy. Maybe that excuse will save us from sanctions, but I am really worried about 3 players who tested positive played at Palace. I think the positives were AFTER they returned to NUFC but we dont know when the previous tests were. It could have been up to a week before the game. That would be negligence, but it might not be outside of the protocols and we might get away with it.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
AND I will say it again. The PL will not allow the Baggies game to go ahead because it will imperil all of their plans for the season with the other clubs. The powers that be also need a rethink about European matches. Rememeber they played the Liverpool/Athletico game with a full house the day before the 1st lockdown and Spain was the epicentre of the virus at the time.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
There could be a saving grace because it was the PL that reduced testing minimums to weekly. NUFC can say they followed the guidlines and the PL could not object. I still think we were stupid and if there was even 1 case before Palace we should have upped the testing. I mean, Craig Hope said a staffer had covid 2 weeks before. That should mean you go back to twice a week testing and have the tests as close to the games as possible.
I dont think I am going overboard here. I think this is going to be a blight on NUFC, especially since Ashley is suing the PL. They will be after blood as long as it doesnt make them look bad.
I have also said before that you just have to watch any PL match to see how haphazard the implementation of Covid protocls are. Managers and staff on the sidelines, some with masks some without. Subs in the stands talking with each other, and some with masks and some not. The Ref on the pitch witout a mask, the 4th official with.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I still dont get why we didnt up the testing after there was a Covid case 3 weeks ago. The whole country was in a state of lockdown but PL teams were in a priviledged position mainly because of the testing and the fact they were seen to be in a contained environment – a bubble if you will. But with a family for example the bubble would be 4 or 5. At NUFC between players and staff it would be more like 50. And that is before you even consider everyone going home to their families.
It seems to me that with all the personal contact and lack of masks that NUFC would want to do all they can to stop any spread and the 1st line of defense would be additional testing so they could nip any outbreak in the bud.
I just dont get it, Unless it is the Donald Trump syndrome where if you ignore it, it will go away. That hasnt worked out too well by the way. For him, his family, the white house staffers, congress and the population as a whole.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Olly: I wish these journos would think this through. There is no way the PL will force us to play the kids. Have they even been tested? The PL pays for the tests for the 1st team squad, I am sure that does not extend to U23s. Maybe they have been tested, who knows?
It will be a matter of how many of our players got Covid and when they got it. Above all, they will need a negative test to even be considered. I would say they should have 2 negative tests, but what do I know…
Will we be able to put out a team? I doubt it.
The training situation is another consideration.
The PL would be mad to compromise the rest of the season to play 1 game. They would be jeopardizing the whole rest of the season if they force us to play our WBrom game. We also have to see what happened with Palace where we had at least 2 infected players on the field.
It is a bloody mess but not very many fans seem too concerned. I dont know why!!!!
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I wish people would realise ho big of a deal this is. They shut down French and Belgian football for much less than this. This puts into question the whole PL season unless it is contained. The only way to contain it is to cancel our games until we show that our players do not have Covid.
We need a clean bill of health from everybody at the club or at the very least to show that those infected are isolating before a game should even be considered.
This bubble lark is great when there are no infections but as soon as there is an infection that is not diagnosed or dealt with it just adds to the spread. It becomes a super-spreader bubble. Unfortunately, that is where NUFC are and we haver to make sure it does not spread to the rest of the league and shut down the whole of the league.
NUFC and the PL have proven they are idiots. It is time for them to get their acts together.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
They’ll go ahead for the game and NUFC/PL will wiggle out of the situation – just my view Eric.
georgio(Quote)
Eric – I applaud the PL & NUFC for postponing the game if they deemed it risky.
Surely the fact they have shows how seriously they are taking it?!.
It’s a shame coz I missed watching us play last night & was left with Billy Joe Saunders or I’m a Celeb instead ??
Sharpy17(Quote)
georgio: you might be right because the PL never want to admit mistakes. They havent had a covid spreading like NUFC before though where so many are infected. They may want to look at their protocols in the light of this. The fact that Palace are clean means we will probably not get sanctions. I still dont see how the West Brom game can go ahead though.
We should have gone back to twice weekly testing after the 1st case 3 weeks ago. I know why we didnt. Because the PL only pay for 1 test a week and Ashley would have to pay for the 2nd.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I see the papers have finally cottoned on to Grealish diving. I have been banging on about his signature move of him running into a player’s leg on purpose and falling over. The media always talked about him being the most fouled player in the PL but never said he was cheating. He is a fantastic player and doesnt need to do this. Now the spotlight is on him he might stop? Doubt it, but I have noticed that the Refs have stopped giving all of the “fouls” on him.
Wasnt looking forward to facing him yesterday whether he dived or stayed on his feet.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I dont think I am overreacting on Covid. We have 8 out in a squad of 25. That shows how important early detection and quarantine are, especially where general protocols such as masks and social distancing are not required. I will shut up about it now though and see how it plays out in terms of returning to training and players coming back.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Eric – I don’t think you’re overreacting mate – I just think it was bound to happen sooner or later at one of the clubs.
I think the fact that it’s only happened now and only with NUFC (thus far) is real testament to how the PL & clubs have managed the situation.
It doesn’t surprise me as many as 8 have contracted it – because it’s such a contagious virus.
I don’t think the testing has been the problem – more the lack of either hygiene or discipline – probably a combination of both I expect.
It will be difficult to definitely identify the cause of the outbreak at SJP, but the main thing was that they done the right thing and postponed the game to avoid the potential spread to the Villa camp.
You hope that NUFC are managing things in house now and doing all they can to ensure that the players that have it are ok, and those that haven’t, don’t go on to catch it.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpy: I am not sure if we will have 14 players to put out against West Brom. That was the PL rule during Preject Restart. They didnt include the U23s either unless they had actually had a game. I dont think we have played any U23s this year, Matty? Has he been seen?
So you have the long term injuries. Plus Carroll, plus Fraser and then the 8 covid cases. Perhaps 2 of them might be back if they test negative. The rest are too recent and would still be on the 10 day quarantine. Not sure if Gayle would be considered fit?
If they stick with this 14 player rule, which is the starting 11 plus 3 subs from the 25 man squad I dont see how we get to that number. If we do, then the rest of the subs would be U23s.
I just dont see how we will be able to put out a competitive team against West Brom. BUT, that’s where we might see the true spirit of the players and we would nuckle down in the face of adversity. Plus, in these circumstances if you gave me a game to choose to play it would be West Brom at home.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
OK: so watching Man City against Fulham. Pep and Parker dont have masks. A couple of their assistants do, a couple dont. They are not social distancing. 4th official has a mask. The are fist bummping and not shaking hands, but you can bet there will be hugs for players at the end of the game.
I just do not understand the protocol.
Jon Moss should retire. I can run faster than him. And that shiny tight fitting jersey is not becoming a man of his girth, the fat ****.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I mean, De Bruyne high fives his teammates after scoring the pen but the Managers have to do fist bumps? Arent they all subject to the same testing and protocols? You can high five but not shake hands? The Ref doesnt need a mask but the 4th official does? Medical staff wear masks but assistants dont…
And they are letting people back into games in London? It may seem OK now but if there is one place I can think of that would be ready for a new outbreak at Xmas it is London. Has anybody ever been to Oxford Street at Xmas or Picadilly Circus?
I just dont get these rules. Maybe Stewie can explain 🙂
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Eric – I think providing we can turn out a goalkeeper & 11 outfield players & have at least 3 on the bench – we should be MADE to play – providing those players we have are COVID free and it’s safe to play & there’s no risk of passing it to our opponents – we should be made to play the games.
Other clubs have had to play without Covid positive players – Zaha, Salah spring to mind. But no other club I know of have had as many as 8 down at the same time. That suggests to me that we have either lacked hygiene around the training ground or lacked discipline with social distancing, cleanliness or face masks – those are the things that would spread the virus – not lack of tests.
So if it has been a case that WE have been more lax than the other clubs – why should we be given an advantage of postponing games instead of being made to play U23s?!. If it’s not safe then that’s different – the game should be cancelled. But if it’s lack of first team players – tough!. If we have the players from U23s then make us play I say.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Can we just hire everybody at Dortmund? They are playing now with a team with an average age of 21. Jude Bellingham just came on. I think he is 16. They also have the 17 year old son of Ex Mackem Claudio Reina who 17. He just scored. I saw a profile of him the other day and he is a future superstar. The Yanks look like they are setting up to have a good team when the WC comes here in 2026 with him and Pulisic and a few others.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Sharpy: the testing can diagnose who has Covid and they can be sent home to isolate so it is important mate. If they not at the training ground they cannot spread it no matter what the hygiene and social distancing. Simple as that. If they are not there they cannot spread it!
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Agreed mate, but the test only tells you if you are infected with the virus.
Hence why if you test positive you isolate for 10 days – but if you live with someone who’s positive it’s 14 days – coz you could be carrying it but not test positive yet.
That for me is why hygiene & cleanliness plus discipline with social distancing & face masks are more important in managing it.
Those few days between having it & being symptomatic is why it’s spread the way it has. Testing is really important, don’t get me wrong – but the testing process won’t be 100% accurate either & it just takes 1 wrong test or negative when in fact it’s positive and that could run through the squad if they aren’t careful with hygiene & the rest.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Look at how many players we have out injured mate – would you trust our medical staff with a cotton bud?? ?
Sharpy17(Quote)
I think that testing is even more important when you intentionally put people in a bubble like PL footballers and PL staff. You are allowing them to forgo all of the safeguards that the Govt impose on the rest of us because of the testing that is required.
The hygeine might be better as well but I hired a car last month and I saw them doing their hygeine stuff on other cars in the lot and it was thorough. Their business depends on it. Same with the hotels I stayed in. Plexiglass between guests and staff. Masks required. No room service. Pick up breakfast with apples and bagels even wrapped in clingfilm.
I actually think that the PL and clubs should be doing this sort of thing IN ADDITION to testing. They are in their bubble but that can lead to a bigger spreader event BECAUSE of the bubble. We can see how quickly this can escalate from NUFC.
I just think there is a bit of a lackadaisical attitude in the PL towards all of the other protocols that the rest of us have to adhere to. DO BOTH.
Every game I watch I am just amazed at how haphazard the adherence to these protocols are.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
PL clubs are in a unique and privileged position compared to the rest of society because the reasoning is that they will be tested and isolated in their own bubble. But the bubble is about 50 people if you include the squad and staff. What is recommended for the rest of us? Not more that like 10 at a social gathering. No pubs. No coffee houses.
Over here they are telling people not to gather at Xmas.
And yet the PL cut funding for testing, so it goes from twice a week to once a week.
And it really isnt a bubble anyway because the players go home at night.
This was bound to happen. And it was probably likely to be NUFC because as Sharpy says our medical staff dont seem to have a clue and Charnley heads up the club and most think he is only fit to be the tea boy.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Eric – I know it’s a different. But I work in an office where we have continued to work 24/7 since the first lockdown & throughout.
Whilst we have been signed off as COVID safe, we desk share & have communal areas like break out areas & the kitchen area.
We have had no organised testing or any kind of measures the PL will have in place for each team in the league.
Numerous staff have been tested at test sites throughout and some have isolated where necassary – but only 1 person has tested positive in all that time – and that was only mid Nov. Nobody else since that either – and I repeat, that’s with no regular tests – only good hygiene & disciplined precautions like distancing & masks where needed.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I’m watching WHU v Man Utd & 2 things stand out.
1 – I regret betting Moyes will be the first manager sacked (that was placed after the first 2/3 games) coz it’s obvious that’s going to be OGS watching this game – Man Utd are awful!!!.
2 – I was dead right about Bowen. Not only is he a PL player, but he’s one of the best players out there & is probably a solid 7/10 most weeks.
Sharpy17(Quote)
So here’s a question.
Pogba scored an absolute worldie today – unbelievable finish.
Does that make him World Class, coz for the rest of the game he did absolutely nothing!!.
I was about to slate him & Martial – to name just 2 – but those 2 combined are around £140m.
Then Pogba scored that goal & im not sure many other players could score it.
Personally I think he’s vastly overrated & nowhere near World Class – but has touches of genius in his feet.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpy: Pogba has always done that. I watched quite a few of his games at Juve and he would score that type of goal, hit a killer pass or piroutte and leave 2 players for dead. They came off about 1 in 5 times and most shots ended up in the stands. But Juve’s defense was so good they could cope with his strolling around and not making any tackles. He will win you 1 game in 5, but that doesnt make him world class.
He’s sort of like a French Darren Anderton and gets injured almost as much now.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Leeds 1 up. I still think Chelsea will win but we might see what happes if a less talented team attack them with a plan.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
How can the Leeds fans go to the game? Arent they tier 3? Leeds fans living in London? How would they know?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I see “Sir” Lewis Hamilton is giving the other drivers a chance by catching Covid.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Eric – which other PL teams is he getting in in the top 10?
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sunderland 0-1 Wigan … ??????????????
???????? oh dear.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Gilly: they look like they are going to hire the ex-Bristol Cuty Manager who was sacked. Also, the new owner is a 22 year old Trust Fundian who is buying 60%. Supposedly his Trust is 2 Billion but administered by his mother. I wonder how long it will take him to get bored with his new toy?
It could work out well and he will put the money in to get them out of the 3rd division. But…
Donald is keeping 15%, Medved(?) is keeping his 5% and that S American guy has 20%. Does keeping the old guard on ever work? Especially when they lied so much to the supporters. Even if they are silent partners I think there will be some resentment there.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Sharpy: I have no idea how Pogba got the reputation he has. He has always been the way he is now. The truly great players do something special every game and hardly make any mistakes. Think Messi, Ronaldo, Shearer, Pirlo, Maldini, Rummenege, Del Peiro and many more. I bet Pogba has more instagram folowers though 🙂 How 🙂 You even look at Harry Kane now and he is 10 times the player Pogba is.
I hear a lot of the commentators refer to him as Paul Pogba, world cup winner. But Sissoko outplayed him in most games.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Also Gilly: do you really think this 22 year old French guy knows who the ex-Manager of Bristol City is? I wonder who picked him?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Good goal by Pogba but before that he had not scored since April 2019. Once he was taken off penalty duty somehow his goal contribution plummeted 🙂 Sometimes the stats dont tell the full story as I saw a lot pundits and journos pointing to his goal tally as a measure of his worth to the team.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Eric – I’m pleased you weren’t watching the Everton game over here yesterday – the commentators kept referring to Pickford as the England goalkeeper just coz Southgate was in the stands – I was laughing thinking that would have set you right off!! ??
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpy: In watched the Man U game again. I know, there’s nowhere to go as everything is locked down! Pogba was absolutely ****, constantly giving the ball away. And it was not just the hollywood passes, it was the simple things. The only good thing he did in the entire game was his goal.
You know I have been banging on about Pickford for 2 years. Long before the media noticed. Same with Grealish. It was obvious that he was cheating but it didnt fit the media analysis of him being the golden boy. Now they seem to notice as his profile gets higher. BTW I think he should be in the England team, probably alongside Henderson. We dont have that many options in midfield.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Staying with Pickford. I hate his histrionics, and yelling and waving. It is not him directing the back 4 it is him yelling at then like a petulant child after something went wrong, usually that he was also at fault for. I would hate to be in his team and am surprised he hasnt been given a smack. Or at the very least been put on the naughty step by Carlo AND Southgate.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Watching West Brom and even though it is a bit hard to judge with them down to 10 men they look a Championship side. As long as we have Wilson, I think we will have too much for them even with players out. I reckon it is 50/50 to be played. Depends on the timing of the Covid tests and whether they reopen the training ground.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Just a quick word about Barca. They are now 7th in La Liga with 4 losses. They just lost to Cadiz, a promoted team with a population smaller than Norwich. Did they even watch Ronald Keoman at Everton? How the hell did he get that job?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I was trying to think of players that were good players but vastly overrated, like Pogba. I came up with Ray Wilkins and Jermaine Jenas. A controversial one would be Roy Keane. I never really got the love in for that petulant thug.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
It is amazing how good of a player Sissoko is now. Poch chaged him to a defensive mid who will cover the right fullback as well. He realised that Moussa snatched at any shot and misplaced his final ball when played up front. He doesnt do that in midfield but can still bring the ball out with one of his trademark runs. He is always in the game now and has loads of energy. He would diappear in so many matches for us. Jose has only made him better. I cannot believe I am watching the same player as at NUFC.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Eric – I watched the game too – Spurs had match stats Bruce would be proud of – and yet Jose is the best manager of my life time imo including Fergie. Better than Pep & Klopp (though Klopp has potential).
I think Spurs are real title contenders this season. They might not win it the way Klopp or Pep would win it – but Jose has a winning way.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Been thinking this through. As long as the training ground opens tomorrow (Mon) we should be able to put a team out against West Brom. The 1st three covid cases that were left back for Palace a week gone Friday should be available tomorrow. Then there are a couple of injured players who could return, at least to the bench – Lascelles, St Max, Fraser, Dwight.
We have plenty of cover in defense and Matty can play if needed in midfield.
The ones that tested positive last Sunday will be available midweek. Of course they could be short of fitness.
Just all depends on WHO was positive to see what sort of team we can play. Please not Wilson!!! We need negative tests, the training ground reopened and above all nobody (or only 1 or 2) to develop symtoms.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I have to be fair to the pundits yesterday.
I was expecting them to rave about Jose being top of the table & Spurs being title contenders – which they did, but at the same time spoken clearly about it being a hard watch.
I understand Spurs sitting in in the 2nd half – 22% of possession roughly. But the first half was little better – round 33% I think.
They defended well & broke with Son & Kane – those 2 are different class.
But the reason it worked so well – Hojberg & Sissoko. A CM that let nothing passed them through the middle – and it’s the exact thing NUFC don’t have to fully make it work.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I am a bit shocked that the names of players with Covid have not leaked. There will be speculation tomorrow if the training ground reopens based on who does not train. I dont think it will tell us who was positive in the 1st batch because they should be clear by then as long as they didnt develop symtoms.
If all goes well we will have 4 days training for most of the squad and a couple of days for those who tested positive later. Not ideal, but Bruce should get it into his head that he can use his subs before the 80th minute and have a plan to think about taking a couple of tired players off on 60 mins.
I would have liked them to tell us who tested positive AND WHEN because it would give me a better idea of who might play on Saturday and because every other team has done so (We know, for example that Wilf Zaha tested positive). The medical privacy excuse is just that, an excuse, and is indicative of the way NUFC works with no transparancy or communication and secrecy for secrecy’s sake.
Even the Trump administration is open about Covid testing. Over 50 have tested positive so far including Donald, his wife and Giuliani. I cannot believe that the oranage man-baby tyrant is more open about covid than NUFC. The medical disclosure laws are more restrictive over here than in the US and yet we know who tested positive in The White House.
I still think West Brom is touch and go, although I am not as negative about playing the game as I was late last week.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
B)llocks. Just when I was getting a bit more optimistic Olly reports via The Telegraph that NUFC Covid cases are “well into double figures”. Looks like my initial thoughts were correct and we are screwed.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
OK: Are the whole squad self isolating? If not, why couldn’t we sanitize a non-league ground and have players not infected train there? They could turn up in their kit and not even have to use the training facilities. Hell, most of them live in track suits anyway so it would be like a normal day except they have shorts underneath.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Using a non-league ground is such an obvious solution and should have been done last week EXCEPT I bet they have been told that everybody is on self isolation because of contact tracing protocols etc. BUT if we cannot open up the training ground then why not just train in a park, or Athletic facility or non-league ground? Better than being on a treadmill. At least they could kick a ball, discuss formations, get out of the house etc…
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Just read Olly’s earlier report on Covid at NUFC (it is hard to keep up with the articles sometimes). They really dont have a handle on this yet and it looks like Bruce is doing the right thing now and playing it safe. With players and staff infections now “Well into double figures” you really cannot see West Brom going ahead no matter how much I optimistically WANTED it to happen. The most worrying thing about Olly’s report was that family members who are more vulnerable have been infected. This is what thay call a super-spreader event over here (not sure if that term is used in the UK). It is the worst case scenario apart from hospitalizations and deaths.
The PL should do the right thing and shut the club down for at least a week.
Most of this is coming from Luke Edwards who has Bruce’s ear so I am sure it is all true. It would actually be good to hear from the club though on such a serious matter.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
As usual, The Chronic are way behind the curve on this. They are acting like it is another day at the office. At least their ex-reporter Luke Edwards is taking it seriously and he seems to have contacts at NUFC. He is a bit of a pr!ck but he is usally first with any meaningful news. What do Lee Ryder and Mark Douglas do all day? You could see this coming a mile off. I was hoping it wouldnt get this bad but as reports came out that there were cases 3 weeks ago, that some players stayed in Newcastle for the Palace game but that some that played later tested positive, you could see this was a big deal. And yet, The Chronic just rehashed yet another John Hall story. That is not news. A super spreader event at NUFC potentially shutting down the whole club for weeks was/is a story!!!!
It also had implications for the who PL as other clubs would not want to play us. And if you risk spread to more clubs, you risk the season.
I ranted on here and was even afraid of being a chicken little. But these people are supposed to be journalists and have some sort of sense of what is important and what is news, a story! As usual they have failed because they do not have any instincts.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Our covid situation at the club gets worse, Double figures now 🙄
Have to keep leaving my house so folk can be shown round, it’s bloody cold out too, can’t go to friends as they are not in my bubble and we are tier 3 here. I’m not wanting to walk around shops either as too packed, then there are the ones who want to come back for a second look around 🙄
they really hack me off cause i know that if you want a property you know almost instantly. If you need a second look before offering then your not really serious. 6 in here today, i been out all b loody afternoon and another 2 tomorrow plus a returner. Hope they are defo covid free.
Also fed up of keeping it like a show home , hanging up my washing tomorrow s od it.
kimtoon(Quote)
Kimtoon: Sounds like you have enough people interested to get a bid. Short term pain for long term gain!
Eric Sykes(Quote)
IL in lockdown, CA in lockdown, NY about to be in lockdown.
Giuliani now has CV19.
We need some Karma and he should die. Him and Trump are just kunts who have said this is a hoax. Trump even still says that. As I said to Stewie, would you have rather have Hitler die in 1934? I think Trump and Giuliani are only one step below.
One death of a kunt like Rudy may help. Better that it was Trump, but that tw@t will do.
I have always hated him. He took advantage of a tragedy in NY for his own self interest and to promote himself on the political stage. He hasnt changed in 30 years. Just looks a lot older and sweatier.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Eric, i hope i get an offer mate, hate this part of selling and the dreaded surveys .
kimtoon(Quote)
Quite a bit of chat about Jetro rejoining us on a small or zero fee.
I know his injury was a bad one, but I thought he was excellent for us when he was here & was a real shame his spell with us was cut short. With Lewis there now, I think Jetro would be a good addition providing his medical could be passed.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I see the players are back at training. My gut feeling is we won’t see much of a difference against WBA as mostly when we play we don’t look like we’ve spent time on a training ground.
Stuart79(Quote)
Sorry to rant about Giuliani. I dont want him to die (maybe I do). He is already part of the undead. He looks like a walking corpse. Is that a Zombie or a Vampire? Zombie i think, as vampires are normally nubile young women, in films, anyway.
As for Trump. His face is fast turning into orange shoe leather. Can you imagine a 2024 election with an 82 year old Biden and 78 year old Trump?
The world has gone mad.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Sharpy, i loved Jetro mate, excellent player. If fitness ok i would have him back in a heartbeat .
First offer on my house in today £20k below asking price !! Cheeky gits.
kimtoon(Quote)
Back to NUFC. The players turning up in training will not tell us who tested positive for Covid because it has been long enough that some will have recovered. Do I care? I dont know. All other teams tell you their players health status. The medical privacy excuse is a crock of **** because they tell us if a player is out with a hamstring injury or for a achiles operation.
As Olly said in his last piece, it is about transparency and secrecy. NUFC are the fcn Kremlin of football.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I mean, they told us Jonas Guiterez had testicular cancer. How much more personal medical information do you need! But no! It is all privacy and protecting the rights of the players now!
Eric Sykes(Quote)
And Lee Ryder just sits on his barstool and doesnt say a word (are the pubs open?). And Mark Douglas OKs another article on John Hall and says The Chronic dont do click bait.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
It is literally b0ollocks – pun intended, from the club and The Chronic.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
What I am saying is that the same people that told us Jonas had testicular cancer are telling us that we cannot know who has Covid because of medical privacy rules/issues. And yet, Palace tell us Zaha was isolating.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
This is true. Break Dancing will debut as an Olympic sport in Paris in 2024.
What will be next? Twerking? Extreme frizbee? The Great British Bake-off?
Eric Sykes(Quote)