A missed opportunity for Newcastle United and our fifth draw in our last six Premier League games as we were left to settle for a frustrating point on the south coast.
Results elsewhere couldn’t have gone much better prior to kick-off. After Man Utd were held by Leeds in midweek, Chelsea drew with West Ham in the early kick off, then Spurs were thrashed 4-1 at Leicester and Brighton held to a 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace.
This felt like a huge chance to cement our place in the top four and move back up to third, but we looked half asleep throughout, low on energy and lacking in ideas without Bruno Guimaraes.
There’s no need to panic, yet it did highlight how much we miss our all-action Brazilian, with three injuries on the night and the absence of Callum Wilson (hamstring niggle) also exposing our lack of squad depth. A tough watch, but the positives are we’re 17 unbeaten and are two points clear of 5th (Spurs) with a game in hand.
After dominating possession without ever threatening in the opening stages, it was Bournemouth who had the first shot on target as Dominic Solanke’s glancing header forced Nick Pope into a smart save.
Fabian Schar headed wide from a corner and Alexander Isak failed to get a shot away after bursting into the box before the hosts took the lead with another awful goal to concede. Just like Lucas Paqueta’s equaliser last week, we failed to deal with the first or second ball into the box from a corner, seeing Marcos Senesi tap in at the back post after Trippier, Burn and Isak failed to track runners.
It then got worse moments later, as a strapped up Joe Willock was unable to continue, seeing Anthony Gordon come on. Our £40m man dropped into a number 10 role and that meant a change of formation, switching from 4-3-3 to more of a 4-2-3-1.
We looked better for the change – although it was another blow to a midfield already missing Bruno – however we continued to look so sloppy in possession, with cheap giveaways constantly gifting possession back to a lively Bournemouth side who looked bang up for it.
Then, just as we looked set to going into the break a goal down, a brilliant burst from Allan Saint-Maximin set up Sean Longstaff. The local lad’s shot was well saved but Miggy Almiron arrived to smash home the rebound. His 10th goal of the season and a much needed goal before the break.
Even with that leveller, I imagine the players would’ve seen Eddie Howe’s angry side at half time, as we were sloppy, slow and complacent all over the pitch; everything we’ve been urged not to be as we search for a top four finish and first trophy in decades.
In reality, we weren’t much better for the majority of the second half. There were less easy giveaways, but things weren’t quite clicking in attack and our midfield continued to lack that creativity and class without Bruno.
Saint-Maximin caused problems when he cut in from the right – albeit with very mixed final product – and Gordon added pace to our play in flashes. However, we weren’t really getting Isak into the game enough and could’ve gone 2-1 down had Marcus Tavernier not scuffed a big opening straight at Pope.
Still, with 15 minutes remaining the game was there for us to win. It was a worrying performance ahead of crucial games in league and cup against Liverpool, Man Utd and Man City, yet it would be one of the most precious wins of the season if we find a winner.
Jacob Murphy replaced Almiron – who went off holding his arm after being accidentally stamped on – and Elliot Anderson then came off for Saint-Maximin after the Frenchman fell awkwardly on his knee. Considering there was news of a hamstring niggle for Callum Wilson before the game, it was a real concern to see three Mags go off with knocks just a fortnight before the final.
There was a late call for a penalty as Anderson went down, yet it was Bournemouth who came within inches of winning it at the death, only for Trippier to clear an effort off the line after more abysmal defending from Burn saw the big man gift the ball to the hosts after Botman went down.
A frustrating performance and another missed opportunity to make the most of results elsewhere as we made it five draws in our last six.
(4-3-3): Pope – Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn – Willock, Longstaff, Joelinton – Almiron, Isak, Saint-Maximin.
SUBS: Dubravka, Dummett, Gordon, Ritchie, Lewis, Fraser, Murphy, Anderson, Miley.
Yeah, very poor performance today. Injuries didn’t help. But, we didn’t lose and it’s a point away. Hope the injuries are not too bad. I thought Joelinton and Longstaff did well, as did Gordon when he came on. Hope we don’t regret not strengthening much in January
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Gilly – you took the words out my mouth mate.
I came on to say we really haven’t been good over the last 5 games – but we were always going to hit a slump at some point in the season.
If this is our slump, then we are still picking up points.
Sharpy17(Quote)
We finished 11th last season.
I said at the start of the season that top 8 would have been progress – I still feel that the season is a marathon not a race & the fact we took off out the blocks like Usain Bolt changed expectations.
If we finish top 8 by the end of the season then it’s still progress.
If we finish top 6 then we’ve had a very good season.
If we finish top 4 then it’s a sensational season.
The trip to Wembley is a fantastic bonus & probably inflates that expectation – but it’s fantastic for the fans.
If we win the cup it’s a sensational season whether it’s top 8 or top 4.
Sharpy17(Quote)
We have to sort our corners out though.
We don’t score nearly enough from them – or even have enough attempts on target from them.
But we have started conceding goals from corners now – and that’s not good!!.
We have plenty of tall players out there, so it’s not a lack of height – we have to work on our corners. Defend them better & make them a source of goals for us.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Lovely reaction from Bournemouth fans clapping Eddie at the end, very classy.
kimtoon(Quote)
Kim – I went out with a girl around 1997 who was studying at Newcastle Uni but was from Bmth.
We went down to visit her family & her dad was a big Bmth fan & took me to a match – they were second division at the time & Howe was a young defender in the team.
The fans were class to be fair and thought the world of Howe back then.
He’s a total icon down there & im pleased they gave him that today.
You could see he was desperate to win there today & looked annoyed at full time – but there was total admiration between fans & Howe thereafter.
He’s ours now though & we love him too!!
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpy: the corners/set pieces dont make any sense because Tripps is knocking them into good areas. It is not like he is hitting the first man every time like Longstaff used to or hitting the same “floater” like Shelvey did.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Sharpy, yeah it was a classy reaction.
kimtoon(Quote)
Some perspective:
We are 2 points ahead of Spurs with a game in hand.
Spurs play Meelan in the CL on Valentine’s day (Tues)
They then have 2 London Derbies – West Ham and Chelsea
Then Meelan again.
Followed by an away game to Sheff Utd in the FA Cup.
A pretty busy schedule if you ask me and they were appalling today against Leicester. Their squad is not that deep. They are not Man City or even Liverpool in terms of backups. An injury to Kane and their season is finished.
Meanwhile, we have a cup final but it doesn’t really interfere with our schedule because the Sunday date has been blocked off so it is just like a regular weekend for us except it is a cup final and not a PL game.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
This may not go down well but whether Maxi is fit or not, I’d consider replacing him with Murphy.
Burn looks too exposed & is missing that cover that Joelinton gives him when he’s played out there.
I know it would seem a bit of a negative move but we have to try & protect Burn a bit. I’m not knocking him at all – he’s not naturally a LB and has been brilliant filling in there. But the last few games it feels like teams are targeting him a bit & I think Murphys ability to provide that greater defensive cover might help.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Agree with that Sharpy. Burn is not that quick either and Murphy’s speed would certainly help.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Why not swop the wingers for a game, Miggy on the left so he can cross rether than cutting in.
PremAndUp(Quote)
How far away is Targett? The idea of playing Murphy to help Burn is madness.
Truth is we’ve been poor since xmas. Two good wins against poor Saints can’t mask some very ordinary displays. We’ll come again but probably miss top4 and I really don’t want the Euro Conference league.
georgio(Quote)
Yep
kimtoon(Quote)
Manure are living a charmed life here
kimtoon(Quote)
Really impressive from Leeds here but need to take their chances.
kimtoon(Quote)
And Rashford scores
gutted for leeds
kimtoon(Quote)
Leeds falling apart now
kimtoon(Quote)
For Top 4 we dont have to catch Man U we just have to stay ahead of Spurs.
Georgio: I don’t think we will drop as far as the Conference League, that is 7th. I think worst case is Europa League which is 5th and 6th.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
St Maximan looks like he’s overthinking as he’s trying to adjust shame really but an improvement is required
made the suggestion to switch wings for wide players here and on another site last week. Got roasted elsewhere and the common response was keep st maximan away from trippier.
That sounds odd to me as Trippier will be brilliant for St Maximan as hes good enough to mentor him through the game while playing
Maybe not at Wembley tho 😁
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
Georgio – it would be madness not to provide Burn with that defensive support imo.
Look at where Man Utd’s main goal threat is at the moment – Rashford, Sancho, Anthony, Garnacho.
Overlapping them – Shaw, Malacia, AWB and Dalot.
Don’t get me wrong – I 100% believe we can beat Man Utd & lift the cup.
But their strength aligns our weakness & it would be really foolish not to try to address that.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I don’t think Isak is a PL centre forward either. I think he’d be a very good left or right of the forward, but he doesn’t have the physicality to play that central role imo.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I’m not at all impressed by Isak (just as I wasn’t by Joelinton!) Is he as good as Shola?
Sharpy – the idea of Burn out of position supported by the useless Murphy strikes me with fear.
georgio(Quote)
Supported by Miggy I could live with.
ASM being heckled by Tripps also sounds good GoWest
PremAndUp(Quote)
Woohoo .. the mags are coming to east coast.
Philly and Noo Joysee within easy striking distance and Atlanta offers a chance to swing by Savannah which is on my to-do list.
Coupled with Mobtown Mags hosting the annual toon army in the USA event in April the summer is looking much less football deprived
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
Go West – I hope you manage to get tickets easy enough mate.
I think it’s an excellent tournament to be involved in – 4 good PL teams so a good advert for the league, but a good way for the Saudis to get into the US.
I hope it’s televised but don’t image it will be.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I watched the Liverpool game last night and whilst they did play better than recent weeks – they still weren’t great … Everton were awful & I can’t get how Pickford is seen as one of the best keepers in the league.
But the player that stood out for me was the young Liverpool midfielder – Bajcetic. He’s 18 year old & pretty much ran the show last night.
It got me thinking about Elliott Anderson. He keeps getting referred to as having bags of potential but needs to go on loan – ok so he’s only 20, maybe he does need 3 or 4 years before he hits his peak potential.
But what is the best path for his development? – is it to go on loan or to stay with Howe and learn from the likes of Bruno?.
Sharpy17(Quote)
All these youngsters are different but I feel Anderson needs to start. Not only is he very talented but he’s a big lad now and very strong.
georgio(Quote)
I’ve been looking through some of the players who are out of contract in the summer. I think we’d be foolish not to use this market to increase the quality of our squad and any of the below 5 players would improve our squad imo.
Youri Tielemans
Marcus Thuram
Evan Ndicka
Daichi Kamada
Konrad Laimer
We make the most of the free transfer market and it keeps us right with FFP when we come to pay bigger fees for those key players we need to bring in.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Cheers Sharpy. Last time I saw Newcastle live it was an away game against wolves on a freezing November evening while Benitez was manager. seeing this lot even in a friendly should be a lot brighter and warm too
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
Sir Bobby Robson would’ve been 90 this week and I know he has many admirers in this blog.
There’s a four part podcast reflecting on SBR and his life which includes interviews with the man himself and is released with support of his family
It’s worth a listen using your podcast player of choice. Check out pod on the Tyne
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
I tink Sharpy that the whole squad needs looking at.
There are a lot of transfer rumours to sift through, many of them rubbish. One thing is certain. Top four means champions league means lots more games and therefore a much stronger squad, which means signings all over the part. With FFP that means boxing a bit cleaver.
Starting at the back our goalkeeping situation is decent. Pope as number one and Dubravka as back-up, if he’ll stay and someone at number three. Possibly our under 23 Max Thompson or a short term contract like Karius. I’m assuming Darlow has left.
At Centreback as much as I want Scalvini he’s still a teenager and there have been rumours of Jonathon Tah from Laverkusan. A rightfooted giant and at his peak at 27. Available at about £20m. Botman and Tah, with Burn and Schar as backup sounds decent.
Rightback is sorted. Trippier, Kraft, and Ashby. Leftback is a problem. Big Dan Burn is not the answer and Targett is at best back-up. We’ve been linked with Destiny Udogie. Although only 20 he has demonstrated he is good enough, but is he really good enough? £25m from Udinese.
It’s DM where we really need someone. Two names we have been linked with are Alvarez from Ajax and Ugarte from Sporting Lisbon. Miguel Ugarte is Uruguayan, 21 with 6 full caps and available for about £20m. The alternative, Edson Alvarez is Mexican, 25 with 61 caps but probably twice the fee at £35m+
The Number 8’s we need more quality to partner Bruno. Maddison has been Premier league experience still only 26 but at a price of at least £50m. Daichi Kamada is a free agent from Frankfurt. Also 26 with 7 goals 5 assists this season with 26 caps from Japan. If wages can be agreed there is a deal there. We also have Big Joe, Little Joe, Sean and Anderson in the squad.
Wide we have Maxi and Miggy with Big Joe filling in. We also have Gordon. Do we need more. Well if Marcus Thuram is available on a free then yes. Or If Diaby says yes then of course. We also have young Kuol coming through. A favourite of mine is Marcus Edwards also from Sporting. 6 goals and 6 assists he’s English and 24. And at £25m about half the price of Diaby.
Up front we have Wilson and Isak and I believe we need a third option to replace wood. Ben Brereton Díaz is available on a free from Blackburn and he has done well in the championship. Yes I know Thuram can play up front but Jonathan David from Lille at 23 with 14 goals and 4 assists and 37 caps for Canada has to be considered, but at £45m unlikely.
If we can get the three frees and then spend about £80 on Tah, Udogie and Ugarte or Alvarez, and would still be able to afford one of Maddison, Diaby or David.
There you go 7 players and competition across the squad.
PremAndUp(Quote)
Go West – I really think it could be an excellent mini tournament with 4 good PL side – I know Leeds are struggling and may even end up relegated, but I still think they can be decent.
My only concern would be I hope the fans behave. I think ours & Brightons would but the Chelsea lot & certainly the Leeds lot can be naughty like. I don’t think there would be bother though & reckon it could be a good event to raise our profile out there.
On Sir Bobby. I adored that bloke!!. I really hope the club & wor flags mark the occasion in the right way.
There was a piece on the local news here today – a young 9 year old lad who has survived cancer thanks to SBR foundation. The man is still having an impact on Geordies beyond the grave!!.
I’d love to see the club advertise the foundation free on the training kit or round the ground maybe.
He is one of the first names I give to the question ‘who would you have dead or alive at a dinner party’
Sharpy17(Quote)
Prem – Vhavolic from Juve up top. Caicedo with Bruno. £100m for both.
georgio(Quote)
Vlahovic is rated at £80m in TM, but with Juve’s problems you never know. Good shout though.
Caicedo is an interesting idea. I don’t think he’s productive enough for a no8 just 1 goal and 1 assist this season. Also I’m not convinced he’s a no6 either. I rank him alongside Sean or Willock. Good for the squad but not an improvement to the starting 11.
PremAndUp(Quote)
Good to see Big Andy with a goal and an assist last night.
PremAndUp(Quote)
to me the toon players are worn out that little spark has gone i think Eddie has pushed them over their limit the group is quite small really,i really do think we will drop down the lge we missed the Jan window to refresh a couple of players,hope i am wrong it just what ive seen over the last five/six games
icedog(Quote)
I think you are right Ice, That is the threat, Lets hope it doesn’t materialise long term
PremAndUp(Quote)
Prem – I think Diaz has already signed a pre-contract with Villarreal or Seville (it’s defo a Spanish side) – but I wouldn’t have been against him like.
I think we all have our list of names – I had David Raum for LB, Pau Torres at CB – though I do like Tah.
Tielmanns would be a good option but from reports, his wages will price him out I reckon.
I don’t know if I’m building Maddison up too much but I see him as a key piece of the jigsaw – as important as Bruno. He would be the player I’d say go all out for.
I would move Isak out to the left wide forward position. If that meant selling Maxi then so be it.
It’s funny coz I have the same 2 forwards on my list – David & Vlahovic. I would definitely go for Thuram on a free for his versatility up front.
Sadly I could probably see Vlahovic creating a bidding war & he’ll likely end up somewhere like Man Utd, Chelsea or Spurs if he came to the PL.
I’m not saying we can’t compete with those clubs – but money wise we have far more players to buy than those clubs.
What I think is most important is we focus on the first team squad first.
There’s lots of links with 18 year olds for £20m – we aren’t there yet!!.
I think we are maybe 6 senior squad players off where we need to be to compete in European football as well – depending on how savvy we can be, that could be another £200-250m.
Once they are in, then let’s look at teenagers.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Ice – I think you’re hit the nail on the head mate.
The injury to Wilson & Willock, the drop in form of players like Miggy & Burn – it’s all relentless game time without rotating or them being able to have a break.
Hopefully Bruno coming back in after a 3 game rest & the impact & influence he has on the team might pick them up again – I expect it will but will it be enough is the big question.
I wonder if the fact we are ahead of where we expected to be meant they were ok with letting the Jan window pass by and instead focused on commercial business for the club – buying back Strawberry Place and ensuring that side of the club.
Making sure the foundations are properly in place rather than jump on this unexpected success – sticking to the big picture I guess.
Difficult to take just now but hopefully pays off down the line.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Here’s a question – do we not play Joelinton against Liverpool to avoid the risk of him picking up the yellow card that gets him a 2 game ban – effectively protecting him for the final.
We know we’ll be getting Bruno back and with him, Joelinton & hopefully Longstaff in midfield I think that gives us a good chance of winning that midfield battle.
Without Joelinton & Willock I think it makes that battle very difficult & I think that’s where the game could be won or lost.
Sharpy17(Quote)
The two game ban would not include the final
PremAndUp(Quote)
The ban would only be PL games. Only a red would see him miss the final.
georgio(Quote)
who would have thought a couple of years back
“We must protect ‘Bl**dy useless’ Joelinton for the final”
PremAndUp(Quote)
Prem – Caciedo is definitely a DM and way better at it than anyone we’ve got.
georgio(Quote)
OK take your word for it.
PremAndUp(Quote)
SHARPY think you’re right 5/6 is about right trouble is I doubt we can fix it in one window ffp rules pity we are not going the Chelsea way (600 ml) in one hit as we don’t have the income (yet) two windows might be enough,now we know why Eddie wants players aged 25/26yrs old you have to that age to take the hard training
Icedog(Quote)
Ice – it might be possible in the summer but we would have to have all our ducks in a row and players that want to come & aren’t going to mess us about.
The key thing is freeing up with space in the squad – which we started in Jan with the likes of Wood & Shelvey going.
I expect the likes of Dummett, Ritchie, Darlow, Gillespie, Fraser, Clark, Lascelles – maybe even a few more to be gone.
If we with the free transfer market for a few then we may only need to spend £150m (ish).
But the important thing for me would still be getting the right players, so if that takes 2 windows then so be it really – another 3 or 4 in the key positions should move us along.
It depends if we get top 4 really – CL would increase the urgency to sort them in the summer I reckon.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Part 1 of 2
Of the current team long term keepers are Pope, trippier, botman, guimaraes.
I’d add joelinton but that’s my subjective bias of underdogs coming good 😁
Got to think they see something in isak and Gordon after their splash signing but Isak needs to show more and Gordon to settle in.
Others are at more risk of being replaced
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
Part 2 of 2
One risk about of an ‘all-in’ on one or two windows is that of a disruptive signing as the team harmony is the heartbeat of Howe’s teams.
They’ve been spot on recruiting so far but they’ll get it wrong at some point. That’s going to be easier to address when squad has top quality across the board and commercials in place
I like the multi window, balanced approach and lesser performances like Saturday are one part of the price for long term planning …
and …
( my subjective bias again) I like to see players improve so seeing this team blossom under Howe even when not always able to win games is a joy
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
Olly – what is it with using Mags? I’ve never used it and don’t know anyone who has. Mags?
georgio(Quote)
You’ve never heard anyone refer to Newcastle as the Mags? I find that hard to believe!
Olly Hawkins(Quote)
True mate. I know no one who refers to the team as The Mags. The Team. The Town. The Toon.
georgio(Quote)
agree 100% Olly,many many people have called them the mags
icedog(Quote)
I don’t suppose that would be short for magpies by any chance 😉
PremAndUp(Quote)
LOL could be right Prem
Icedog(Quote)
A few years into me going to the games (late 80s), my uncle bought me a black & white scarf (black along the top & bottom, white through the middle) with THE MAGS in big black lettering and a magpie either side of it. It’s probably still at my mams somewhere I reckon.
Sharpy17(Quote)