An outstanding performance, incredible effort and yet another superb atmosphere at St James’ Park – all that was missing was three points and that bit of luck we’ve been lacking in recent weeks.
After Allan Saint-Maximin gave us the lead just seven minutes in, we looked to be edging closer to a 1-0 win before Edinson Cavani equalised for the visitors.
Late chances came our way, with Murphy striking the post, Almiron having a shot superbly saved by De Gea and Joelinton almost latching onto cut back, however it wasn’t to be in the end.
There was a mixture of hope, pride and frustration swirling around St James’ Park soon after the full time whistle. While it felt like a missed opportunity to get another all important win, there’s now more belief that they will come in droves if we continue to play like that AND bring in a few quality additions in January.
Eddie Howe made SIX changes from the defeat to Man City, seeing Krafth, Schär, Manquillo, Longstaff, Shelvey and Saint-Maximin come in for Clark, Hayden, Murphy, Ritchie, Willock and Almiron.
There were also concerns about the COVID situation at the club before the game, with several players absent from the matchday squad (Darlow, Clark, Willock and Ritchie) and Howe admitting afterwards that we are now ‘dangerously close’ to having Thursday’s trip to Everton called off is more positive tests come back.
Back to tonight’s game, Joelinton was outstanding and the best player on the pitch once again. Every single player in a black and white shirt did their bit, with Krafth much improved, Fraser a constant pest, Longstaff combative and the two centre-backs at it all night, however the big Brazilian was monstrous in the middle of the pitch.
The bad news is that both Callum Wilson and Allan Saint-Maximin were forced off with injuries either side of the break, meaning they look almost certain to miss our next two games against Everton and Southampton…providing they go ahead!
Javier Manquillo – another player who barely put a foot wrong – will also be missing for our next game, having picked up his fifth yellow of the season for time-wasting late on.
A superb display, another great atmosphere and plenty reasons to be hopeful, just a real shame we couldn’t come away with the three points our level of performance warranted.
Next up, a trip to Goodison Park on Thursday…if COVID allows it!
Best performance all season by a million miles. Can actually see what Howe is trying to do.
In some respects the performance was more important than the point. It offers a lot of hope. If we play like that we will stay up. Especially with a good transfer window too.
Let’s hope the game against Everton is off so we can have a rest.
Stuart79(Quote)
Who would have thought that Joelinton can actually trap a ball, run with the ball, or make a tackle? There was absolutley no evidence that he could for the 1st 90 or so games. It makes very little sense to me even if he was Bruced and played out of position. Under Bruce the ball was continually bouncing off him and he was falling over. It could be that he had no players in support and always 2 players on him when he had to try to bring down a hoof. But they cant be the only reasons, it has to be confidence as well. And maybe he believes in what the coaches are saying now?
I think he liked Bruce, but the Steves were pretty useless and they could have actually brought Bruce down to their level. Remember they followed him around like puppies from team to team and Bruce even admitted he didnt do much coaching. I think he thought he was more the man manager and strategic thinker.
Anyway, he is gone. It is just so surprising to see the change in Joelinton (and I kept my promise from about 3 weeks ago to stop calling him Donkey. See, even I can change 🙂 )
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Just to finish up on Joe. Seeing on other blogs that he is proving many doubters wrong. No he isnt!!! He looked absolutely shyte for 90 games so anybody saying he was a bust was absolutely correct. The fact that he has now found a position and seems a different player doesnt mean I, or anybody else that slated him were wrong.
If he has a bad game next time out I am sure these knee-jerkers will change their tune again. Nobody wanted Joelinton to fail. We could all see he was putting in the effort, it just looked like he didnt have the talent for and wasnt suited to the PL.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
And, the same people who have changed their minds on Joelinton are moving on to the other Joe – Willock – and saying he is **** because he hasnt hit the heights of last season. They forget that Bruce often played him as a sub and that he pretty much saved Bruce’s bacon. Mmmm… Bacon says Steve from his sunlounger in the Bahamas.
I would have sent him to Australia to watch that cricket since he is such a fan.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
I just watched a youtube channel doing a one and a half hour interview with Keith Hackett, a former referee but more importantly when he retired he was the boss of their Union and was in charge of appointing and demoting Refs. He said there are only 2 Refs now who are fit for purpose. He named Michael Oliver as one of them. He also mentioned that FIFA retire Refs at 45. I have been banging on about this on here.
What he specifically said is that a lot of today’s Refs are too old and too slow and should be retired. He mentioned those over 50 and called out 3 of them. Specifically, Mike Dean, Martin Atkinson and Andre Marriner. He also said that 2 English Refs were picked to do European games and failed the fitness tests.
He named 3 over 50 but there are actually 7. Fat Boy Moss who couldnt keep with me granny pushing a pram, Kevin Friend, Graham Scott and one other who I forget. He said they were all too old.
HE ALSO SAID THERE WAS NO ACCOUNTABILITY. We all know this because we have eyes but it is good to hear it affirmed from the man who used to run the whole Ref union and who was responsible for deciding who Reffed which games.
He also said that Mike Dean should never Ref a Liverpool game, not because he thought he would be biased, but because of optics.
Everything we say about the standard of Refereeing is true – they are too old, too slow, are not trained properly and make the wrong decisions.
Keith Hackett thinks the standard of Refereeing now is appalling. No wonder there are only 2 English Refs on the UEFA list!!! This of course is partly due to at least 7 being too bl00dy old to even qualify.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Can you believe we only had 30% possession last night??? – like watching a Bruce or Rafa game ?.
We matched or bettered MU in every other stat though – and 100% deserved to win. I even had Mackems texting me last night saying we were robbed ?.
The lads were brilliant and going ahead so early had me worried they’d sit in backs to the wall – but nope, they went for it – and should have had it.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Dare I say it but at times last night Joe put me in mind of Tiote, he was brilliant and I think he’s found his position now. Had a sneaky feeling he might be suited to an enforcer type role as he’s a big unit and has always been pretty good defensively when defending corners even early doors for us. A forward he ain’t but there is a place in this team for him, good on you Joe, pleased for you.
We were the better team by far last night and i am gutted we only drew. Really worried about ASM and Callum though, will struggle against Everton now.
kimtoon(Quote)
People are talking about Burnley’s games in hand but is that really an advantage?.
Man U had 16 days off before facing us last night – they looked rusty.
Might it take Burnley 2 or 3 games to get back up to speed anyway??.
Also, the noises the Burnley owner is making is Trakowski is out of there in January & he sounds ready to cash in.
Of the teams down the bottom we seem to be building the momentum
– but it’s this run of games we need to get the points really, otherwise it counts for nothing.
Wilson & ASM out is going to make that so much harder.
Sharpy17(Quote)
@CraigHope_DM
·
45s
Understand Callum Wilson’s injury is torn calf muscle & fears are period of months sidelined. Allan Saint-Maximin injury is also calf related, while Ryan Fraser has picked up a hamstring problem. Full story…
ffs, no luck what so ever
kimtoon(Quote)
We really need some good incoming signings in January and we need them early. Not waiting until the end of the window. This will be the test of our new owners. What are they prepared to do to bring in what we need.
I don’t want prima donnas or marquee signings who just want a big payday, I don’t want big names if they are not prepared to work, or sicknotes that are injured all the time. Experience and graft in all positions is what we need. Soon we will see.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
And consistency. If we reproduce that performance from last night on a regular basis we can do it.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
This is interesting
https://twitter.com/NUFC360/status/1474093632705736708
kimtoon(Quote)
Gilly – I don’t disagree mate, but I don’t think it’s fully in their hands either. Clubs will be reluctant to let players go – 1. Coz of the impact of COVID and depleting their squads. 2. Coz I do think there is a reluctance to sell to us.
We’d do well to target those fringe players first. I know we’ve been linked with Umtiti today – I think he’s a more likely early signing than say a Trakowski or Rondon.
I think those out of contract in the summer – clubs can continue trying to renew them throughout January knowing they can always sell in the last week.
With Wilson out, any forward target we might have had has just gone up £10m I reckon.
I see Martial has been linked with Sevilla this morning – he would have been a perfect replacement for Wilson imo – a very similar type of player.
Similarly Lingard for Max – but that’s wishful thinking I reckon.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Martial is a bit wimpy but I’d take Lingard.
georgio(Quote)
Georgio – I think he’s sick of being overlooked at Man Utd mate. If he got chance to play regularly & infront of a crowd like ours, I think we could see the best of Martial – I certainly think Howe could get the best out of him.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Could it benefit us that Barca have signed Torres so early on in the window?.
I know player wise they have just replaced Aguero – but they are cash strapped and just shelled out £55m.
Selling us Umtiti & Dembele could put some money back in their bank
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sean Longstaff should stick to his own game rather than calling out fans who had rightly criticised JoeLinton. Whatever the reason, Joe was shyte for 90 games no matter what he did in training. Longstaff has been a passenger and a bit-part player himself for 2 years so who is he to say anything after 1 game in the team? He is one of the reasons Joelinton has looked so good in central midfield – because the others have been so bad. The consesus amonst fans and pundits alike is that NUFC are desperate for a new CM to replace the likes of Longstaff.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
What I am saying about Joelinton was the lad was handed a *** hand having Bruce as manager but you cannot erase the last 2 years completely. I watched nearly all of those games and he was a liability in most.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Getting back to Keith Hackett. He openly said that his successor as head of Refs is incompetent. He also said that only 2 Refs were good enough. He must know these people so these are pretty bold statements. They are obvious statements though because we can all see it. If there is another decision like the non-red for Harry Kane I think Jurgen Klopp’s head will explode. And so it should. Eddie has called out a few Refs and NUFC have asked for an explanation.
Hackett says that Riley’s answer will be to flood us with stats on how many decisions Refs get right. He says that most of the stats will be meaningless as they will be on things that happen in the middle of the pitch and things like corners or throw-ins. He said they should look much more at decisions made around the 18 yard boxes and when chances are created. They are the ones that are meaningful and those stats will show the ineptitude of Refs when you look there.
He didnt hold back.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
I’ve tried to post my views of Joe 3 times now and because of all the bloody adverts keep refreshing this pages it keeps deleting my comments ???
Sharpy17(Quote)
I liked to see Sean sticking up for Joelinton – I’ve got no issues with that at all.
I thought the interviewer as out of order putting the question of Joelintons form to them in the first place – but as he did, I thought both the young lads handled it really well.
Sharpy17(Quote)
When it comes to proving doubters wrong, he hasn’t really.
The doubt was that he could lead the line for NUFC – he’s proved he’s an outstanding midfielder in the last 3 games. Maintain it for the rest of the season & I’ll credit him as a £40m player and more.
The lad HAS always given his all though, I won’t take that from him.
He’s been brilliant in the last 3 games though.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Just watched the West Ham highlights. They were given a penalty for a tackle by the goalie that was about a 10th as bad as the one by Emerson on Fraser.
Sharpy, I didnt see the Longstaff interview, just read the quotes. Of course the interviewers ask leading questions 🙂 I want Joelinton to do well despite my past doubts because he never stopped trying. I do remember past comments though. Malcolm MacDonald said things like “he’s not a footballer” and “he’s not even 3rd division standard”. He was right at the time and I think he owes no apologies. Others were saying sell him but we would be lucky to get 10 mil.
Like you, I need a bit more eveidence that Joe has turned it around. Same with Sean.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
The crowd never gave Joelinton much stick. I think they realised that he was a young lad trying to settle in, being played out of position. He had the added burden of being Ashley’s pick and it was common knowledge that Rafa had turned him down. Given the adulation for Rafa it is surprising that Joelinton didnt come under more pressure from the fans.
I am not sure if Supermac himself could have succeeded in the Bruce 8-1-1 formation.
I am wondering if the Everton game will go ahead? That will be interesting.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
I think/hope the Everton game will be called off. Rafa had Everton’s last game called off with only 5 with Covid. He couldnt put out a full team because of additional injuries. I think we are now in the same situation.
Knowing the PL they will tell us to play and give Martin (51 on New Years Day) Atkinson the game again.
What Keith Hackett also said is that when he was in charge they kept records of how close each Ref was to the play and how well they kept up. He said they dont do that now even though the technology has gotten even better. Anecdotally, I have watched a few games with Fat Boy Moss as Ref and he is always behind the play. He moves around slower than Harry McGuire pulling a tractor! The Official Man U tractor partner tractor of course.
The Refs have a fitness test at the beginning of the season but not during it. I wonder what they all had for Xmas Dinner? Some spread at a hotel more than likely. Plum pudding and a few snifters will not have been good for Fat Boy Moss.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Eric – I **** you not, the interviewer started by saying to Joe ‘I didn’t realise you could play that good’ (or words to that effect) – that to me is pretty cheeky/disrespectful in itself.
It was a statement rather than a bloody question.
It just felt right that he would stick up for his teammate in such a way. I like Longstaff a lot as a lad. He’s struggled on the pitch but he and Matty both seem like good kids.
Joe has been great in the last few games, and Sean has improved too – but I’m not jumping on this love train that people are creating for Joe coz it’s just one extreme to the other. I didn’t slate him when he struggled up front & I ain’t claiming he’s world class now. Maintain it and I’ll be convinced – but his last 3 performances have been up there with the likes of Rodri or Kante imo.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Everton called off then ??
Sharpy17(Quote)
I doubt the S’ton game will go ahead either as that is only a 3 day turnaround from Thursday. I know we are not playing Thurs but you have to still keep it mind. They really need to make a decision on that before the weekend. You cant be telling NUFC fans it is off on Sat which happens to be New Years Day. I checked google maps and it is a 646 mile round trip.
With the FA Cup weekend that would mean we dont play another PL game until Jan 15. That should give us time to get a few of the following players back – ASM, Dummett, Lewis, Willock. Manqillo would still be suspended but we would still have Hayden.
Sounds like Wilson is out for a while and probably Fraser as well.
Can we get 3 players in on transfers before the 15th. I dont care about the FA Cup this year but we should still be able to progress given our easy draw.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
There are 2 games tomorrow – a 7.30 and an 8.15. Why? Doesnt 6.30 and 8.15 make a lot more sense? Typical PL, just like having NUFC do the 646 mile round trip on the day after New Year’s Day, a Sunday. Are the trains even running? And I bet there are staff shortages on the trains as well.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Our next league is likely to be Watford at home on 15th January. That’s a huge game and with any luck we will have a couple of new players and they will lose about 6 players to ACON.
If we can play our games that have been postponed too when we have a stronger squad that could play in our favour too. But we definitely need to replace Wilson’s goals but who is out there?
Will be interesting to see what the club do this transfer window. First big test. Do they have the appetite to spend over the odds just to get the deals done to give us a chance?
Stuart79(Quote)
Stuart: I think we will spend at least 100 million because that is what it would cost us if we go down. There is a parachute payment of about 40 million in the 1st year but that is ALL we would get because we would come straight back up. I could go through the maths, but take my word for it, a year in the Championship would cost us 100 million.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Eric – I don’t think we’ll spend as much as £100m – I think it might be around £50m.
I think he’ll look at who we can get who’s contracts are up in the summer & their fees will be minimal & I expect loans.
I think 4 in.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Apparently Trippier will be done next week. That will be a statement signing. But we need two centre halves, a striker and a winger to make it a perfect window.
Stuart79(Quote)
Stu – that’s 5 in, who’s your 5 out?
Sharpy17(Quote)
It is really only 4 out because we have a surplus goalie to loan.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
We get Sky Sports News a couple of days a week for 2 hours. They are asking opinions from ex-players. Danny Mills just popped up. Who is interested in what he has to say? Then Phil Babb. Phil Babb FFS. I thought it was bad getting Alex Bruce on the BBC but I dont care what any of this lot have to say. And dont get me started on Micah Richards. He laughs like some sort of hyena on glue and totally distracts from whatever anybody else has to say. But people seem to like him.
That’s the problem with these podcasts as well. They are all so banteriferous for the 1st 5 minutes talking drivel. The Five Live on a Friday would start with Jermaine Jenas’ shed and “banter” about that. They are all like this with their banter lead-ins that nobody except the banter ex-footballers want to hear about.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Ok which 4 then? … I’m not questioning it like I’d struggle to shift 4 – I’m just wondering which players others think are expendable?
Sharpy17(Quote)
Clark.
Ritchie
Hendrick
Longstaff
+ Woodman on loan
Most would have said Gayle, but we do not have a striker now for months.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
I think we should just let Woodman go, but for some reason he has his defenders amongst NUFC fans who have never really seen him play. He dithers, he dallies. He is like a shorter Darlow. He never defends the 6 yard box.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Well I don’t think at this stage we need to sell them. Just replace them in the squad and sell in the summer when it’s a bit more settled.
Stuart79(Quote)
Stu – you can only name 25 though mate, so whoever you keep you are paying and can’t use. Some will be out of contract in the summer as well – is it worth keeping those whos contracts won’t be renewed anyway?.
I’d drop Gillespie out and look to send Woodman on loan at least (but if decent offers came in for Woodman or Darlow I’d consider them). Clark, Dummett & Fede from defence – I’d keep Krafth & Ritchie for now. Hendrick from midfield & Gayle up front.
That’s as many as 7 for me – though I’m not saying all of them in January I’m just saying if needed there are as many as 7 I’d have no issue with.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I hope we p!ssed Man Utd off enough the other night that they feel the need to take it all out on Burnley tomorrow night ??.
Burnley have 4 games in hand over us, so a good scudding tomorrow night would be nice I reckon.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpy: Man U are totally unbalanced as I said before our game. I still worried for us because it always seemed that whatever their team they would up their game against us apart from an Howay-5-O and a 1 win in 10. There is something not right there. Egos? Ronaldo not joining in the team ethos. Harry McGuire running his mouth despite being over-hyped and not really that good.
In short, I wouldnt trust Man U to help us out. WE need to help ourselves.
On Gayle, I would have sold him in Jan but we need him now. At the very least as a backup to a new striker.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Sharpy: I would keep Dummett if he really is fit now. Even if we can only get 10 games from him he is better than the rest of them by a mile. That includes Schar and Lascelles who both have mistakes in them. Dummett is at least consistent and can tackle WHEN FIT.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Eric – I understand what you mean about Gayle, but the reality is that Rafa didn’t use him, Bruce didn’t use him & now Howe has come in and even when Wilson blew his calf he brought Murphy on when Gayle was on the bench. Is he not good enough?, does he not train well? – whatever the reason, he’s clearly not rated.
There’s talk of Barbosa from Brazil – I’d take him, but I’d also loan Ighalo and let Gayle.
As for Dummett, his contract is up in the summer I think and his injury record is awful mate. I’ve always liked him but we aren’t that team anymore. He may be our best defender, that’s not that hard in the current bunch to be fair though.
If it was level playing field and his fitness was on par with everyone else’s, I’d say keep him, but I don’t think he’s had a season without a good stint out.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Manure did us a favour tonight! .
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Apparently more covid cases at Toon so expect saints game to get called off now.
kimtoon(Quote)
Mark Douglas Retweeted
Ryan Taylor
@RyanTaylorSport
·
19m
Big boost for Watford in the relegation dogfight. Emmanuel Dennis has been “excused” from going to AFCON with Nigeria. Decision comes after Claudio Ranieri revealed the Super Eagles had not informed them of striker’s selection in prelim squad before set deadline. #WatfordFC
very convenient
kimtoon(Quote)
Who’s in town having medicals today?
PremAndUp(Quote)
Soton Off, gives us a bit more time
PremAndUp(Quote)
Yeah that’s good news for us I think. Burnley had a lot of games in hand over us, it’ll be good for them to catch up a bit so we have a better idea of exactly what’s needed in the second half of the season.
It’ll also give us a bit of time to work on our transfer targets.
At the same time I’m gutted a bit because I was just starting to enjoy watching us play again – it’s been a bloody long time!!!.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Happy new year to you all!
Gilly Toon(Quote)
All the best Gilly mate and to everyone else on this site & connected to it.
I hope 2022 sees us remain a PL side, but moreover I hope it sees you all healthy and happy ??
Sharpy17(Quote)
Have a cracking new years eve lads, stay safe and enjoy yourselves.
kimtoon(Quote)
Aaal the best to all on here.
Never a bad word spoken except from me to Ozzies 😉
Me brother and his girlfriend of 15 years have now tested negative for Covid. Have left me Mams house to go to Scotland.
Fantastic.
I had the booster on Wed.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Cheers Sharpy, man. I think you are a great guy. I always enjoy what you say. Same with Kimtoon, Groucho, Stuart, Gilly, Prem, Ice, Aussie, georgio. And of course the rest of the lads and lasses who write articles for this blog. BTLR – Better than Lee Ryder 🙂
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Eric, can always rely on you to post plenty when it’s a slow day, keep it up you make me laugh often and I often need it. 🙂
kimtoon(Quote)
???????
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Kimtoon: I always find you funny as well.
Actually all of the rest that I mentioned, even Aussie. He is a bit of a grump. But a funny grump.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
2002 Wow,
My brother is better. Not sure if it was that much to begin with. But glad he isb is OK.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
2022 🙂
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Stu is great guy as well BTW. Only met him him once. Does not like Man U, which can only be a good thing.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
The South Coast Mackems are complaining. They shoud try driving 646 miles on New Year. Tw@ts.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Have a dislike of the Saints it has to be said.
kimtoon(Quote)
Happy new year all
kimtoon(Quote)
https://www.footballinsider247.com/newcastle-united-hit-by-pif-blow-as-huge-deal-reportedly-agreed-maguire/
kimtoon(Quote)
Happy New Year everyone.
Sidekick(Quote)
Happy new year to you all
PremAndUp(Quote)
plenty money fo both mate,doubt it will happen they mil in dept
icedog(Quote)
all the best to everyone,Eric beat us to the new yr 😆 😆
icedog(Quote)
Happy NY guys! Let’s hope January delivers for us!
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Cheers Eric, your not a bad egg yourself mate ?? and pleased to hear your family have got through COVID unscathed.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I think our pursuit of Trippier is the worse kept secret in football really, but good to see they aren’t hanging about with looking to get deals done early.
It wouldn’t surprise me if that one is actually further on than us being reported.
I’m going to stay grounded through this window though. I know we need players in and the earlier the better – but the reality is the selling clubs have to be willing to let the players go too.
I’m far more confident that despite their lack of experience running a football club, their professional & focus is so much higher than fat lad and his mates.
It should be an interesting month.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Kim – PIF will become a sports group that Newcastle & Inter will be part of.
Red Bull obviously done it with Leipzig and Salzburg & have F1.
Fenway have Liverpool & Boston Red Socks.
If it’s true and they go buy Inter as well, I have no real concerns at all – infact I think it would be beneficial longer term.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Happy New Year to All.
Eric, I’m in Syracuse at the moment and they’re not happy as they’ve not had any snow. It’s currently just raining. Climate change…
Anyway I see we’ve bid for Trippier and agreed terms with him essentially. However Chelsea have just lost their two full backs so I get the feeling Trippier will end up at Chelsea. Unless he really does want to live back north.
Stuart79(Quote)