GET INNNNN! That really does feel massive, in so many ways.
A Jonjo Shelvey free kick, some heroic defending and a huge effort from all involved saw us hang on to take all three points at Elland Road, handing Eddie Howe a much needed win that sends us just one point from safety!
We came into the game fearing the worst, with no new signings in this week, Leeds arriving on the back of an impressive 3-2 win at West Ham and ourselves rocked from that late collapse against Watford last weekend.
However, despite scraping through a few early scares and losing three players to injury in Joelinton, Dummett and Jamaal Lascelles, we dug deep and ran our socks off to survive everything they threw at us after a 75th minute free kick from Shelvey gave us a 1-0 lead.
The result takes us up to 15 points and above Watford, who look set to sack Claudio Ranieri after Friday night’s 3-0 defeat to Norwich.
Believe it or not, beat Everton at St James’ Park in two weeks time and we’ll be just one point behind the Toffees, with the Blues losing at home to Aston Villa earlier today and Brentford (23 points) also losing their fourth game in a row this afternoon at the hands of Wolves.
Eddie Howe has made just one change for this one, seeing Sean Longstaff replaced by Joe Willock in the middle of the park.
STARTING 11: Dubravka – Trippier, Lascelles, Schar, Dummett – Shelvey, Willock, Joelinton – Fraser, Wood, Saint-Maximin.
SUBS: Darlow, Clark, Lewis, Manquillo, Hendrick, Longstaff, Murphy, Almiron, Gayle.
We had a decent half chance we didn’t make the most of early on, with Willock bursting into the box but failing to get a shot away while he had the chance. A moment which sums up his lack of confidence at present, perhaps?
It was a scrappy start, despite both teams playing at a decent intensity, and the first save either goalkeeper had to make was a huge one by Dubravka, who showed a strong hand and impressive reflexes to get a glove Daniel James’ close-range shot.
This was the start of a mini onslaught from Leeds, who began to get star man Raphinha into the game. He had the beating of Dummett and was unfortunate to find his cut-backs evade white shirts in the box.
We survived a period of sustained pressure from Leeds – who were getting Jack Harrison in behind Trippier far too often – but our first shot on target then arrived through Jonjo Shelvey.
Leeds only half cleared our corner, the midfielder saw a brilliant half-volley parried my Meslier. That was the start of us coming back into the game in the first half, however we suffered a blow minutes later.
After a decent period of possession and pressure, Joelinton went down holding his groin for the second time and was forced off. A real shame to see the Brazilian be unable to continue, especially when our midfield enforcer was being replaced by an out of sorts Sean Longstaff.
We ended the half on a high, but there was a clear lack of quality or decisiveness about our play in the final third. That had to improve in the second 45 if we wanted to win this.
The second half started with a host of misplaced passed that created a period of end-to-end action that seemed bound to end in a goal.
The stretched nature of the game then came with injuries, with Paul Dummett and Jamaal Lascelles – who was better today – forced off with muscle injuries.
Manquillo and Clark came on and the former was outstanding during his time on the pitch, winning his battles against Raphinha, snapping into challenges and winning the free kick that lead to that all important opener.
Watch it below here, with Jonjo Shelvey’s low curler being too hot the handle for Meslier:
A Leeds onslaught then followed, but this time we kept our heads, defended well and continued to carry a threat on the break, with Wood and Fraser firing wide before a huge change for Willock was well saved by Meslier.
Leeds resorted to high balls into the box after five minutes of added time were awarded, but the away fans were able to breathe a huge sigh of relief when each of those was met by a Newcastle head or Martin Dubravka; who didn’t put a foot wrong today.
A monumental win, brilliant celebrations in the away end, a huge air punch from Eddie Howe and hugs all round as the players made up for that late collapse last time out.
Next up, a big week in the transfer market (especially after three new injuries today) and a meeting with Everton at St James’ Park in two and a bit weeks time!
HOWAY THE LADS!
Sham – with Liverpool just signing Diaz I reckon they will look to recoup some of that fee selling Phillips – whether that be to us of WHU. If it’s WH then we may then get Diop – either have PL experience, both are upgrades on what we currently have & both mid twenties, so would be in our squad for the next few seasons at least.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Maybe if MU want a big fee for our survival they better give us both Lingard and Henderson
PremAndUp(Quote)
Prem – I’d go with that if it meant we got them beyond the summer too ??♂️.
Sharpy17(Quote)
So we have Burn fee accepted, good news, bet the lad is chuffed to get signed by the club he supports.
Had a look at the manure fans comments on Mason, most want him gone tbf, a few saying innocent until proven guilty.
The photo’s have different dates to the audio, think the lass has had this going on a while and has finally snapped like many victims of abuse eventually do.
Also see lots of his team mates have unfollowed him on insta and twitter, must think he’s guilty.
kimtoon(Quote)
Burn for 13 mil might seem a bit high, but consider these fees:
Murphy 13 mil
Lewis 15 mil
Ritchie 13 mil
That is before you even mention, Joelinton, Wood, Miggy, Wilson, Bruno, Willock who we bought for quite a bit more.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Only 1 loan per club so we would have to buy one of them.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
If we actually start winning a few games and playing better football, what are Simon Jordon and Gabby Agbonlohor going to talk about 🙂 Looks like we have 2 star players in Bruno and Trippier and a couple of serviceable PL players in Wood and Burn. We should certainly be better at set pieces.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Actually, I know what they will say if that happens – “if you had given Bruce the same players he would have done well also”.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Sharpy: getting close to the 100 million mark 🙂 I think we will breach it with an additional striker.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Good signing Burn. Still would like a creative midfielder.
Mason Greenwood is a complete ***** if it’s true. I mean “I asked you politely so what else am I suppose to do?” Ffs! Talk about overindulged, entitled ****!
Stuart79(Quote)
Scouse Mackems play Brentford in FA Cup on Sat. They could easily lose that one and have to play us the following Tuesday. There should be a feel good factor at SJP and still a cloud hanging over the Blue Bindippers. I am not sure how excited I would be about Lampard, and have they signed anyone since Rafa left? I know Digne left and they picked up a couple more injuries.
Hopefully Arsenal bid for Calvert-Lewin just to unsettle their best player 🙂
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Would you rather have a Pogba or Lingard in your side? I’d go the latter, genuinely!
Shamrock(Quote)
? Eric I am happy to hear an ‘I told you so’ on this occasion mate. Happy to be proven wrong all day long on this one – and more importantly, I think it’s been really well spent as well.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I’d be very happy if we got one of them
Shamrock(Quote)
Kim – the news report says they seperated when he & Foden got caught meeting up with other girls in Iceland.
That was a while ago now, but good she found the courage to get out of it then. I wonder what has given her the strength to go public on it now though?. I’m not saying she shouldn’t have by any means – it’s right that she has.
I hate domestic violence. I have an Aunty that went through it a few years back now. She was beaten so badly she needed multiple operations. The physical injuries healed eventually but she’s still suffering mentally because of it.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Likewise mate
Sharpy17(Quote)
Like you said mate – funny how none of the pundits have put him forward for any of the jobs going lately
Shamrock(Quote)
Sham – I think it’s still very likely another CB – Phillips or Diop most likely. MF – Lingard or Ramsey I think might come off and a CF – I think Zapata or Nketiah.
Outside chances of LB – Bakker and getting Henderson on loan.
But I wouldn’t write off a total left field shocker either – in that I’d include Diego and Ekitike (not shocking as we’ve negotiated through Jan, but a shock coz I think both are dead til the summer now). Dembele would certainly fall into a shocker – that would be party time though ?.
I think for the first time in a long time things will be very at NUFC on deadline day.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I am not gloating Sharpy mate. I was annoyed at the media narrative where some pundit pulled the figure of 40-50 mil as the Jan spend out of his **** and it was repeated so often it became fact. You know what I said – that it would cost us 100 mil minimum if we went down and we would lose a year. It just makes sense to spend that to try to stay up.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
PSG must have a forward that they are not using? Not getting a game with Messi, MBappe and Neymar ahead of you. I havent seen any links, but I am not up on French football.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
It seems we are still talking to manure about Lingard! Hope it gets sorted.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Icardi has barely kicked a ball for PSG mate and Jovic at Madrid would be another – but I think our current league position puts them out the question just now.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Gilly – it feels like there is only a few million difference between the 2 clubs to see that one done imo.
Sharpy17(Quote)
https://news.sky.com/video/share-12528830
Bloody hell have you seen this from Keith Downie ?.
Poor sod, I hope the club look out for him a bit tomorrow, keep him well stocked in butties & brews.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Confirmation Bruno is a Geordie – the club have done some brilliant business in a very difficult transfer window.
… and don’t think we are done yet …
Sharpy17(Quote)
I dont see why we dont just buy Lingard outright. Give him a 4 year deal and build in what he would have got as a signing bonus into the contract? No relegations clause. Do Man U really want a p!ssed off player in their ranks when there will be a tabloid feeding frenzy with Greenwood. They already have the Pogba circus and the Ronaldo clown show.
I have no comment on Greenwood’s guilt or innocence, but you know Man U as a club will be brought into it. And it doesnt look like it will go away soon.
If you were Lingard where would you go in the summer? There is West Ham but that means he has to stay at Man U until he is free. Maybe Spurs, same, but also Conte and Levy has fallout written all over it. Then there is Everton. If we stay up we will be competing with all of these clubs.
Our owners have shown their intent this window so we will be spending at least as much in the summer. I dont care if there is a “Saudi Tax” on signings, we will be competing next year for Europe.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Well chuffed with Bruno like! Amazing that we can attract that level of player. It’s been a long time since had this kind of investment. If we can get in Burn and Lingard, and hopefully one more defender I’ll be a happy bunny! We have a good chance of survival
Gilly Toon(Quote)
And, the fact that Brighton have done business with us means that the PL are not all set on not doing business with us. Hell, Man U were ready to at the right price. So, their little scheme will/has cumbled, just like blocking sponsorship of NUFC will crumble. Spiteful sh!ts like Levy will moan, but it only needed one domino and we had 2 – Brighton and Man U.
They failed with Project Big Picture. They Failed with the European Super League. They are failing with trying to block NUFC on transfers. And they will fail with preventing NUFC from increasing their commercial revenue by doing deals with Saudi Co.s.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
I even forgot that the “big 6” failed in blocking our takeover. You know they influenced Hoffman and Masters, and that would have come out in court.
I am looking forward to seeing what Richard Keys has to say if we get a couple more in 🙂
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Gilly – Joelinton was already doing well as a midfielder, but I think with fellow Brazilian Bruno alongside him now he’s only gonna learn the role better and grow into it.
They could form a formidable partnership I reckon ??
Sharpy17(Quote)
I reckon we might get a couple more in as players see the direction we have gone here, that we are signing quality players.
One of the great things about all of this is that Eddie has a full week to coach the players before Everton come to town. That atmosphere will be amazing.
In hindsight, that FA Cup exit was probably a blessing. Everton play Sat and we will have had like 18 days rest with some sunshine and a friendly. As I said above, the Scouse Mackems have a hard game against Brentford. They are favourites but if I had to put money on it, I would go with Brentford. There are no replays either.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Sharpy, feel for your Aunt, horrific situation to be in, same happened to a friend of mine, we all tried to get her to leave but she had to do it when she was ready. Thankfully she left before he went too far cause it was heading that way, we were all really scared for her.
Made up at the Bruno signing, club has done well there, fingers crossed he don’t get injured in the Brazil match if he plays.
kimtoon(Quote)
I dont understand how Everton are favourites in the Cup even though they are at home. I look at their squad and it seems full of has-beens, misfits and youngsters. Calvert-Lewin has just come back from injury and the Mackem T-Rex always has a mistake in him. He gets himself even more riled up than usual when he comes to SJP. So, cheer the lads on but also reserve some bile for Pickford. It could be a glorious night if T-Rex lets a shot from Joelinton through his legs 🙂
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Kim – I asked earlier what made the lass come out with this now – it was seen from a statement her dad has released she hasn’t, get this.
Her dad says her phone has been hacked & this has been released against her wishes. He has said that THEY TOOK IT DOWN ASAP BUT IT WAS TOO LATE – THEY KNEW ABOUT IT BUT DIDNT WANT IT TO COME OUT. What kind of dad does and says that FFS?????.
It also begs the question if they didn’t want it to get out, why keep the photos and recordings.
I can’t understand her dad making that statement?!?!! I want to rip the lads throat out if I found out he did that to my child!! – at the very least be pleased the police are dealing with it now.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Greenwood arrested on suspicion of rape and GBH. Sometimes people say their phone was hacked when they have regrets but however it got out Greenwood is in real trouble. The girl was interviewed so she must have backed up what appears as obvious from the pictures.
Man U have also suspended him.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Sharpy: you keep the photos and audio as evidence in case it happens again. He probably said he was sorry afterwards and begged forgiveness.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
I wonder if the Bruno Brazilian factor could see us bring Barbosa in on loan before the window closes?.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Gabigoal
PremAndUp(Quote)
Steve Bruce for the Mackems ?
Sidekick(Quote)
Edd update
Saturday we found out he has been accepted for Stratford upon Avon starting September.
Today he has been asked two perform on the west end in April, just two performances as a theatre company he is involved with are raising money for a new musical they have written.
PremAndUp(Quote)
In addition to Brucie the Mackems have the choice of:
McClaren
Rafa
Pardew
Carver
All out of work.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Prem – that’s brilliant news mate, he must be buzzing is he?
Sharpy17(Quote)
I keep seeing Matt Targets name being mentioned – I don’t think he’s a bad player, but is he so much better than Manquillo, Dummett or Lewis who we already have for LB?.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Can’t believe Stratford, We were down there for Comedy of errors before Christmas and one of his mates from LIPA said I’m here doing this so he followed it up, only a dozen or so on the course. The Musical he has been involved with but they hadn’t got the funding they expected so the tour was cancelled, This just came out of the blue they are doing a stripped down cast of four to sell it.
PremAndUp(Quote)
https://mobile.twitter.com/brunoog97/status/1487909247534968840
kimtoon(Quote)
Sharpy
No I don’t understand her Dad saying that, if it was my daughter I want the little ***** ruined and made to pay.
Not sure she’s been hacked, maybe he said it to stop her being targeted by the wrong sorts for releasing it. Who knows but it’s out there now and the damage is done.
kimtoon(Quote)
Prem, good luck to your lad, it sounds like a good opportunity for him.
kimtoon(Quote)
There are cracks in the cartel. Levy is supposedly furious with Liverpool coz they hijacked his deal for Diaz. The story goes that the Spurs deal was set but Liverpool were interested last year and wanted to be kept informed. Porto got in touch and told Klopp they need cash immediately, and he agreed to pay 8 million Euros by Monday. That sealed the deal because Levy had been his usual lowballing self and Porto are skint with the wolves (bankers) at the door..
I just love it when these teams who are supposed to be competitors and colluded in such an underhand way, on so many things, fall out.
I think this will drag on because Conte ain’t going to be happy. There is just no way Conte would have signed without budget assurances and the knowledge he could add to the team in Jan.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
So the Mackems sack their manager. Oh dear… ???
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Not sure about Targett like. It’s only a loan but not sure he’s any better than what we have.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
And Greenwood may just have scuppered our Lingard deal. ??
Gilly Toon(Quote)
And Spurs might nick Diego Costa
PremAndUp(Quote)
Should be a interesting day. Apparently Targett is probably going to sign and now also Ekitike from Reimes. That would round off a rather impressive window although I’m
Not convinced about Targett.
Stuart79(Quote)
All goes well and Burns signs – I think our priorities today should be another CB and Lingard.
The CB goes without saying really. But Lingard is that creative goal scorer we need – I think even over a striker.
I think Bruno will break play up and give a lot of energy and control in midfield – but his other strength is playing that pass for runners in behind – ASM one side and Lingard the other would be those runners & both are better finishers that most in our squad.
Unless we go for a forward like Ekitike who I think is a very mobile forward – he would make those runs too. Wood I think is a forward who prefers the ball into him, or to be in the box waiting on those crosses coming in.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Ekitiki bid accepted. Turning out to be a good window – one of best emerging talents in world football.
Shamrock(Quote)
Means we have different tactical options.
After Burn and Ekitiki, anything else is just icing on the cake. Happy days at last!
Shamrock(Quote)
Oh holy ****, no sooner did I post that, SSN break that Reims accept an improved offer from us ?.
Let’s hope we get that sorted before anyone else tries to beat us to it. I’m pretty sure we had sorted personal terms with the lad already so ??????
God this could be a busy one when you think we need to shift a few as well
Sharpy17(Quote)
Is it too much to ask if Lingard joins too?
Stuart79(Quote)
Sham – I’m sure we’ll see Lingard. We really aren’t miles away from what Man Utd want.
If we could buy Lingard then that would allow us 2 loans – Target and another – Henderson or Phillips ??♂️
Sharpy17(Quote)
Stu – I think it’ll happen mate. We increased the Burn deal from £8m to £13m. I reckon it’s a similar gap to get Lingard done – even if they negotiate the terms of the survival bonus – Lingard would need to directly contribute to so many goals for example ??♂️.
Don’t think it’s an impossible deal to be done though.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Targett loan agreed already. What is this ? Is this how other fans feel…
Stuart79(Quote)
Surreal innit Stu ??
Targett is a really good player too. Real strength to our squad & a loan deal is great business.
So Brighton are selling Burn, Villa loaning Targett – maybe the PL clubs have softened their stance on dealing with us ??♂️.
I don’t care, I’m bloody loving this!!! ???
Sharpy17(Quote)
Am I reading it right that the fee that has been accepted is LESS than the one offered a few weeks ago???
Sharpy17(Quote)
Diop?
Stuart79(Quote)
Not Necessarily. The earlier bid, total unknown was rejected because it wasn’t 35 m euros including realistic bonuses
Looks like we have offered close to 30m up front with enough add ons to make it acceptable
PremAndUp(Quote)
The Targett deal is hinging on the ‘option to buy’ clause. I think we don’t want an obligation to buy clause because we want Lodi or Bakker in the Summer, whilst Villa want a clean break
PremAndUp(Quote)
I’m not fussed about the Villa defended. If he comes in then he adds depth bit it’s not an essential position in my book. More than happy with Manquillo to be the starter there until end of season..
Attackers needs to be priority after Burn.
Also read we are in for a defender from Galtasary or one of the other aTurkish sides.
Would love Lingard, we would be lethal then – but do think he may well be needed now Greenwood is written off for the foreseeable at least. If I was Man Utd fighting for 4th I’d keep him given the circumstances, unless they manage to snare Dembele.
Shamrock(Quote)
Talk of Alli again if Lingard does not come off. I’d be worried about him, just feel like he has lost his fire and worry he would not be committed. Several managers have all looked at him and decided he’s not up to it. He’d be a gamble
Shamrock(Quote)
Gona be a busy week at work making up for all the dithering today whilst we are distracted by the best winter window in many a year
Shamrock(Quote)
Sham – Man Utd seem keen to bring Elanga through. They have Sancho and Elanga has been getting more opportunities than Lingard lately so I think they would let him go regardless of Greenwood – provided the deal is right.
I would take Targett you know. He was voted Villas best player last season. He may not be the glitz player we want, but the lad could certainly do us a good job. Even if we bought him & then better again in the summer?!.
Dummett is out of contract & Lewis is struggling to make the grade it seems.
We could then have Trippier and Manquillo for RB and Targett and another LB.
It would be great if we could get either Phillips or Diop as well.
I’d be surprised if WHU sell us Diop though. Their fans are raging we’ve got Ekitike when they were going for him.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sham – I wonder if that’s just to try and force Man Utd’s hand – we are ready to go elsewhere and you’ll be left paying his wages & not playing him ??♂️??
Sharpy17(Quote)
Ramsey not going to Wolves
Dembele not going to PSG
PremAndUp(Quote)
Re the ‘Sorry for Bruce’ brigade, and the ‘Is it fair to buy a new team in January comments.
Bruce was appallingly nobody else wants him
If the ESL teams and the FA hadn’t colluded against us this would have been done in the Summer,
PremAndUp(Quote)
Could be a tactic on our part Sharpy.
Don’t get me wrong, I’d welcome Target – he is pretty solid defensively, just would not prioritise his position over an AM for example.
Definitely feeling entitles and sounding spoilt now. Hard not to get carried away given how miserable it has been for is for so long – and the stupendous resources now at our disposal. It’s mental!
Shamrock(Quote)
Is it fair for anybody to buy players at any time? That would be my response. The name of the game is to improve and compete if resources allow. We have had years of underinvestment, so this is just making up for it. Back in King Kevs and Sir Bobby’s days we were a Champions League side. Should never have been allowed to fester in the way we did. I used to see Spurs as on our level and our main competition to break the top 4 monopoly.
We bloody well should be up in those positions and this window is the beginning of correcting years of Ashley wrongs.
Man city and Chelsea were relatively average sides until the Oil money came in. We are just joining others in the same business model. We are not breaking the mould so to speak.
Years of poor treatment from a greedy owner, press vilification feeding other fans impression of us as deluded, a comedy club.
Well we will see who is laughing now.
Shamrock(Quote)