Another brilliant day for Newcastle United, as Eddie Howe’s Mags come away from West London with a well deserved 2-0 win over the Bees!
The home side had Josh Dasilva sent off within the opening 10 minutes, but we took full advantage of that as Joelinton and Joe Willock found the net in a game that saw us have 63% of the ball, 26 shots and concede just one shot on goal; which came in stoppage time.
We were a lost bunch lacking motivation, identity or acceptable fitness levels a few months ago, yet this lot now look like a proper TEAM with bucket loads of energy, so much fight and a clear idea of how the manager wants them to play. It’s amazing to see and long may it last!
The result not only sees us leapfrog Brentford – who we also have two games in hand on – it extends our unbeaten run to SEVEN games, moving us up to 14th and four points clear of the bottom three.
Joelinton was outstanding, adding a goal to a typically dominant display, Willock and Fraser typically tireless, Targett and Burn brilliant as ever and Schar a class act; not only defending well but bagging the assist for our second.
Elsewhere, Burnley picked up a point at Palace and Watford managed a 0-0 draw at Man Utd, however it’s not a time to worry about those below us when we are playing so well and looking anything but a side in danger of going down.
Not only have we dragged Brentford into deep trouble, Leeds appear to be in freefall after suffering yet another heavy defeat in today’s early kick off – losing 4-0 to Spurs at Elland Road in a result that could get Bielsa sacked.
Back to our game, Eddie Howe named an unchanged side, fielding the same 11 who started last weekend’s 1-1 draw at West Ham. Allan Saint-Maximin missed out once again, Bruno remained on the bench and Javier Manquillo was back in the squad; meaning Krafth and Murphy were in from the start for the second game running.
STARTING 11: Dubravka – Krafth, Schar, Burn, Targett – Shelvey, Willock, Joelinton – Fraser, Wood, Murphy.
SUBS: Darlow, Dummett, Lascelles, Fernandez, Manquillo, Longstaff, Guimaraes, Almiron, Gayle.
After a scrappy opening few minutes, the game took a massive turn in our favour when Brentford’s Josh Dasilva was dismissed for a dangerous tackle on Matt Targett.
Having a man advantage is one thing, but it only means so much if you don’t make the most of it; and we didn’t muck about.
We did waste one big chance, as Wood’s free header from a brilliant Fraser cross was straight at Raya, however it wasn’t long until we found the breakthrough.
We were getting a lot of joy down the left, with Shelvey and Schar pinging balls out to Fraser with ease. He was linking up nicely with Targett, getting good crosses into the box and forcing corners, but with breakthrough arrived when our all action Scot hung a ball up for Joelinton.
The Brazilian leapt like a Salmon and powered a header back across goal and into the bottom corner. 1-0 Newcastle and magical celebrations in the away end, with the big Joe sprinting the length of the pitch to give it large in front of the travelling Toon Army!
It was very nearly two moments later. Fraser cut in and saw a well hit shot saved superbly by Raya, Wood saw a looping header just fall short and Shelvey curled a 25-yard effort onto the side netting.
However, on the 44th minute mark, we broke free from a Brentford corner, with Schar of all people leading the charge. He did brilliantly, released Willock and our much improved £25m smashed the ball high into the net to make it 2-0!
We were in dreamland and in total control, yet it was nearly 3-0 just seconds before the half-time whistle, with Schar’s header from a tight angle forcing Raya into another save.
So, we went into the break two goals to the good and in cruise control – but we had to keep it up. Continue the trend of 66% possession and 13 shots to their zero and we’d win this one comfortably.
Brentford wasted no time getting Christian Eriksen on for his emotional return to English football. It was a special moment to see him back on the field and it did give them that brief boost they needed just seven minutes into the second half, however we weathered that mini-storm with minimal fuss.
Ivan Toney was the next to be thrown on with half an hour to play, but he too was well marshalled by the rock solid Schar and Burn.
A few changes then followed from Eddie Howe. Lascelles replaced a tiring Willock to give us that added bit of height at the back (their main tactic was high balls into the box) and Guimaraes came on in the 64th minute, replacing Murphy to add some control to our play just when Brentford were pushing for a route back into the game.
We had chances to make it three in the second half. Schar headed over a big chance just after the restart, Wood wasted a big opening after linking up brilliantly with Fraser, Shelvey saw a thunderous free-kick punched clear by Raya and Almiron – who replaced Fraser in the 90th minute – saw a loan shot easily saved after ignoring Wood’s run.
In truth, we never needed that third and defended well enough to see this one out without any drama, sealing a huge win in what was dubbed a relegation six-pointer prior to kick off.
So, our unbeaten run goes on and we head into next weekend’s game at St James’ Park both full of confidence and clear of the Bees with TWO games in hand on Thomas Frank’s out of sorts side!
Next up, a clash with Brighton – who lost once again today – on Tyneside a week today!
HWTL.
We looked like we could have scored more.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Lawro had us getting beat 🙂 🙂 🙂
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
27 shots today.
That means we have averaged about 20 in the last 3 games.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
The only way is up.
Eddie Howe’s Black and White Army.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
It’s not like football as we know it.
Stuart79(Quote)
Did the crowd ever sing “Steve Bruce’s Black and White Army”? I cant remember once. We all knew he was shyte and a fraud.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Mackems had a good result. I actually dont want them to fail, except that it would hurt Stewart Donald if they did. Their fans are pretty fcn mental. They have like 5000 going to away games. You have to respect that!!!
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
There’s no doubt the early sending off affected the game – and there’s no doubt it was a sending off either by the way. Don’t think the lad intended to hurt Targett for a second, but that was a leg breaker.
I thought we stuck to the task brilliantly after that though.
Wood had a good header saved – just the way his luck is going at the moment. But he’s getting into those positions to test the keeper & they will start to come off eventually.
Joelintons header was a bullet – he looked more surprised than anyone I think ?. But great that he ran to the fans & celebrated with them. He’s had a lot of stick which could have affected him & his relationship with the fans – we saw it with Perez putting his hands behind his ears when he scored. But Joe has been brilliant & it was great to see – he was outstanding again yesterday.
Willocks goal was a brilliant finish as well & that lad has his swagger back now as well hasn’t he?! – maybe he’s a second half of the season player ??♂️. Great to see him playing with confidence again though …. BUT how can you mention that goal without talking about Schars contribution ??? – that was an outstanding assist by the way.
Big results when you consider we have been without Wilson, ASM, Tripps & Manquillo … and our summer marquee signing hasn’t really got involved yet either.
I looked to our fixtures through March and was a little concerned – now, after the consistency we’ve shown in the last 5 or 6 games, now I think there’s points to be had.
I still think 34/35 points keeps us up. But I think we get that with games to spare now.
Sharpy17(Quote)
*** not summer, January marquee signing ? fool!!
Sharpy17(Quote)
Watched Wraith and Mick Lowes and they said Maxi wont be in the team if he is fit. Are they insane!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! St Max will walk back into the team ahead of Murphy. I like Jacob, but Allan is a superstar by comparison.
These people have been in football so long and still dont have a fcn clue.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
What a difference a mini run makes. A few weeks ago I could only see results from 3 of our remaining fixtures – now there is only 3 of our remaining fixtures I think we are unlikely to get anything from ??♂️.
Don’t get me wrong, that’s not me saying I expect wins or points from every one of those games – I’ve not gone that unrealistic with it all. But I don’t fear games against the likes of Leicester, Spurs or Arsenal like I did a few weeks ago (if fear is the right word).
Sharpy17(Quote)
The change has been dramatic. Six games ago I looked at these fixtures and guessed at 2-5 points and us still deep in the ****.
Joelinton was still the donkey I didn’t think we’d be able to even give away
Shelvey was finished
etc etc.
Massive change from Howe and team.
HTL
georgio(Quote)
Ah Knaa Sharpy man. It is like living in the twilight zone – Big Joe going from donkey to Viera and Jonjo becoming consistently good, not just 1 game in 5.
The football starts at 6.30 am over here. Our games are usually at 9am. I wake up and look forward to it now 🙂 Under Bruce I would have rather stayed in bed most days.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
imo if we could get four more wins we are home and dry no matter what them below us do,cannot see them getting 3 wins on the spin
icedog(Quote)
Great performance yesterday but I remain doubtful about Wood. How many games has he had now? Five? No goals and no assists and in most of the games he has not looked like scoring. He received excellent service yesterday and it’s not always going to be as good. I hope I am wrong and I hope he comes good for the sake of the team.
Groucho(Quote)
When did this “ASSIST” stat start up? It is an American basketball term where there are 5 players on the court.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
No idea but most football fans use it. I’m certainly not au fait with anything to do with basketball.
Groucho(Quote)
I have always been an advocate for VAR and without it yesterday you could hardly have blamed Dean for indicating a free kick against us. However VAR has performed badly in many instances. Look at the no penalty decision that went against Everton yesterday It was a good decision from an Nufc view. My concern is not with VAR but what happens to the people making such obviously poor decisions Do they lose some of their fee? Are they suspended? I suspect nothing happens at all. Why not?
Perhaps I’m mistaken but it does appear that the top teams seem to get the rub of the green more than lower teams. Liverpool this season being a prime example. VAR. is good. Some officials aren’t.
Groucho(Quote)
No matter the sport, VAR or the equivalents are not fool proof because at some point it comes down to a person interpreting the data.
Those people will make mistakes.
Until someone / something in the centre wants to change the current status quo to bring in new thinking .. to benefit the game instead of themselves .. it’ll just go on with the same small group holding and protecting their positions despite obvious mistakes for which there is little to no accountability
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
Mick Lowes is total w@nk. It is like listening to a tap drip – he just keeps repeating his same words. Repeating his same words. Repeating his same words.
I am telling you, that’s what he does and it is annoying.
How did he get a job for so long? How did he get a job for so long? How did he get a job for so long?
REPEAT. REPEAT. REPEAT.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Well Mick Lowes, what do you have to say about the match today:
Mick: I will tell you this. I will tell you this. Joelinton, Joelinton….
Eric: But what are you saying Mick?
Mick: I will tell you this, I will tell you this, Joelinton, Joelinton.
Eric: OK then.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
drip…drip…drip…
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
I am rewatching the game and just cannot believe the transformation in Big Joe. His first touch is so much better, he doesnt fall over anymore and seems to have gained a yard of pace. I have never seen a player change as much in my life. It is like Amdy Faye suddenly became peak Ronaldo.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Hey Kim – hope you’ve had a great birthday ???
Sharpy17(Quote)
Watched the game again and have to say Krafth played very well. We could easily have won that 5 nil.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Garth Crooks is a very strange looking guy. He looks like some sort of puppy.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
It is getting funny now. Brucie’s pundit pals will not be saying a word.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
WBA beat again – and another game without a goal.
My gripe isn’t with Bruce. I wish the man no ill will – genuinely. He took a dream job – who wouldn’t. My issue was with Ashley hiring him in the first place.
But further to that – my issue was with every pundit who blamed the fans rather than acknowledging Bruce’s inability to do his job effectively.
Of course they will never admit they were wrong – and Howe will only be doing as well thanks to the new owners & signings in their eyes.
But they would of course be wrong. Yes the new owners & signings have helped – but look at the improvement of the players Bruce had since Howe has come in.
Listen I don’t know Steve Bruce’s financial situation. But he seems to have made an awful lot of money out of football – he certainly got a canny pay off from us.
So if he’s choosing to be in the game, then he has to accept the criticism when it comes … and I wonder if it will now be the West Brom fans fault now???.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Leeds have appointed a new manager. Jesse Marsch. American guy. Apparently from RB Salzburg. ?.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Well he was let go from RB anyway, after they were thrashed 6-3. Sounds an ideal fit for Leeds. ??
Gilly Toon(Quote)
I thought he might survive until the end of the season, but c’mon man, this is a bit of a joke now for The Albion. Since he was appointed, it has been 1 point in 15. That is a death spiral even by his pathetic record. At least him, the Steves and now Alex Bruce will be even richer –
LOSS Shef Utd 0-2
DRAW B’Burn 0-0
LOSS Luton 0-2
LOSS Buro 0-2
LOSS Swans 0-2
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Bruce ZERO wins in 8.
Jones (his hire supposedly) ZERO wins in 3.
Bruce (WBA) ZERO wins in 5.
So that is 16 games, ZERO wins between Brucie and his boy Graeme (I am not a manager, I am a coach).
Hello Simon Jordan, Danny Murphy and Richard Keys. Where are you now!
Bruce has like 4 points in 13 games?
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
So, this is what the Cabbage and Friends have done this year:
Steve, played 8, lost 5, drew 3
Graeme. played 3, lost 1, drew 2
POINTS = 5
WBA, Brucie.
Played 5, Won ZERO, Lost 4. Points 1.
TOTAL, TOTAL, TOTAL:
16 games 6 points
Zero WIN %
48 points on offer = 12.5 %
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Points from Cabbage, the sprout (Alex) and the Vegetables (Steves) at WBA 1 out of 15.
That is 6.6 per cent.
Wins – ZERO in 5.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Had a conversation with my mate last night at work – the 2 things in particular (NUFC related) was:
1. Is Schar playing for a new contract or a move?.
2. Do we move from SJP or add to it?.
He reckoned Schar is playing for a new contract. I think he wants a move to Italy – thoughts?.
I also say stay at SJP & expand but I’m older than he & have far more memories – nearly 35yrs since my first visit – thoughts?.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Gilly – some clubs get a new manager bounce. That usually happens when the previous manager has lost the dressing room & the mood around the club is toxic.
But that wasn’t the case with Leeds. The players & fans are more in mourning for Bielsa rather than pleased to see him go.
They had to sack him because the results were SO bad. But nobody is pleased about it there. The new manager has an almost impossible task. Even if he wins – he’s still not Bielsa.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Aye Sharpy, I think Bielsa had to go but not sure of their choice to replace him! We will see, but I think they are in trouble.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Big trouble mate. For him to say he plays the same way as Bielsa is stupid as well – Leeds fans will be saying ‘well why not keep Bielsa then’.
For them to have any chance, they needed someone with PL experience who could tighten up their leaky defence & try an nick wins – the fella they’ve brought in is none of those.
They are nailed on to go down now imo.
Sharpy17(Quote)
AC Milan seem to be pushing hard to get a deal done for Botman now ready for the summer.
Are we falling behind here because we still haven’t got a DoF in place???
That’s a deal with a fee. Imagine how many free transfer deals we are falling behind or missing out on here as well.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpy
We did deals in January without a DOF,
Did we ever have a DOF under Ashley.
Discussions are taking place, deals are being negotiated,
Whether they come off or not is another matter
Botman has spoken of both Milan and Us without expressing a preference since before January
PremAndUp(Quote)
Is Botman better than Burn anyway?
georgio(Quote)
Prem – we had Nick Hammond as a short term DoF through January to work those deals out.
Another appointment that didn’t really make sense to me, but he was effective non the less with the players he brought in.
But we need people in place working towards next season now. There is so much work to be done. We are already well behind clubs like Leicester, Spurs & Arsenal – nevermind clubs like Chelsea, Man City & Liverpool who we aspire to become.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Georgio – maybe not, but he’s certainly better than the likes of Clarke, Dummett, Fernandez and Lascelles.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I see Mike Riley has officially apologised to Frank Lampard & Everton over the handball penalty that VAR didn’t give.
I don’t recall an official or unofficial apology to us for all of the VAR failings we’ve had this season!!.
Didn’t Howe write a complaint to them? – don’t remember hearing anything back from that either.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Paul Merson’s Giant Balloon Heed is a total dipsh!t.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
He is Super-Frank. They all suck up to him. And his uncle is ‘Arry Rednapp, father of Jamie. West Ham connections as well.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Sharpie – Eddie said last week that there was a reply from the PL about our VAR letter. He dismissed the reply with utter contempt, hardly even addressing it.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
I see that pundits are saying NUFC fans “ridiculed” Joelinton. He was ridiculed because he was shyte for like 90 games. You just have to look at the stats. Now, somehow, he has become a different player. If he was like this from the start we would not have said anything bad about him. But, he wasnt! He was shyte.
It is pretty funny seeing these BBC pundits say we are good now and Big Joe is a changed man, but they never mention the elephant in the room who they praised for so long – Steve Bruce.
No wins in 13 league games. ZERO win rate this season. That beats his 28% in the PL by a fair margin.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Eric – the lad was hung out by Bruce in the formation we played. Up front, on his own with no other NUFC player within 30yrds of him.
No fan has ever questioned his effort in a Newcastle shirt – but his finishing abilities, yeah most attempts he had on goal there were question marks to be fair.
But remember when Spurs played Gareth Bale as a left back????. They nearly got rid of him so they could bring in Boros Adam Johnson.
That deal didn’t come off and Bale was moved further forward – they ended up with a world class player (who was a **** LB ??♂️).
I held off heaping praise on Joelinton incase it’s a purple patch and he dips off again. But I have to say, watching him week in week out I just don’t see that happening.
There is no fluke with the lad. He looks so assured & doesn’t put a foot wrong often. He looks confident & comfortable playing that role.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I read somewhere the club was looking at giving Schar a 3 year deal – and no new stadium, instead expand to 60-65k.
Shamrock(Quote)
Nice one Leicester. Stopped Burnley’s little streak ????
Sharpy17(Quote)
Burn, Botman, Schar and ???? Would Lascelles stay as back up or do we need another CB in the summer?
For the summer I think we need;
1) DOF
2) Training and youth upgrades to state of the art
3) 1, maybe 2 Cb’s – Botman
4) 1, maybe 2 LB’s – would Targett be happy with solid competition??
5) A proper top range striker
6) An AM, again top range
7) I’d get Man Utds Henderson in as GK
Then see ya to;
Dummett, Darlow, Fernandez, Clarke, possibly Lascelles, Ritchie (coach role?),
Hayden, Gayle, Krafth.
Should be a busy one. And there will be fixture congestion due to World Cup in Middle East, so will need quality in depth if we are looking to push Top 8 next season.
Shamrock(Quote)
It is great to have won 4 out of the last 5 but it could have been even better. I know football doesnt work like this, but we could be on a 7 game winning streak because we were the better team in our draws…
Man U
Watford – we were much the better team in the 1st hour
West Ham – overall the better side
This should give us confidence as we go into a few away games on the bounce.
And Brentford didnt even have a shot on target until the 92nd minute. Not even Mike Dean could spoil it for us 🙂
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
I dont mind Liam Kennedy, but Wraith interviewed him this morning and I think he doesnt really know what is going on at NUFC. He said we wouldnt spend as much in the summer as we did in January. I think he must have turned his brain off. We will spend AT LEAST as much in the summer. We have the existing targets from Jan that we didnt get, plus Matt Targett. Then we have Ashworth coming in who will have his own ideas.
We are really not limited by FFP and I think these owners will be shooting for Europe if we stay up. I reckon 150 million. We will need a top class striker and CB and they do not come cheap. Kennedy can have his opinion, but his reasoning was there will be a lot of free transfers out there. We need a Sergio Aguero type signing to take the next step, and hell with oil prices through the roof we will have the money.
If we stay up, the summer will not be about consolidation it will be about finally getting a seat at the top table again. There are teams up there that can be picked off. Man U. How they are 4th I have no clue having watched them. Leicester. Spurs. Even Arsenal, who are not as good as the pundits make out.
And, of course, there is Chelsea. Who knows what will happen with them without Abramovich’s money backing them. They have a really good squad but this Ukraine business will lead to turmoil and confusion there. What exactly is Abramovich’s role now?
This is the time to strike with the “traditional” top teams out of sorts. Man U probably need half a team, same with Spurs and all of Arsenal’s youngsters will not all make it. Rodgers is talking about a major overhaul at Leicester.
This is when we need to strike. We have the money and the basis of a decent squad.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
If we get rid of the players that Shamrock is suggesting that will be 9 new signings and they will not all be free transfers Liam Kennedy!!! His full time job is to report on NUFC and he comes out with that drivel.
I think the Saudis put in 80 million of their own money towards the back end of last year to fund wages and transfers. They are taking this project seriously and that is still a drop in the ocean for the PIF.
I know I get on my high-horse about journos and pundits but they do come out with flawed reasoning a lot of the time.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
I think we will go younger in the summer as we prepare for Champions League in 2 or 3 years. We will probably go back in for Botman, Henderson and Ekiteke. There should also be a dream/statement signing. My choice would be Chiesa who is only 24. The cost for these 4 alone would be:
Chiesa 70 mil
Botman 50 mil
Henderson 30 mil
Ekiteke 30 mil
So there’s 180 million right there. Your brain would have to be up yer @rse to suggest we will spend less in the summer than we did in January. Unless we are relegated.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
You might think I am crazy but let’s put this into context/perspective. How much did PSG spend on Neymar – 200 million Euros? Same amount for MBappe. They were doing exactly what our owners are trying to do – SPORTSWASHING. Why is it nuts to say we will spend 150-200 million pounds in the summer. We have leeway under FFP to do it.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
If our Ekiteke and Botman bids had been accepted we would have spent 170 million in January FFS. I just cannot fathom the logic of a supposedly well respected journo like Liam Kennedy thinking we will not go all in to get a European place. I am pretty sure that is what Stavely & Co would have told Bruno’s agent. How else would we have got him?
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
I see Everton are about to suffer financially for their dependency on Russian money. Cancelling their sponsorship deals with Usmanov. Chelsea also in the firing line. Although it is beyond me why the gvt haven’t seized all Romans assets before he gets to sell them. Idiotic.
Stuart79(Quote)
Super-Frank has got a tough job at Everton. They have a totally disjointed squad which is partly a result of hiring 6 Managers in 5 years and also sacking the DoF. When this started I think they bought like 4 number 10s. I reckon their squad is probably 11-14 quality, but they really dont know what they are doing. Who decided to hire Rafa, their entitled fans were 100% against him from the start. Now Frank has to try to stop being defensive and get on the front foot – we saw how that worked out for Cabbage.
Talking of entitled. The Mag put up some requotes from an opposition fan site before and after games. The Everton fans seemed to think it was their birthright to beat us. I never really had anything against them until I saw that. Now I want them relegated.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
That Caulkin article also said that Stavely went to see Man City and looked at their blueprint. I think the only things they did wrong was to keep Mark Hughes and buy too many players coming to the end of their careers. I think we have enough players at or about 30 so I think we will go young in the summer. We will NOT be doing what Liam Kennedy suggests and looking at free agents.
Who is out there anyway for free? Pogba. Give me a break. Lingard will probably go to West Ham as he knows Moyes will give him gametime. I havent scoured the market and we may get one in but the owners have pretty much announced their intentions to The Athletic, and that is to spend bigtime.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
This is the year to do it as well. The “Big 6” are really the Big 3, of City, Liverpool and Chelsea. And who knows how this Russian thing will affect Chelsea? But Spurs, Arsenal and Man U are all in a state of flux and the wannabes like Everton, Villa, Wolves and Leicester are there for the taking. If you look at the West Ham squad, for example, we could easily be better than them with just 3 quality signings.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
What happens against Brighton? I would play ASM if he is fully fit, but have him on the bench if not. He is our biggest threat without Wilson. But we should be wary of bringing him back early, we did it with Dummett. Maxi was pictured in an oxygen tent so his injury must have been fairly serious. I say discretion should be the better part of valour here.
I reckon the only change will be Bruno for Murphy. I like Jacob but I have to admit he is most likely a squad player. What Bruno brings is an ability to get the ball back and also run with it. I am totally sick of Brighton dominating the ball against us.
Last game against this lot we had Cabbage deputy and enabler Graeme Jones in charge. He made some very Bruce-like excuses after the game. I think Jones is getting a free ride on the fitness of the players. He was Assistant Manager for over a year so if Bruce was not getting out of his office it was up to Jones to improve fitness. I doubt if he had much say on number of days off but he was above the other Steves in the pecking order.
Eddie seems to have moved Jones to a consulting role on match days as he watches from the stands and Jason Tindall is his right hand man. I think Jones will be gone in the summer.
We need to get near to 50% possession to stop Brighton getting so much of the ball and goal attempts. Usually, they are profligate in front of goal, except against us. We owe them for a couple of 3-nils so I am going 3-1 to us.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
So Roman announces he’s selling and will donate profits to Ukrainian people to help rebuild ect… Is that a big fck u to Putin or he’s just happy to get the f out…
Stuart79(Quote)
Stu: I think Abramovich is as corrupt as the rest of them but dont think he made his money from Putin handouts like a lot of the other Oligarchs who Putin was looking for something in return from. I dont think we will know the true story until Vlad is out of power, a bit like with Stalin.
I think Roman was Governor of Siberia or somewhere and took a lot of money from the people. Not totally sure, but I think I am right.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
It is probably the best time to play Everton and Chelsea as they are both in a mess.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Well, wonder who will buy Chelsea now.
KIMTOON(Quote)
Actually Abramovitch just said victims of the war, perhaps it will go to the Russians not necessarily Ukraine victims. He should get nothing. And someone needs to take out putin.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Chronicle has training pics and ASM didnt train Wed. Looks like he will be on the bench at best. They didnt mention Manquillo. I reckon most will predict an unchanged team but I think Bruco will start for Murphy.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
I think this Russia thing may actually help NUFC. We know about Chelsea and Everton but Arsenal have Russia connections as well. I doubt any of these will be involved in big transfers. Maybe Lukaku will leave Chelsea as there is a lot they are telling us about him.
Man U will shoot their load on Rice and will chase Haaland who most likely goes to City as Kane is 29. Pep doesnt need anybody but will probably buy yet another midfielder.
Spurs is just an accident waiting to happen. I think Conte walks if he doesnt get 200 million. They need defenders and now they are short in midfield. Is Harry Winks really a top 4 player!
Liverpool made their big signing of Diaz in Jan. Their owners are pretty cheap.
This leaves it open for us if we want to fill the void. I doubt we will be bent over as there will not be much competition for players.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Gilly – the statement that Gary Lineker read out last night he does specifically say Ukraine to be fair. But it’s only the net profit of selling Chelsea that will be used.
Sharpy17(Quote)
So it looks like Botman has sorted his move to AC Milan already.
He knew of our interest & that we’d go back for him & still sorted his move to Italy – sod him. There are plenty others & Dan Burn will take some shifting now anyway.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Just my personal preference but i think Fernandez is a better CB then Schar.
Groucho(Quote)
Was, at his peak, Shar performing at his best under Eddie is a far better bet
PremAndUp(Quote)
I agree Schar has been performing very well and I think Burn has given him that confidence that Lascelles didn’t. However I still believe that Fernandez has better defensive qualities. If Schar is not fit this weekend then I would prefer he is replaced by Fernandez and not Lascelles although I doubt Eddie will see it that way.
Groucho(Quote)