A positive end to pre-season in front of 20,139 fans at St James’ Park, with a Matt Ritchie opener and Dwight Gayle brace handing us a 3-0 win over newly promoted Norwich.
The Canaries were the better side in a first 45 lacking in any real spark, passing the ball around well and looking sharper in all departments, however we were a totally different threat in the second half as Allan Saint-Maximin, Ryan Fraser and Jonjo Shelvey changed the game.
Matt Ritchie opened the scoring just before the half hour mark, before a bright Dwight Gayle bagged twice following some great work from Fraser and Manquillo.
Allan Saint-Maximin had some electric moments after coming on from the bench, while Callum Wilson also came through unscathed after returning from a minor hamstring issue.
STARTING 11: (5-3-2) – Woodman – Murphy, Krafth, Fernandez (c), Clark, Ritchie – Hayden, S Longstaff, Almiron – Joelinton, Wilson.
SUBS: Gillespie, M Longstaff, Schar, Lascelles, Shelvey, Saint-Maximin, Gayle, Lewis, Hendrick, Manquillo, Fraser, Langley, Watts.
It was a huge boost to see Callum Wilson start, suggesting his hamstring is OK, with Miguel Almiron also straight into the starting XI after only returning from his extended pre-season break earlier this week.
Allan Saint-Maximin’s return to the bench was also a positive sign after the Frenchman sat out of our last three pre-season friendlies through illness.
Missing was Karl Darlow and Martin Dubravka – meaning Woodman looks highly likely to start against West Ham next weekend – while U23 talents Elliot Anderson (injury) and Joe White failed to make the matchday squad.
Norwich saw plenty of the ball early on and tested Woodman with the first shot of the game. We were pressing high and trying to unsettle the visiting side’s back three. Joelinton and Hayden nicked it back a couple of times, but the final ball that followed was often lacking.
Woodman then did well again at the other end to parry clear a fierce volley from summer signing Pierre Lees-Melou – the former Nice midfielder who was chatting at length to Saint-Maximin before kick off.
Norwich were on top, with a tame effort from Callum Wilson the only effort we managed as we approached the 20 minute mark.
Things did improve from a NUFC perspective – Almiron was a lively outlet and Murphy energetic down the right – however we were struggling to enjoy sustained periods of possession and looked pedestrian when we did against a Norwich side who looked brighter on the ball.
Almiron aside, our engine room looked slow and static, reminding us all how badly we needed Joe Willock back. In a midfield three that had a five-man defence behind them, Hayden and Sean Longstaff were sitting too deep.
We were also trying to play out from the back, but it was a struggled based on the lack of ball-playing defenders at our disposal.
The half-time whistle went and it’s fair to say Norwich had been the better side, looking sharper in all departments across the first 45.
The players returned to the field and Bruce – who visited the NUFC Foodbank before the game – had made three changes, as Allan Saint-Maximin, Ryan Fraser and Jonjo Shelvey replaced Joelinton, Miguel Almiron and Sean Longstaff.
As expected, it was ASM who immediately got Newcastle fans on their feet, with the Frenchman bursting past a few bright orange shirts to inject some much needed spark to the game.
Ryan Fraser then broke free down the line and almost played Wilson in, only for his cross to be too close to Tim Krul.
The former Bournemouth star was then involved again moments later, as his ball over the top put Saint-Maximin in behind. Krul came out to meet him, got nowhere near it and was forced to retreat, with Fraser’s creativity, Shelvey’s searching balls in behind and ASM’s sheer pace and trickery helping us unsettle a previously comfortable Norwich side.
After a much improved start to the 2nd half, we then found the breakthrough on 55 minutes.
Norwich lost the ball in a bad area, Wilson held up the ball well after latching onto a deflected shot and Ritchie arrived in the midst of a goal-mouth scramble to prod home. 1-0 Newcastle!
The three subs were making a huge difference, with us also benefiting from a slight tweak in midfield. After a double pivot behind Miguel Almiron left attackers looking isolated in the first 45, Fraser and Hayden were now breaking forward in front of a sitting Jonjo Shelvey.
Teemu Pukki entered the field on the 60th minute mark – the man who bagged a hat-trick against us in Bruce’s first away game as NUFC manager – and that substitution was quickly followed by FIVE changes by Steve Bruce.
Jamal Lewis came on against his former club, replacing goal scorer Matt Ritchie, while Dwight Gayle, Jeff Hendrick, Fabian Schar and Jamaal Lascelles replaced Callum Wilson, Isaac Hayden, Emil Krafth and Federico Fernandez.
74 minutes on the clock and it was 2-0 Newcastle thanks to some lovely link up play between Fraser and Gayle.
We won the ball high up the field once again, Fraser put Gayle in behind with a perfectly weighted through ball and the NUFC striker finished superbly, curling past Krul with the outside of his boost.
Minutes later, it was very nearly 3-0 as Allan Saint-Maximin burst through on goal after being played through brilliantly by Ciaran Clark. The Frenchman probably took too long to get a shot off, however it was a superb last ditch challenge from Omobamidele.
A fit-again Javier Manquillo then came on for his first appearance of pre-season, with he and local lad Kell Watts replacing Jacob Murphy and a cautioned Ciaran Clark for the final 10 minutes.
The Spaniard was involved soon after and played a key part in our third, with his superb cross being converted at close range by Dwight Gayle. Two goals for him and 3-0 Newcastle!
3-0 Newcastle, an impressive second half display – making up for what was a flat first 45 minutes – a good run out for returning duo Saint-Maximin and Shelvey and also great to see Wilson come through unscathed.
Next up, West Ham at home a week on Sunday in our opening game of the 2021/22 Premier League season.
Now for a few new signings…
Sorry did Bruce, the players and 20k plus fans not get the script???!!!
All is negative & miserable at the moment!! – you can’t go cheering the players before kick off!! – where were the banners, boos & jeers??? .. call yourself fans??!!.
Then there’s Bruce & the players going and winning 3-0 … absolute joke!!.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I think fans have every reason to be fed up mate.
No takeover, no signings and neglect from MA and the EPL isn’t all forgotten after a 3-0 win in pre-season…
Olly Hawkins(Quote)
I am hoping to see more from Fraser and Lewis.
I watched Fraser and Wilson in that really good season they had at B’mth. They frightened defenders. There is a good player in there, it is up to NUFC to bring it out.
Then there is Lewis. He cost 15 million but he is an attacking left back. Since today is the day to compliment Bruce I think he did the right thing last season in taking him out of the firing line. If we can move up the pitch a bit more we can play Lewis more. He showed signs at times of playing well with ASM.
Lastly Gayle. I have never been as down on Dwight as some seem to be. I always thought/think that given the right service he will get us a few goals. He also scores in spurts so you have to give him a run in the side. With Wilson’s injury record he should get that as long as we do not think we are Man City and play 9 midfielders.
Eric(Quote)
Olly – if people were naive enough to still believe that this takeover nonsense was still a goer that’s their own fault.
There will be signing, we all know there will be – we generally leave our business late.
We also know that Ashley wants rid of the club, so those signings will be of minimal cost because why would he put substantial money into a club he wants rid of?!.
Minimal cost doesnt not have to mean minimal quality though – the loan of Willock being the obvious example.
Don’t I want better? – yes of course I do, but I’m a big boy and understand the situation the club is in – that’s not Bruce or the players fault.
Funny you should say the EPL isn’t all forgotten coz of a 3-0 win. The amount of articles I read & saw stating relegation was nailed on coz we lost or drew to York or whoever ??♂️.
3-0 is 3-0. Well played to the boys today & massive credit to the 20k fans cheering them on – showing and new potential signings or owners at Newcastle isn’t totally toxic ??????
Sharpy17(Quote)
Looks like Rafa has a task on his hands. Got beat 4-0 by Man U and the Mackem T-Rex was up to his old tricks and cost them a goal. I will be surprised if Rafa sticks with him.
I thought Everton were vastly overrated last year. Even we beat them twice. They do not have very good players. 9th or 10th is about their level if they dont get players in. The Blue Bindippers will blame Rafa but Ancelotti could only get them 10th.
Eric(Quote)
Eric – I think a big problem for both players last season was they were trying to find their place in a side where the manager not only didn’t know his best 11, but wasn’t settled on what formation he wanted to play either – it was a problem for most players really.
Lewis for example went into the team with 3 CBs – but we were playing the wing backs more defensively and I don’t think that’s his strength. Then Bruce switched to 4 at the back & Lewis was a LB, but I don’t think that really suited him either. He also had ASM in front of him who wasn’t quick to help with defensive duties.
Ritchie & Murphy are more attacking & I think Lewis will suit this set up better. I wouldn’t be dropping Ritchie any time soon coz I think he’s a key player for us – but Lewis will be good back up.
People like to talk about Hendrick on a free – but seem to forget Fraser was a free too. He didn’t seem settled last season – excellent on set pieces but not half as dangerous as he could be. But he’s stated pre season really well – maybe that’s what he was missing last season.
Regardless, if we can keep him fit & motivated, I think he could play a big part this season.
Gayle works hard mate, can’t fault his effort. But he’s not a clinical PL forward – his record for Palace &
us confirms that. His finished today were decent enough, but I wouldn’t back him if Wilson was out for 6-8 games or longer.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Eric – I’m not hearing excuses for Rafa already mate. He finished 10th and 13th with a **** Newcastle side when he wasn’t backed – so I’ve heard so many times.
He’s at a club with more ambition now, who will back him by adding to an already good squad.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Only 3 of our 1st 10 games are on live TV. I was wondering the other day why we continued to get picked when we played awful football. I guess they have cottoned on, although we did play better towards the tail end of last season.
Just dont show us against Brighton 🙂
Eric(Quote)
Sharpy: that wasnt an excuse for Rafa it was much more a comment on how overrated the Everton squad are. I could care less about Rafa. I thought he was very average for us and could never understand the fan love fest. Could not understand the Keys hate fest either 🙂
As I have said many times, Rafa relegated the most talented squad ever to go down and he had plenty of time to save us contrary to what his fanboys make out.
Eric(Quote)
Should be interesting in Spain with Real and Barca not being able to buy the league.
Eric(Quote)
Eric – no I know mate, I know your feelings about Rafa are similar to mine mate.
I agree about the Everton squad, but plenty big them up & see them as a challenger to the top 6 – so can’t have it both ways.
Equally people think our squad is poorer than I do & are often quick to put a defeat on the managers (note I don’t say Bruce or Rafa there). I will call players out for poor performances and be told it’s down to coaching or a lack of tactical understanding – our strongest 11 are a good bunch of players – our problem is the back up players is a big drop off in quality in key positions.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Just watched Leicester beat the might Man City – brilliant!!!.
Leicester are without doubt my second team – I love what the owners have achieved there.
On the other hand I hate Man City & what they have become. Close to 1 billion on transfers – and that’s just for Pep. No doubt today’s defeat will only result in them spending another £130-£150m on Harry Kane now. It’s ugly imo, the worst of modern day football.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Thanks for putting the goals up Olly. Gayle often gets criticized for looking disinterested. He didnt really crack a smile when he scored today. I think that might just be his way. You never see an exuberant celebration but I am sure he is happy. He looks the same when he is subbed as when he scores. I think I would rather see stoic Dwight than those stupid preplanned choreographed dances (Pogba).
I am going to try to give Brucie a clean slate. He seems to have now embraced Jones whatever his lies are about how he was hired and who hired him. That means demotion for the useless other Steves. He also seems to see how improtant Willock is, so maybe an old dog is learning a few new tricks?
He is still a gobshyte but that may be his lack of vocabulary as he only knows 2 adjectives – delighted and pleasing or their derivatives. The thing is though that most of our Managers under Ashley have been gobshytes. He inherited BFS. But there are no bigger bloviators than Kinnear, Pardew and Ugly John. Even McClaren , for all his little boy lost expession, was still full of himself/shyte.
Eric(Quote)
Sharpy: I have warmed to Brendan. I thought he was too arrogant when he first arrived on the scene and had done nothing. But he was a Steven Gerrard slip away from winning the title. He then went to Celtic and won everything going. People say it is only Scotland but Celtic arnt doing so well now. And Leicester. Had they ever won the FA Cup before? Pep considers the Community Shield to be a real trophy, or at least he says it is in his Press Conferences so we should congratulate Brendan for that.
Eric(Quote)
On the subject of managers I distrusted. I trust Southgate more now. There was no way he was qualified for the England job but he has grown into it. We were a couple of pens away from winning the Euros FFS. I think England and Italy must be WC favourites. Argentina are aging and Brazil are just not that good. Has there ever been a South American team win the WC outside of the Americas?
Then there is France. They have talent but I would never put money on a team that has Pogba in it.
Eric(Quote)
Eric – it’s a spectator sport though mate & strikers in particular are there to entertain aren’t they?!.
I agree, I don’t want a Pogba bodypop – but a celebration or show of emotion would be good, and certainly get more fans on side. It’s his choice obviously, but it baffles me that he doesn’t.
Murphy even picked him up after his first goal & still nothing.9
Sharpy17(Quote)
Eric – wasn’t he a student of Jose?. I’m sure he was part of his coaching staff – so maybe bad habits picked up there.
Was it him that had a massive picture or painting of himself in his living room or something?. Too c0cky too soon, but he’s certainly proving himself to be a top manager.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I dont think he studied under Jose but I do know he spent time at the Barca academy as a spectator and I think he got to talk to the staff.
The picture in his living room is massive. I think it is funny that he hung it up but I also think it was from a charity auction. Not sure whether someone bought it and gave it to him but I do remember there was a charity involved.
On Gayle, I looked up youtube and they had goals from 16/17. Sometimes he celebrated and sometimes he didnt. Usually not wildly but he would sometimes cup his hand to his ear or make a shush motion. He has toned it down even more now. I think he is probably unhappy with the lack of games but he should still cheer up. One of the other players should have a word and tell him he is giving off the wrong vibe to supporters and it is so easy to fix – just smile a bit more.
Eric(Quote)
Nice to see Gayle get on the score sheet but i would still like another forward in. Rondon is on a free and we should be all over that imo, he loved it here.
Ice, The Garden will eventually be all gravel with pots and a couple of beds. I am putting a low fence across the lawn as well and the area behind it will be for our hazel to grow fruit and veg ( a mini allotment for her, gravel base raised beds. Have asked the guy who felled the trees to quote to remove the lawn, it’s 50ft x 60ft and really bumpy, all thatchy and mossy. That border i worked on nearly bloomin killed me, stripping out the overgrowth digging over, putting down membrane and covering with 2 tons of chippings. I also have to get a dilapidated sunroom demolished and replaced at some point. Lost the one decent cupboard to store hoovers coats and ironing board when they made the bathroom bigger. I have zero storage room until garage gets built and stuff is everywhere it’s driving me nuts cause I can’t find owt. They are coming monday to demolish old garage and start building new one, can’t wait. Have made a sweet deal with my neighbor though. He has a lot of vans for his business, he’s going to clear that 20ft square area of scrub where the brambles were and turn it into a car port for a couple off his trailers . He will put up a high fence so i don’t see them, it’s at the bottom of the garden so not a problem for me. He does the work and pays for stuff to sort it so saves me a packet and he gets to park his gear for as long as he wants or until i snuff it lol. I will be happier once i can store stuff away and start decorating which will likely be next spring now. Concentrating on outside and alterations to house first.
Kittens getting big now too, i need to build a catio soon, god knows i have enough room.
KIMTOON(Quote)
Reckon my house will be fixed up before we get taken over.
KIMTOON(Quote)
I hate to say this, but I think Man U have a better team than Man City. They certainly have a more balanced team. If I was them I would sell Martial and Pogba and buy Kane. They have 1 more year of Cavani and Mason Greenwood coming through. See if Greenwood is a 20 goal a season striker, but he can also play out wide.
Man U have better players than Liverpool so should be at worst top 3 with City and Chelsea.
Even with OGS I think they will push for the league this year. With Kane, and without Pogba I think they would win it.
Eric(Quote)
It might seem like I hate Pogba. I dont. I think he has all the skills but is a distraction, a show pony, cant tackle and plays 1 good game in 5.
Eric(Quote)
Totally agree.
KIMTOON(Quote)
It is predictions time of year again. I dont really care what happens at the top but I will predict it anyway. Man U, Man City, Chelsea, Liverpool.
I think after that it will be Leicester, Spurs, Arsenal. None of the chasing pack are as good as the pundits think they are, including Villa, Wolves and Everton. Maybe Villa might split Spurs and Arsenal. From Spurs down they are miles away from top 4 and could all be called midtable teams.
At the bottom it will be 2 of the promoted teams plus either Burnley or Southampton.
I reckon we are 15th to 19th without Willock, Depends on injuries and if Bruce plays Fraser instead of Donkey. It is hard to make a definitive prediction until the transfer window closes.
If we sign Willock I think we could be as high as 12th again after another big struggle with a lot of ups and downs.
Eric(Quote)
man U winnling the league depends on them selling Pogba and Martial and getting another striker – Kane.
Eric(Quote)
We have a few things going for us.
1. We have a decent 1st team that mainly needs the addition of a good midfielder.
2. We have forwards who can worry other teams
3. Bruce seems to have accepted Jones and as a bonus the Steves have been demoted to putting out the cones and mending the nets (I hope).
4. There will not be the distraction of the bloody takeover. I think they will push the CAT case to next year if they hear it at all.
Eric(Quote)
What could hurt are these stupid protests outside the ground. They can do whatever they like after the match or in the city centre, I just think it creates a bad feeling if it is before the match at the ground. What are they protesting anyway? The club doesnt have any money and Ashley obviously wants to sell. I am not defending Fatty, but what do they want him to do at this point?
Eric(Quote)
Sharpy: did you ever go on that Northumberland Cottage Trip? I have been reading in The Guardian about rates being hiked. I dont understand this glamping thing. It seems to combine the inconvenience of camping (toilets, showers, cooking) with the cost hotels. Most campsites are on the outskirts of towns as well.
I was in Scotland 18 months ago. Admittedly offseason, but I got very decent hotels for about 60 pounds a night inc. full breakfast. They all had bars and restauarants as well which you wouldnt get glamping.
Eric(Quote)
Arsenal are desperately trying to raise money to buy Maddison from Leicester – but even before Leicester winning yesterday, is Arsenal a better option for Maddison than Leicester??.
The only thing I can think is bigger wages and the draw of the bright lights of the Capital.
I don’t think it will affect them selling or letting Willock leave coz Arteta doesn’t seem to rate him – and after his loan spell with us last season, they know his value is the highest it’s been.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Some people are acting like West Ham are favourites. We are at home with the crowd back. We outplayed them except for 20 minutes at their place last season. Then at home we were strolling with a 2 nil lead at half time and them down to 10 men. Then inexplicably we sat back and let them score 2 goals before that man Willock won it.
I know it is a different season but some teams you just set up well against. Hopefully, that is true again for West Ham. There are other teams you just cannot fathom. Brighton comes to mind.
Even with the lack of transfers I am not getting doom and gloom yet. West Ham are decent but if I could choose a top half team from last year to start against it would be them, especially at home.
Eric(Quote)
Eric – we had a week on Holy Island last year mate. Booked another one for April but coz of lockdown have deferred it for next summer. We also have a week in Boulmer booked for October – love the place mate. It’s our intention to move up there/retire up there eventually.
We actually just got back from a fortnight in Scotland yesterday.
We usually do a fortnight in the Caribbean – Mexico or Domin, but opted for a UK based hol this year to guarantee the break. Pleased as well coz we’d be quarantined if we went Mexico.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Some talk about Rondon on a free – he himself has said he’d love to come back.
Sadly I’m not sure the club are looking at it with him being 32. But I think he’d be an excellent short term answer to cover Wilson.
We’ve got rid of Carroll – but I think Rondon would want at least double the wages Carroll was on – I think he’d score far more goals to earn those wages, but I don’t think the club would see it as good business – but he’d certainly be a good signing at minimal expense imo.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Mixed feelings seeing Messi sobbing at his press conference today.
That club has been his life really, and he will probably be the greatest ever player in the clubs history.
But his huge wages have made it impossible. He has made enough money in his career so far to see out his final years for free!! or a pay as you play contract.
If the club meant that much to him he certainly wouldn’t be leaving for PSG.
He’s blaming the wage structure put in place by La Liga – but it exists so the smaller clubs have a chance to compete – a very small chance, but a chance all the same.
I have no sympathy for Barca at all, and only a small amount for Messi – coz if he leaves it’s for a pay day he really doesn’t need.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I agree Sharpy. It’s hard to fathom. So much money in his bank already. Just play for fun mate!
georgio(Quote)
Georgio – even if he said £100k per game and £50k per goal of assist – he’d hardly be getting robbed.
Barca went and signed Aguero & Depay this summer too – so their wages combined could have kept Messi there on a reduced wage.
These super clubs have had things their own way too long imo – and City’s spends need brought into line too – but that would require the PL to do their job properly – fat chance!!.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I see Liverpool are signing Bobby Clark. How come? He’s at NUFC AND he’s the son of Lee Cark. Yes, our Lee Clark. Who played for us when he was just 17. This is a big big mistake. A bit like Solshire leaving us to join ManU. Next thing he’s in their first team playing against us. Stupid NUFC, Bruce and Charnley for letting this happen.
georgio(Quote)
Messi will always be a Barca legend, and rightly so for what he’s achieved.
But can you imagine his status if he stayed on reduced wages???.
Instead he’ll be a player that leaves for monster wages, to a club he has no affiliation to at all & his career will fizzle out.
PSG on the other hand look set to let one of the best young players in the world leave for shirt sales.
They should be building a team round Mbappe – signing Pogba and becoming the next super power of Europe. Instead they are signing Ramos & Messi.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I’m not too disappointed that we didn’t get Tuanzebe.
The deal would cost us around £7.5m to loan him for a season – and Man Utd don’t plan to sell him, so no long term benefits at all.
We have 4 CBs already & Kraft & Dummett who look more comfortable as CBs as a back 3 than they do full backs anyway.
Also young Kell Watts looks ready to challenge for a senior squad place & I’d rather he got his chance.
Our need for players is greater in other positions, so I’d rather use that money more wisely.
Sharpy17(Quote)
We have to get behind the team. We can beat West Ham.
No Protests.
There is still 3 weeks left for transfers and we only really need 1 – Willock. And some backup.
We also have Bruce deferring to Jones on tactics and set pieces now rather that the useless Steves. That has to be a positive.
Eric(Quote)
Right this is just getting stupid now like!!.
We have agreed a fee of £25m for Willock!!.
Are these fools not reading the scripts here like???. It’s negativity please!!!.
AND … Ashley was only giving a £10m budget according to everyone that knows!!.
Sharpy17(Quote)
This would be an outstanding signing imo & brilliant work by the club.
If we buy him it keeps the 2 loan spots open too.
If we could get Hamza or Maitland-Niles, that would strengthen our midfield.
If we could loan Ross Barkley or a forward as well – I don’t think that would be a bad window
Sharpy17(Quote)
Looks like we will get Willock. A TOTAL fee of 25 million usually means a bit less up front with add-ons for appearances or getting an England call up. But who really cares.
We now have the team that finished last season. We know we will have injuries but we had them towards the end of of last season as well. Remember Fraser and Hayden were out.
Just for the hell of it I added up the points since Jones arrived on Jan 27, 2020.
Total Games: 17
Total Points: 26
Points Per Game: 1.53
Extrapolated to 38 game season: 58 points
Eric(Quote)
Looks like the Fat Man might be serious about keeping us in the PL. That’s the only way he gets to sell us for anywhere near his asking price. I am OK if Bruce’e role is picking the team and doing the press conferences. He is exceedingly bad at press conferences if we lose because then it is a blame game to him, but I dont mind him when we win 🙂 I already know he will say he is pleased and delighted so I dont even need to watch it.
As Sharpy said we still have the 2 loan slots open. Remember we didnt fill them last year and only even filled one with Willock after Jan. There must be some youngster at Chesea or City that wants a few games? We will get injuries and it will be all hands on deck over the Xmas period as usual.
Even 5 or 6 games and a few as sub is better than U23 football! And if it is midfield they are probably guaranteed more.
Howay the Lads.
Eric(Quote)
What is also good for the loaning team is their players will be training with our first team and not their reserves. We also have the draw of one of the England Euros coaches.
Eric(Quote)
Sorry for being positive Sharpy 🙂
If anybody looked back at what I have said on here the only time I really got negative is when I thought they were insisting on a loan only for Willock. That was never going to happen and it looks like NUFC had to cave on that one.
Eric(Quote)
I’ll be well chuffed if we really get Willock, and now it does look like it will happen…
On Messi, agree with what you guys already said. If he cared that much He could easily have played for minimal wages or even for free. He doesn’t need the money anymore. Such fake tears! It’s all about money.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Some Willock highlights. The lad has everything. It doesnt always come off but he gives it a go.
I am very wary of youtube highlights but this is from an Arsenal fan. Imagime if we tried to put together a Donkey highlight reel? It would last 30 seconds. My distruct of youtube highlights goes back to Albert Luque.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-YZhuu3Heo
Eric(Quote)
It could only be Jose Mourinho. He got himself sent off in a Roma preseason friendly where 3 of players were also sent off and they shipped 5 goals 🙂
Eric(Quote)
I read The Mag comments and they are all so pessimistic. We are in a much better place to start this season than last. To start with, Wislon is bedded in and ASM is fit. Then, of course there is Willock. But there’s more…
Gayle is fit, he missed the first half of last season.
Lewis has a year under his belt and should play a lot better if we attack more.
Murphy has proved himself.
Fraser is fit. Bruce hardly used him in the first 3 months. He is actually a very good player and can fill in for ASM when West Ham have kicked him off the park. Remember the 1st game last year? That was their one and only tactic.
Darlow has proved himself to be an able deputy to Dubs. I was really worried about him last year.
Eric(Quote)
I’m amazed and disappointed at the lack of excitement and praise for the Willock deal on this site like.
I’ve read plenty of articles about how **** the club is and Ashley not putting money in to keep us up – £25m for a player most people thought we’d only loan (me included).
Willock has been their main target & they are getting their man – our man!! He wrote himself into our history books last season.
I know the deal isn’t done yet – but nobody can accuse the club of not doing enough.
You don’t have to be happy with all things NUFC to at least give credit where it’s due.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Olly,
Didn’t you get the email I sent with the Sellars story attached?
georgio(Quote)
I see Saints have agreed a fee for Armstrong – could be a tidy sum heading our way ????
Sharpy17(Quote)
I never thought we had a bad squad unlike so many on other blogs. There is quite a lot of talent there, especially when compared to Burnley or Palace last year. We were badly coached by the Steves. The evidence was clear from the fact we couldnt take a corner or a throw in and even with 5 at the back the main tactic was hoof it long, negating our biggest plus – pace.
Eric(Quote)
As I said earlier, if the form after Jones came in had continued for a full season we would have had 58 points. That does not point to a bad squad, that points to previously bad coaching!!!
Eric(Quote)
If Chelsea get Lukaku I think they win the PL this season.
It will certainly make the league more interesting coz I think with the players Man Utd have bought too – it’s a straight 4 horse race between Chelsea, City, Liverpool & Utd .. but with Lukaku I’d just fancy Chelsea I think.
Sharpy17(Quote)
The Mag have some quotes from Arsenal fans on Willock. They seem to be split down the middle. What was intersting is that they have made their minds up on a 21 year old who played 235 minutes for them last season. He turns 22 in a month. That means he was mid-21 when we got him which is when you would expect him to shine and show his true worth. There arent many teenagers who break through into the first team and are stars straight away. The current crop of England youngsters is a complete anomaly.
And Maddison is not a 60 million pound player. He is a fringe England player and that should not cost 60 mil. All that money for a few good free kicks. If you actually look at how many direct free kicks go in you will see it is not really worth paying for. Ronaldo once went 60 free kicks without scoring and he was supposed to be one of the best in the world at them. For his all around game, Maddison is probably worth 20 mil. Arsenal will get burned on this one.
I would rather have Willock than Maddison.
Eric(Quote)
Eric – that’s the key isn’t it. We will have Jones & Willock from the get go this season. I honestly think if Willock had a full season with us last year, he’d have went to the Euros.
I think we will probably get another 2 or 3 in, so we will have a stronger squad than last season I reckon.
I think the promoted 3 will struggle. Beyond them I look at the other teams – Saints have just lost Ings so will be weaker. Palace have a huge amount of changes going on and may take time to gel. Brighton struggled last season & are weaker without White imo. Burnley haven’t really done anything, but Dyche is their biggest asset imo. I think Wolves will drop off this season.
With Willock and a few others, I think around 12th again this season is realistic. I certainly don’t fear relegation (with those additions).
Sharpy17(Quote)
This pandemic has proven how stupid a lot of Ameicans are. They are believing **** from Trump and on the internet rather than applying critical thinking. There have beem 166 million people fully vaccinated and you can count on one hand those with bad side effects. Some are wanting for full approval, but the evidence is in that it works and is safe.
Everyone is vaccinated for polio in this country. They cannot go to school without it, and that was madatory starting in the 50s. So, basically, all of them who are against a vaccine have been vaccinated for polio. It boggles my mind.
There is a massive spike in a few Southern states. Totally unneccary as the vaccine is free and you dont even need an appointment now.
I am going to the pub to watch the match on Sunday. Chicago cases are still low and I am vaccinated so I am not worried. I just dont see the point of risking death from this when there is such a simple solution. My “reaction” to the first shot was a sore arm for 1 day. 2nd shot, I had no reaction.
I still dont think I am allowed to go to Mexico, Canada or the UK and that is totally the fault of these vaccine deniers.
Eric(Quote)
I am not sure what team Bruce will play on Sunday. I think he will start with 5 at the back. Even if we get Willock this week I think he will start on the bench. My guess is a 5-2-2-1. Everybody is fit apart from maybe Dummett. Here goes:
Woodman
Murphy Krafth Lascelles Fernandez Ritchie
Shelvey Hayden
Miggy ASM
Wilson
Eric(Quote)
I doubt we are going to be able to fault Bruce much on team selection this year. The team almost picks itself if everyone is fit and there will be good players missing out each week like probably Miggy and Fraser. But we wont be fully fit, so they will all see playing time.
The question is formation and tactics. It seems Bruce still has a say on the former but has allowed Jones to dictate the latter.
I would like us to be a bit more fluid and switch from 5 at the back to 4 sometimes. Jones did it with England and hopefully can convince Bruce. If we go 4 at the back that would allow us to play 3 in midfield – Shelvey, Hayden and Willock.
Eric(Quote)
Cannot believe that we are not trying to get Armstrong back. If his price is £15m we get him for 60% of that. A no brainer to me. I’d rather get him, than have 6mil from Saints getting him. Send Gayle the other way to sweeten it. Seems madness to not look at this! Oh well…
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Gilly – couldn’t agree more mate, and we know Armstrong would give his left arm to come back and get the chance to play for his boyhood club – seems like a real missed opportunity to me.
He’s young, so if it works out and he does well he’s there for years. If not, he’s proven in the Championship and could easily be sold for £12-15m so we make our money back & more ??♂️.
Sharpy17(Quote)
If this is true about Rafa wanting Sean Longstaff I would sell him in a heartbeat. He had about half a dozen decent games but has shown NOTHING since his injury. If we can get 5 mil I would snap Rafa’s fingers off.
Bruce likes Shelvey. Shelvey is slow. Sean is also slow. Shelvey cannot tackle. Sean doesnt tackle with the same vigour since his injury. They cannot play in the same team.
Bruce is going nowhere. Shelvey is going nowhere. Sean should go to Everton.
Keep his brother, we dont need them both.
Eric(Quote)
Sean Longstaff has a decent shot on him but he doesnt score. That is all you really need to know. It is like Shelvey with his free kicks. You would think he would be good at them given his skillset, but he is not. You just have to look at how many end up in the stands. Shelvey is better when he doesnt have time to overthink which is why he should never, ever take a direct free kick again.
Please Rafa, take Sean Longstaff off our hands.
Eric(Quote)
Ater watching the highlights I posted on Willock I am even more impressed. I hadnt realised how physical he is and how he bullies people off the ball. He will only get stronger as well.
Eric(Quote)
Most people are saying the steal of the summer is Ings. They are probably right, but I think it might turn out to be Willock. He may even make up for the money wasted on Donkey.
Eric(Quote)
Are you doing a season preview Olly?
I will do one in the comments section. I am a lot more hopeful now with everybody fit and Willock on his way. I know it is not in vogue to be this way, but I think me and Sharpy are about the only NUFC supporters that are 🙂 My mind was changed by the Willock developments. I thought 15-19 BW (Before Willock) now I think 12-15 AW (After Willock). A midfield of Shlevey, Willock and Hayden is pretty strong. Joe can do Jonjo’s running like Bellamy did for Shearer. Hayden can do Shelvey’s tackling.
Eric(Quote)
Season Preview – 12th.
Goalies – we are set. Top 10 depth.
Defense – they are all much of a muchness. I would say we are overall below average but there is not much falloff if we play Dummett or Lascelles and we have cover. Could be 60 goals conceded or 50. That will not kill our season. We need to play further up the pitch.
Midfield – Jonjo, Willock and Hayden are a good combination. Shelvey is the one we have to work around because no matter what Brucie will play him when fit. As I have said, Joe can do his running and Hayden can do his tackling. Just keep him away from direct free kicks.
If you watch Jonjo, you know he is slow and cant tackle, but he has other attributes. He is a very quick thinker and hardly ever misplaces a pass of 20 yards or less. Just limit the Hollywood stuff.
Not much depth.
Attack: we have 2 gamechangers in St Max and Wilson. Keep them fit and we will do OK. Miggy and Fraser are good backups and I am much more in Dwight’s camp than most. Just keep the donkey in his stall. Could do with another striker but I doubt we will get one.
Eric(Quote)
Eric – if we could get £15m for Sean I’d snap their hand off & use it to go get either Hamza Choundry or Maitland-Niles.
The latter would give good options for midfield and RWB to be fair.
Then go loan his CB if he wants one and a forward ??
Sharpy17(Quote)
Haven’t received anything mate.
Could you re-send?
Olly Hawkins(Quote)
I’ll be doing a match preview later in the week looking ahead to 2021/22 season / West Ham game 🙂
Olly Hawkins(Quote)
I was thinking more like 5 million would be enough, as I said earlier.
Eric(Quote)
Olly mate, hopefully you will not overestimate West Ham as most seem to do now. We played them for 180 mins last year and totally outclassed them for 110 minutes of that. They had 20 good mins in the 1st game and 30 in the second. Even then, it was us sitting back that let them back in.
#WestHamAreNotThatGood.
Eric(Quote)
West Ham finished 6th last year on 65 points. They will crash back down to earth with a massive thud this year. If they get more than 50 points I will be shocked.
In terms of value for money for relegation, I would put them 1st. Are there bets for bottom 6? That doesnt mean they will be relegated, it means they were the biggest overachievers last year and likely to be the biggest UNDER achievers this year.
Eric(Quote)
West Ham are like that Pardew team that finished 5th. That was a total aberration and without adding to it and being in Europe we were bound to struggle. That is Moyes’ West Ham. And I dont see Rafa’s Everton getting above 10th of last year. They are pretty shyte.
Then there are the promoted teams and Palace. They are changing their complete lineups which either means lower mid-table or relegation.
Burnley are still shyte. Southampton dont have Ings. Brighton cannot score except against us.
12th. Whatever the doom and gloomers on Eds and The Mag say. 12th for NUFC.
Eric(Quote)