Lambs to the slaughter. That’s what it felt like before kick off as Ronaldo walked out to face a Newcastle side full of square pegs in round holes.
The score line suggests we were stuffed, however there were some positives to take from a performance filled with more organisation and spirit than we’d seen in recent weeks.
Saying that, we still went on to concede four goals, with two coming from who else but Cristiano Ronaldo and one via a 25-yard stunner from Bruno Fernandes before Jessie Lingard rounded off the scoring.
Javier Manquillo equalised 56 minutes in, giving us just over half an hour to spoil the party with a surprise result, however Ronaldo put the Red Devils back ahead just over five minutes later.
4-1 is probably a tad harsh on us in the end, with us doing well at times to frustrate the home side – who looked set to go into the break at 0-0 before Woodman parried straight into you know who’s path.
It is another defeat, however, leaving us sat second bottom in the table behind only Norwich. It’s also another game where we’ve shipped too many goals, with us now conceding TWELVE goals in our opening four league matches so far – meaning we have the worst defence in the Premier League as things stand.
Bruce made four changes, seeing Manquillo, Hayden, Clark and Joelinton replace Murphy, Schar, Fernandez and Wilson. Many thought it would be another 3-5-2 formation, however it seemed more of a 5-4-1 at times, with Joelinton and Almiron often dropping into wide areas to protect Ritchie and Manquillo.
Ronaldo stole the headlines, however there were plenty in black and white who put in big shifts and strong displays. Miguel Almiron was outstanding – winning the ball back for our equaliser and being a constant pest at both ends – Sean Longstaff looked more like his old self and Javier Manquillo filled in well down the right, not only grabbing his first goal for the club but coping well defensively against the double threat of Luke Shaw and Jadon Sancho.
In all honesty, I thought we got the approach right. We looked to frustrate, stay compact and hit on the counter when we could, however our attack was missing one key ingredient in Callum Wilson.
At the other end, it was a day to forget for Freddie Woodman. He could and should have done better for both of Ronaldo’s goal, meaning his position could be under threat now Karl Darlow is fit again and back on the bench.
STARTING 11: Woodman – Manquillo, Hayden, Lascelles, Clark, Ritchie – S Longstaff, Willock, Almiron – Saint-Maximin, Joelinton.
SUBS: Darlow, Schar, Lewis, Hendrick, Krafth, Fernandez, Murphy, Gayle, White.
The 2 weak links in this team are Woodman and Laschelles. The sooner they are dropped, the better.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
I thought Longstaff was a bit better so I am thinking he deserves another chance.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Bruce says we have to do better defensively. Then why did he drop our best central defender Fernandez? The problem with our team is they are not fit enough and haven’t been for some time. They invariably fall apart in the latter stages of the second half. Of course if you sell perhaps your best centre half , Lejeune for a mere 5 million then as a manager you deserve all you get.
Groucho(Quote)
The result really wasn’t a shock but we’re 2nd bottom and look pretty hopeless. Bruce losing his rag in the press conference also which isn’t a good look.
If Wilson picks up a serious we might as well just apply for the Fizzy immediately not bother playing the rest of the PL games.
Stuart79(Quote)
I am going to repeat myself:
Woodman: I watched 2 England U20 games at the Toulon tournament and he was utter shyte. He doesnt seem to have improved. He was dropped to 3rd choice later. I have no idea why he is rated so highly.
Lascelles: saw him live when he was 1st purchased. It was in Milwaukee against a pretty **** Mexican team. He gave away a free kick for their 1st goal and then gave away a penalty for their 2nd. The more things change, the more they stay the same!
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Stewie: we have a few decent players but also some weak links. I thought we showed signs of life today but you cannot have a goalie making simple mistakes. He should be nowhere near the team. Lend him to Whitley Bay if they will have him.
We also stood off for most of Man U’s goals. Isnt that supposed to be what the Steves coach? DEFENSE.
Bruce is turning into a tetchy little **** now. I dont disagree that we were OK at times but we still lost 4-1 you fat ****.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
I also think Brucie needs a personal shopper for his match day tops. They need to tell him he is no longer an XL, he is a 3XL. I really dont need to see his man b00bs and what is quickly turning into Jimmy Five Bellies. I think I will purchase stock/shares in Greggs as we know who is eating all the pies and we know the other Fat Lad will not sack him.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
I dont think I am “fat shaming” Brucie. I am “wearing too tight tops shaming”.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Sorry to bore anyone but this Castore company are our new shirt suppiers so they must have got Brucie that top that is 3 sizes too small. And he must have approved it!!!!
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
I dont know what Bruce is on about saying The Chronic are negative towards him. They have given him a free ride for the most part with Ryder dialing in his 200 word “articles” usually about banalities. He asks one serious question at a press conference and Bruce is livid.
He is so used to his pundit pals being fawning. Perhaps he wants everyone to be Luke Edwards and sucking up to him to get the inside scoop. The Journos should have turned ages ago and held this fat oaf accountable.
His “NICE GUY” persona is a pretense, a lie, a mirage, fake!
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
I have worked in the insurance and investment industry for 30 years and Bruce reminds me so much of these charlatans. They will look you in the eye and stab you in the back. They will sell their granny for an extra commission. Same with Brucie-Boy, he will hang in there for the pay off.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Olly, Mate: you have to save that picture of Bruce as the deranged Bernard Cibbins (you are probably too young to know who he is 🙂 ) But when the Fat Lad in the too tight top leaves, then that should be my lasting memory.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Cribbins, sorry for the misspelling. He was a spoon salesman in a Fawlty Towers episode and in many other shows in the 70s.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
And Donkey. No wonder nobody rates you. You did the hard bit, created space, and then smacked the ball right down the middle into De Gea’s welcoming arms.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
I think Ryder is pathetic as a journalist. His articles are 200 words of writing from a barstool. But the criticism of The Chronic might hurt Brucie-Boy. John Gibson and Malcolm McDonald still write for them and both hold a grudge against anybody who attacks the paper.
Both can be very nasty when riled and SuperMac is a true NUFC legend. The fans of my era still listen to what he has to say.
I tune in to Wraith’s youtube channel mainly for them 2. Malcolm has an almost Rainman memory of his playing days and even the off-field interactions.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
“Gibbo” is not far behind either, mind. He must be like 80 but remembers every ball kicked.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Our club is a hollow and empty shell … no heart, no soul, no brain …. It will remain so as long as Ashley has it. I want Bruce to go too, although who would replace him? Who else would work under those conditions? Only another mediocre manager, no better than cabbage heed
Gilly Toon(Quote)
This may seem like I’m defending Bruce, but I’m trying to offer a bit of balance to this – what else was he meant to say??.
He was asked about his preparations ahead of the game & was he right to go on holiday. It was an international break & hes entitled to a holiday – he probably needed it after a **** transfer window, followed by his boss throwing him under the bus.
That aside, preparation – what’s enough time to prepare against a Man Utd frontline like that – with Pogba & Bruno behind it.
Even the most tactically astute managers & coaches will struggle with Man Utd at Old Trafford this season.
But let’s say he nailed it. He didn’t go on holiday & spent the whole time drilling the **** out of the players … what do you then do about your keeper gifting them 2 goals??.
What would we all be saying if he threw Woodman under the bus the same way the club did him?.
We got beat 4-1 at Old Trafford & we are missing our 1st and 2nd choice keeper & our only goal scorer – go figure?!.
The shootlets of positivity was that there was no doubt the players were playing for him – they ran hard & competed & at times looked a threat on the counter – decision making and clinical finishing is still a thing – but not so long back we’d have watched defensive v attack with Joelinton up there on his own with no Newcastle player within 50yds of him.
Sharpy17(Quote)
The situation he is in is down to him. We all know it’s **** but here’s the thing .. he put himself there .. in fact he agitated for it while at Sheffield Wednesday.
He wasn’t thrown under a bus he put himself there by agreeing to work with the club, be their mouthpiece and needs to look in the mirror to see the cause of his current plight.
His cringeworthy defensiveness without an ounce or responsibility for his own actions is pathetic
. Unpleasant, incompetent and failing to deliver against even the most meagre of expectations, does he expect gratitude ??
What a parody when the best Newcastle fans hope for is to be humped 4-1
Relegation looms, but at least the club are heading to a level more suited to his (in)abilities as no doubt he’ll still be here
GoWestMag(Quote)
Sharpy, mate. I think we did pretty well with an 8 man team. World’s 3rd most overrated goalkeeper after Joe Hart and Mackem T-Rex. Would anybody actually play Lascelles again this season? And, of course, there is Donkey!
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
I didnt even mention Longstaff because despite my doubts, I think there might be something there. So, only a 7 and a half man team then !!!!
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
The situation he finds himself in is down to Ashley and nobody else – unless you truly believe that Ashley would hand a different manager more money, or better working conditions??.
The situation the team find themselves in is down to him – that is a separate point altogether.
I think a better manager could get the team more organised collectively, without question. But I’m not sure there is a manager or a coach out there that could make some of our individual players better.
Sharpy17(Quote)
The Pledge is a Road to Nowhere.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Eric – that’s my point to GWM. There are managers in the league like Sean Dyche, Graham Potter & the fella at Brentford who can get a team of relatively average players playing collectively well as a unit.
Bruce struggles to do that at Newcastle. Burnley away last season was a prime example of that. We were getting battered – until he brought ASM on who turned the game. Then, where would we have been without Willock at the end of last season?!.
But individual players – who makes Shelvey a better player?? – or Lascelles or Ritchie?. Who makes Joelinton or Gayle goal scorers???.
Lascelles wasn’t a good defender under Rafa – he was just part of a better drilled, more organised defensive unit.
Shelvey ended up dropped for Hayden & Longstaff – and Gayle was loaned out!!.
Whilst I didn’t particularly like Rafa, I’m not daft enough to dispute he is a better manager/tactician than Bruce – but if he couldn’t get better out these players, Bruce certainly isn’t!!.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Why does Joelinton get picked ahead of Gale? Some don’t rate Gale (I d0) and he’s not a Wilson type player but he is more likely to score then Joelinton. Of course Bruce is doing nothing to improve Gale’s confidence in spite he scored two good goals in preseason against Norwich. And why Bruce’s reluctance to play Manquillo. Clearly Bruce has a better eye for what makes a good player than me and that is why he plys Hendrick.
Groucho(Quote)
I think Ryder has lost his mind. This is about as stupid of a thing I have ever seen him write.
Time to retire Lee. I know you will miss the free tickets but none of us will ever miss your drivel.
https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/newcastle-united-steve-bruce-boss-21548413
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
The fat man-b00bed tw@t is getting very petulant. It wasnt just Ryder’s question. He was the same pre-match. Was Ryder on a wind up? Maybe. But asking why Brucie went on his Jollies when we were/are in a state is a legitamate question. First decent question Wor Lee has asked in 14 years.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Liverpool took Leeds apart and could easily have scored 6. I will be on a plane to New Mexico next Friday when we play Leeds. If we cant beat that rabble then we are doomed.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Klopp out-Bielsa-d Bielsa with his high press.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Eric – just watched it. Horrible injury for Elliott but not a red card tackle for me like.
But watching it, it was eerily similar to our performance against Man Utd yesterday – but they had pretty much their strongest team out there today.
Leeds may struggle at CB now with one off injured & another send off today.
I expect Bruce to put Darlow back in as he was on the bench yesterday.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Time for Dummett to be centre back and Captain. I know he is injury prone but Lascelles is a liability. I have heard for years that Dummett’s future position is CB but he is 29 FFS. If not now then when? Especially when the incumbent either lunges in or backs off and both actions lead to goals.
Cant really blame Bruce for Woodman. He has been touted as the next big thing by so many pundits and journos for a long time that most would believe the hype. But when you see him with your own eyes you see there isnt a there there. He will never be a PL ‘keeper.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Wilson is a right sick note mind he was the same at his last club,why we didnt get cover for him in the window beats me ffs 😈
icedog(Quote)
Like 2 goal Eduoard with Palace. He was only £20m from Celtic. We do nothing properly.
georgio(Quote)
Olly: on your article on Shearer saying Woodman was poor. I have only watched him in 6 games in my life and I am sorry to say the lad does not have what it takes. Now Donkey, I have seen at least 60 (sixty) times and I know he is a lost cause in the PL. Only an idiot like Bruce would ever pick him. Same with laschelles. He is fcn useless. I always had my doubts but this season has proved it for all 3.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
As I said earlier. If you play Woodman, Lascelles and Donkey you are playing with 8 men!!!! Not even ASM will dig you out of that hole.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
BTW. Unless there is a “mystery injury” I fully expect Lashelles and Donkey to start against Leeds. Bruce is an idiot.
I do agree with Sharpy that Darlow will be back though. Even the too-tight-topped-man-bo0bed-oaf cannot fail to see that Woodman useless.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Woodman is not a young kid he’s 24 for gods sake,drop him soon as
Icedog(Quote)
Charlie Bennett: Woodman was indeed the former England U21 shot stopper but was dropped to 3rd choice for being shyte.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
I never thought much of Darlow either but he matured last year when he hit 30. He always looked like a deer in the headlights before but I admit he did well and would have him in goal ahead of Freddie the Fake every day.
Woodman does not come for the ball and is too short. Add in his fumbles and you have a bad ‘keeper. Gifting Man U 2 goals on the second coming of Ronny is about as bad as it gets.
I think Freddie the Fake was golden glove in The Championship last year with Swans. That is based on clean sheets though so is not all down to the goalie. You will see his defenders quote that along with the fact he was U21 England.
We have seen him now though and he is shyte. I dont care what Willock says, or if people talk about twitter warriors. WE NOW KNOW WHAT HE IS.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Bruce out!
Woodman out!
Lascelles out!
Donkey out!
Steves out!
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Doubtfire out!
Cabbage out!
Bagpuss out!
Bruceless out!
And they are the most flattering names I have heard him called!!!
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
You have to admit that Bruce is losing the plot now. There are his press conferences to start with, where his face tells the full story but you can also add that his words are moronic. Then there is the sideline body language. And the total abdication of responsibilty during the Burnley penalties where he wandered off like a tramp looking for a dog end tab on the street.
And he is a liar. I will say it again. He had nothing to do with hiring Graeme Jones. If it was his call he would have fired one of the Steves and looked for a replacement. Jones was scouted by either Nickson or more likely Carr and Brucie had nowt to do with it. He is a liar, on top of all his other faults.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
And attacking Wor Lee Ryder is like throwing your hobnail boot at a Yorkshire Terrier. Lee has been nothing but loyal to Brucie and asks a simple and obvious question and look what he gets from the so called “nice guy”.
Bruce is a tw@t, pure and simple. As I said earlier, he will look you in the eye and stab you in the back. The worst kind of tw@t. Some of his players know it. Ritchie does. Even though he offered a fake apology.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
I am so torn with NUFC at the moment.
Bruce is not a good enough manager. Forget the lack of invest for a second and the lack of goals – of course they are an issue – but put them to one side a second.
The defence – we defenders are all still pretty much the same as when Bruce took over – Manquillo, Lascelles, Schar, Fernandez, Clark, Dummett, Ritchie – even Lejuene until a few weeks ago, and Krafth & Lewis were some of the first signings when Bruce came in.
Behind them, Dubravka & Darlow have been there as well.
Our defence should be pretty rock solid. They should all know their roles & responsibility in that unit – and yet every game they look like it’s the first time they’ve played together.
Bruce has without doubt been bent over. Not just with not getting players in on loan, but also the club settling for getting player like Shelvey, Gayle and Dummett new contracts – players not good or fit enough, but cheaper than signing new, better players.
I truly believe Bruce asked for more in the summer – not just Choundhury. I reckon he would have wanted Edouard from Celtic or even Armstrong with that sell on clause being in our favour – maybe, maybe not – but I’m sure based on the lack of game time, his first choice was not to keep Gayle.
I get the stick Bruce is getting, and don’t think he should be without criticism. But I’m reading very little towards Ashley in comparison.
I get Ashley wants to sell & doesn’t want to put money into the club – and if it was a case of BUYING Choundhury, then I could understand Ashley saying no. But to refuse the funds for that short term strengthening & to help your manager out – that’s just criminal.
But because he doesn’t do the interviews and he’s not front facing, we all focus on Bruce – but he does deserve criticism … hence I’m torn.
I feel sorry for Bruce, but criticise him at the same time.
Ultimately, the bloke is between a rock & hard place. He’s not going to be back, and isn’t good enough to get the best out of what he’s got.
He’s not going to quit and he’s not going to get sacked. He’s more likely to have a heart attack before either of those 2 things happen – and that’s the sad & scary reality of the situation.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpy: We spent 20 mil on Lewis and Krafth. The Fat Man has given Brucie money. Even if we discoumt the waste on Donkey.
Should we be asking more about Nickson?
Bruce is totally useless as has been proven by his record for 22 years but Nickson is his partner in crime, yes? ASM is brilliant and Wilson as well but they are injury prone. Same with Fraser it seems.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
And Dummett. I am probably his biggest fan as he is fast and can tackle, but he gets injured so often. I would make him captain, but next time he is injured I would pay for his Uber to Gateshead FC.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Eric – I think we can both agree that Ashley has never properly backed any of his managers – and I’m not talking having to spend 10s of millions every window. Hells bells he could have saved money & still had Rafa if he signed off on signing Rondon rather than shelling out £40m on Joelinton.
Our defenders are at best average – but could still be coached to be a strong defensive unit.
He’s had pretty much the same group of defenders from the day he walked through the door – so by now they should be rock solid, but are far from that.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I keep trying to figure out Luke Edwards. He is constantly sucking up to Brucie and seems to get inside info because of it. He is definately ahead of the game compared to his Chronicle counterparts in that respect. But at what cost to his credibility? His fawning over Brucie-Boy is laughable. It detracts from what Edwards says.
We all know that Bruce is Shyte. His record is there for all to see. 30% win rate. Sacked from Mackems and Villa for being Shyte. Mackems stayed up under BFS with the same team and Villa were promoted with the same team.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Why is Edwards even bringing up Graham Potter anyway? It is a classic straw man argument to protect his Best Buddy Brucie-Boy.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Well, I am watching FC Bayern against Barca and Ronald Koeman seems to have acquired Bruce’s body and dress sense.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
If Bruce is unhappy with his lot, he can walk away, he’s not poor, not like he needs the cash.
KIMTOON(Quote)
Bloody Mike Dean is our ref on friday
KIMTOON(Quote)
Martin Hardy
@mhardysport
·
13h
“I have the interests of Newcastle United at heart. I have listened to you. You want me out. That is what I am now trying to do but it won’t happen overnight.”
Mike Ashley, on this day, in 2008.
KIMTOON(Quote)
I read what Charlie Bennett said and dont disagree too much with his team. I think our problem is more coaching. There is a disconnect between attack and defense and there is no real transition game. You are asking for trouble if you only play hoofball or have one player try to do everything on their own, whether that be ASM, Willock or Almiron.
We actually have the players to run at the opposition at speed. Wilson, when fit, but also ASM, Willock, Fraser, Almiron, Murphy and even Gayle. This squad is built for speed but we dont really use them that way and they are usually isolated.
Then there is the problem of sitting back with a back 8. If Jones is this supposedly great coach then that should be fixed and we should play to our stregths.
BUT, BUT, BUT … I think there is still tension. Bruce says he and the Steves coach the defense and Jones does the attack. Shouldnt they be on the same page by now? This is why I think there is no transition.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
I think the Burnley penalties where Brucie was wandering off looking like a lost soul shows there is still tension between all of the Steves and the Graeme. At least one of the Steves should have been sacked and let Brucie show some authority and move forward. It is too late now. And if anybody has read anything I have said on here for the last 6 months, you will know I do not believe a word Bruce says about him being the driver behind hiring Jones. Graeme was the Caretaker-in-Waiting. I have said it many times but Brucie keeps repeating the lie that he was his choice.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)