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!
Targett in Toon for medical.
Yannick Carrasco talk now?
Did anybody see this? Absolute class. I think Bruno knows the plans for this club and is feeling bullish.
https://twitter.com/brunoog97/status/1487909247534968840?t=_Qsnxehb0Q75Dbuy6KsmJg&s=19
Shamrock(Quote)
With Athletico pushing for the title I can’t see them selling Carrasco or Lodi now, Summer maybe
PremAndUp(Quote)
Luke Edwards reckons the club have told him our incoming business is over after Ekitike, Burn and Target come in. Fair enough, that’s a decent window ?
Be interested to see who leaves now. It’s Hendricks Birthday – Happy Birthday Son – here’s the door ➡️?? Take Gayle with you
Shamrock(Quote)
Yeah agreed. Just nonsense going around now.
Shamrock(Quote)
If we keep Dummett he could be cover for CB and not LB.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
My impression of Ekitike is that he is good with the ball at his feet and nicking possession, good positionally and will poach a few goals but he is rough around the edges, a little lightweight and erratic.
Definitely paying for potential and don’t see him being an automatic starter. Will need to be patient with him and let him develop.
Shame we could get Lingard in, as he is good to go right now and we need goals
Shamrock(Quote)
Let’s see who goes. I think Dummett would be the only one I would miss if they let him go out.
If they cant shift all the players today to create space, can they partially pay up contracts and let the players become free agents? Negotiate a lower amount than what would be due if paid over time and then the players can get money from other clubs. I dont think there is a deadline for free agents.
Better than festering in the reserves like Saivet.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Looking like an exciting day ahead. First time in years that we can feel positively hopeful ??
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Ekitike off the bench to run at tired legs to start with I think unless they intend to play him off Wood
PremAndUp(Quote)
Yep agreed. One for the future but can definitely do a job off the bench for now.
Shamrock(Quote)
Well, it’s been some window this, bit dizzy with it all tbh. Lets hope they are enough to save us from the drop but it still isn’t gonna be easy.
kimtoon(Quote)
No it’s not Kim. Need new signings to gel with the league/tactics/teammates – and still wondering where the goals are coming from. Should be much better defensively though and that will allow the more forward thinking players to be more expressive.
Shamrock(Quote)
It will be interesting to see what negative spin Simon Jordon, Agbonlahor and Keys put on this. I think it will involve “blood money”, incomings should not be allowed to play in Covid rearranged games and Steve Bruce would have kept this side as currently constituted up.
Funny how Bruce has not been mentioned for any jobs that have come up, anywhere. Not even League 1 (3rd Division).
But, I should just be happy with what is happening and forget the naysayers. I just want to stuff it to them after all the bile they have sent our way, especially this year.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
☝️this
Shamrock(Quote)
Nat Phillips to Bournemouth
PremAndUp(Quote)
Apparently Etikite needs convincing about a move. Tell him to speak to Bruno
Stuart79(Quote)
I suspect it is only Burn, Targett & Ekitike we are actively working on today (ONLY ? god how we’ve changed), but if opportunities present I reckon we could still go for them – I’m obviously thinking Lingard in particular.
I am surprised we aren’t actively looking for another CB but it is a position we have tried hard for this window & maybe we’ve just found there is no movement anywhere ??♂️
Sharpy17(Quote)
WHAT????? How can that be man????
Sharpy17(Quote)
Weghorst is a great deal for Burnley. I think we were linked with him a few seasons ago. 6’6 he will be quite a presence for them.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Would’ve loved Philips but perhaps Liverpool did not want to deal with us?
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Oh, and Eriksen to Brentford! ? impressive signing for them. He could’ve done a good job for us too.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
they say hes better than Wood,Lingard is the player for me
icedog(Quote)
I can understand the position of the young kid from France. He is 19 and only just broken through and finding his stride. It’s a fair distance from family too. Maybe too soon for him to move abroad. Great I’d he comes but understandable if not.
Just hope we have a few more irons in the fire because we are lacking that killer instinct up front.
Shamrock(Quote)
A lot of talk of Aaron Ramsey to Rangers. Why not take him on here? Would rather that than Alli personally
Shamrock(Quote)
Sham – I can understand it for personal reasons, but not footballing ones at Reims are 14th and flirting with a relegation battle themselves.
If the kid’s ambition he’ll come & having ASM a fellow Frenchman in the team should help him really.
Fingers crossed ??
Sharpy17(Quote)
Keith Downie saying Ekitike still needs some persuading. Then Fabricio Ramano says Reims want a sell on clause. This doesnt really sound like a problem as you give the player some extra money and his Agent will do the persuading and offer Reims 10% of any profit and accept a counter of 15%.
But is there enough time? They should be getting the flight arranged NOW regardless of how negotiations go.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
I think it will be sad for Lingard if he doesnt get his move to NUFC. MUFC have messed him around his whole career, and they are still doing it. They dont want to let him go because they want him as cover FFS. He has spoken to Rangnick yesterday and today so hopefully there will be some movement there.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
It is a good transfer window but I do believe we need an attacking player and if we don’t sign Etikite then we need someone else.
Stuart79(Quote)
I still reckon we could have a cheeky punt at Dembele
Shamrock(Quote)
Word we are back in for Jesse.
Rangers looking good for Ramsay, great signing for them
Shamrock(Quote)
Paul Merson is such a ***. Think we might struggle with our signings from abroad because we are in a relegation battle and they don’t know the league.
Asked for thoughts on Weighorst at Burnley – ‘great signing, should do well’
It’s about time he was put to pasture
Shamrock(Quote)
he should get that thing on the right side of his forehead checked out. I know a few people who have had skin cancer and it always starts small.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
There is just no way Lingard is going to West Ham.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
??? I saw that too mate. Pay peanuts …
Sharpy17(Quote)
I’ll be annoyed if the Ekitike deal doesn’t come off coz the lad doesn’t think it’s the right time to move like – how long we been on that one … and nobody thought to ask???? ?
Gotta get the Lingard deal done in that case. Besides, Lingard goes straight in for me – Ekitike would be more an off the bench player I reckon. Unless Howe goes 4-4-2 ??♂️
Sharpy17(Quote)
David Ginola
@teamginola
I am here and ready to help!!
Quote Tweet
Jack
@TheWolfOfNCL
· 1h
Replying to @Nufc2Everything
Seems like he is happy with all the details, its more an emotional thing. really need @asaintmaximin / @teamginola to get on the phone to him
2:26 PM · Jan 31, 2022·Twitter for iPhone
Ah the lovely DG 😛
kimtoon(Quote)
If Ekitike is worried about game time he should take a look at our squad. We only have 1 fit striker because nobody seems to fancy Gayle. Then you have Wilson. What’s the betting he has a setback? His injury record is terrible.
And if he is worried about leaving home. He went out on loan to Denmark FFS.
These are obstacles that seem to be made up and it might be he just doesnt fancy NUFC and want to wait for another club.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Merson saying a big risk for Jesse coming to us
get lost mug
kimtoon(Quote)
Not convinced Ekitike is what we need right now, not oven ready for PL but defo one we may want in the future. Now is all about staying up imo, for that reason we need someone like Jesse.
kimtoon(Quote)
I’d rather have Lingard than Etikite if it works out like that then great. Deffo need an attacker though. Apparently Man Utd lowered their fee for Lingard last week and might lower it again.
Stuart79(Quote)
I know we need a striker, but whatever happens the bottom line is that we have signed 5 first team players so far – Trippier, Wood, Burn, Target, Bruno. That has to make us better.
We also have Willock who will come back into form. I have seen a couple of idiots on blogs saying we should loan him out. He cost 25 mil FFS and has had Covid and a foot injury. I just despair sometimes at the stupidity of some “fans”. We need at least 5 quality midfielders. Who knows if Joelinton’s form continues? Shelvey picks up injuries and Longstaff has played 30 minutes of decent football all season.
It is only recently that we were playing Almiron as a midfielder and some were suggesting Schar to be moved there. And Hayden is likely out for the season.
I just dont understand some “Fans”.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Sky were showing Spurs’ business. I think Conte’s head will explode unless they spend 200 million in the summer.
Merson is such an idiot. You wouldnt even take him seriously if he was just another bloke you met down the pub.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Everton taking Alli ??
Sharpy17(Quote)
Kim – the club should have the likes of Ginola as club ambassadors. Stupid really.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Everton doing what they always do and over stacking in the AM/#10 role. I don’t see their situation on the pitch changing. Might eat my hat yet, but Alli and Beeky are stagnant/non effective and will be poor signings. Glad we didn’t go for Alli. Think he has made his money and has no drive anymore.
Shamrock(Quote)
Stu – the gap we offered to what Man Utd want is a few million – we should pay them and give ourselves the best chance of survival.
Around £15m for Lingard is nowt really. £15m against the money lost to relegation is huge.
We were ready to pay £5m loan & around £3m wages – £8m. What we are quibbling over here is a survival bonus of around another £7m … IF we survive!!.
But everything hinges in us surviving – WE HAVE TO!!. So if we do, £7m will be an after thought anyway.
GET IT BLOODY PAID MAN!!.
Sharpy17(Quote)
? shad ap man!! We bloody play them next!! ??
Sharpy17(Quote)
Etikite off
PremAndUp(Quote)
So, Van Der Beek and Alli to Everton. Both have hardly played so will be rusty. They are also cup-tied so wont get a warm up this weekend. They are at home to Brentford so that wont be easy.
Highly unlikely they will be up to speed for our game and the rest of the Everton squad is spotty at best.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Prem – where’ve you seen that mate??
Sharpy17(Quote)
Have a dreadful feeling we might end the win down without any creative player.
Stuart79(Quote)
Like Sharpy said, just pay Manure what they want and get it done.
Shamrock(Quote)
Sky sports website 16:02
PremAndUp(Quote)
I have never seen a minute of Ekitike play so I dont know what I would be missing. If he is that good we should buy him and loan him back to Reims.
Lingard must have reached the end of his rope with Man U and even their Manager wants to let him go. Their dressing room is going to even more dysfunctional now with all that is going on with Greenwood. Why keep Lingard who will probably go into a sulk for a month?
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
There was late interest in Ekitike from Borussia Dortmund and PSG – and the player wants to stay at Reims and re-assess his options in the summer.
PremAndUp(Quote)
Still got to announce Burn and Targett.
Still a few to go out
gone awfully quiet
PremAndUp(Quote)
We’ve offered MUFC £3m loan fee and £4m survival bonus which they haven’t responded to as yet. Cutting it fine.
Stuart79(Quote)
If Ekitike is off we need to stop messing round on the Lingard deal.
The reports suggests it’s us or WH but it’s not coz they aren’t letting him go to WH. They also suggest that Man Utd have lowered the survival bonus – if that’s the case let’s just get it done and get the lad in.
Sharpy17(Quote)
The Ekitike deal is annoying when you think we’ve pursued him most of January. Surely you would have thought our scouting set up would have established the lad would be up to coming like – that really feels a bit amateurish to me.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I was watching Sky and they began to talk about Greenwood. They were camped outside a big house, which I assume is his. I also assume the tabloids will all have photographers there as well and probably at the lasses house. This is just going to be a mess and you dont want a disgruntled employee (Lingard) on top of that. However professional you think he might be, I think he will down tools.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
The Lingard deal all feels a bit ‘Ashley’ to me – quibbling over a few million is exactly what I’d expect from his regime.
They’ve just effectively saved 20 odd million on the Ekitike deal fallen down – so use some of that to get Lingard done.
The other thing to consider is if we can stalling like this – will that have an impact on signing him permanently??? – will he be looking at this asking ‘well how much do they really want me?’.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I feel like Ekitike can f@ck off as well now. We offered proper money for him & he wants to ‘weigh up his options’ – nobody else came in for him!!!.
I’d rather get Patrick Schick in the summer.
Sharpy17(Quote)
And now lingard off
PremAndUp(Quote)
Man U are now going to have the most dysfunctional team in the history of football with Lingard in a huff, all of the tabloid reports on Greenwood, the Ronaldo circus and Pogba’s contract situation. I hope they miss out on CL. I have watched a lot of their games and they have been ****. Somehow the are 4th, I have no idea how. It reminds me of the year Pardew got us to 5th or even Bruce’s 2 full seasons here where it was only luck that kept us up.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Well we have strengthened the back line well but crikey where are goals coming from
Shamrock(Quote)
Lingard off now as well. As much as I’m happy with those we’ve signed, I have to be honest – I’m not sure it’s good enough.
I think we are short a CB and a forward.
I accept we tried hard for the CB – but we could have and should have had a forward it. We absolutely should have pushed the Lingard deal.
Annoying & disappointing.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Was excited this morning but getting despondent now. Why have we not announced Burn and Target? Why are we messing about with Lingard? Just give manure what they want and get it done. The lad wants to come and he will definitely make a difference. Look what he did at wet spam! ?
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Target is confirmed and Burn will be shortly but we need an attacker badly, 2 really.
Shamrock(Quote)
Yeah just noticed that Targett is confirmed. Surprised Burn hasn’t yet as he was up here earlier! Oh well. Desperately need another attacking player though.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Gilly – according to SSN although Burn was up early the medical wasn’t started until 4pm – probably waited to do both together.
Sharpy17(Quote)
We need to get Zapata done quick ffs please! Apparently it’s a straight £5.5m loan fee wanted by Atalanta. No word on whether we are going for it but hope we do
Shamrock(Quote)
We can all be pleased with Bruno, and the rest and rightly so.
But this was a vital transfer window – arguably one of the most important windows in the clubs history – and they’ve failed as far as I’m concerned & it could be so costly.
We needed another CB – but we could have lived without that. The forward – that was essential & one of the best English forwards was in our grasps & we f@cked it up.
Pathetic really.
How much of that is down to not having a proper DoF in place. Hard to say really, but whoever decided against paying the extra for Lingard has their neck well and truly in the chopping block.
I’m bitterly disappointed – and I know we have signed some good players, but this is a Saudi window, not an Ashley window & so I have to say – it’s really not good enough.
Sharpy17(Quote)
The window is not shut yet
PremAndUp(Quote)
Seems we are still looking at Carassco and Zapata! I’d take either one! Hope one of them come off
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Prem – it’s not but we’ve had nearly 31 days and now have less than 3 hours … I won’t be holding my breath.
Anyone we get now is 2nd choice at best.
We had Lingard primed and ready to go and c@cked it up.
Can excuse Ekitike – though I still think if you are pursuing a player for most of the month, you at least ask the question ??♂️.
But Lingard wanted to come. He went and spoke to Rangnick to force the move along and Man Utd give an inch – and we still managed to mess it up!!.
Sharpy17(Quote)