A third defeat of the season for Eddie Howe’s Mags as Man City came away – winners in today’s early kick-off at the Etihad.
We limited Man City to one shot on target in the first half and had opportunities of our own that Wilson, Longstaff and Joelinton failed to convert, but some awful defending for Phil Foden’s opener followed by a
This is always going to be a tough fixture, yet it felt like Howe missed an opportunity today in failing to start any of Alexander Isak; who could’ve hurt a City side Callum Wilson failed to lay a glove on. On this occasion, it felt like Howe was too loyal to a few out of form players who could’ve done with a rest.
The result leaves us five league games without a win, with just six goals in our last nine in all competitions. It also means we could slip to seventh if Liverpool and Fulham win over the coming days, making upcoming games against Wolves and Nottingham Forest all the more vital to get our European push back on track.
It’s been a tough month, featuring a few toothless draws and 2-0 defeats to Liverpool, Man Utd and Man City, but I back Howe to find solutions and for us to bounce back, starting against Wolves next Sunday.
There were a few surprises in the starting XI. A ‘slight concussion’ from Sunday’s final ruled Fabian Schar out, seeing Jamaal Lascelles make his first Premier League start since August against the formidable Erling Haaland.
Anthony Gordon came in for his full debut, replacing Allan Saint-Maximin down the left, while Callum Wilson somehow kept his place ahead of Alexander Isak; a call that surprised Toon fans on social media. As expected, Nick Pope returned to the side after completing his one-game ban at Wembley, while Joe Willock was on the bench again; another surprise given his ability to carry the ball at pace on the break.
Aside from one dangerous City counter that ended in a good early chance for Gundogan, we made a decent start, forcing an early corner that Lascelles headed into a really good area before the ball was hacked clear.
Five minutes later, Bruno played a lovely ball in behind for Gordon after regaining possession. It was a decent opening for our new £40m man but Walker tracked his run and the chance was soon gone after a miskick from the scouse winger.
On the 15 minute mark, City took the lead. Foden burst past Burn, nipped beyond Bruno and Gordon all too easily and fired an effort off Botman and into the net. Another deflected goal, but a really poor one to concede, featuring too many weak challenges as Foden waltzed between three or four black and white shirts. 1-0.
A big chance of our own arrived straight from the restart, only this one wasn’t converted. Gordon cut inside well, fed Wilson and the ball fell to Longstaff. It was a huge opening for the local lad, but Ake recovered brilliantly to block his shot.
Burn was really struggling against the brilliant Foden, struggling to deal with his low centre of gravity and quick feet. So much was coming down their right, while we weren’t getting any joy down ours at the other end, as Trippier and Almiron struggled to get anything going. Wilson was also losing his battles against Rodri, Akanji and Dias and struggling to hold up the ball, seeing City regain possession all too easily.
At times, Man City were smothering us, making it hard to play out – especially without Schar – but it felt like we really lacked an outball. Almiron was largely anonymous, Wilson spent most of the half wrestling his man and Gordon was often forced to protect an all at sea Burn, not make runs beyond Walker at the other end.
Things needed to change if we were to turn this around and they nearly did when Trippier’s headed across goal found Wilson. Sadly, our out-of-sorts No 9 got his effort all wrong, amplifying calls for Isak’s inclusion. It was the sort of chance he normally buries, but he got it all wrong in a half to forget for the forward.
We headed into the break 1-0 down. A disjointed display in the main featuring too many loose passes and a front three failing to offer enough, yet we did create a few big chances and limit City to one shot on target; making the nature of Foden’s opener all the more frustrating.
Howe made no changes at the break. Perhaps he was keeping faith in a side that did create a couple of big openings in the first 45, but we continued to give the ball away too cheaply in the opening five minutes of the second half, with Almiron, Trippier and Botman (more than once) guilty of slack passes that fortunately weren’t punished.
The good news was that City had also come out the traps slowly, but bad news then followed as Joelinton picked up his 10th yellow card of the season, meaning he’ll now be suspended for upcoming games against Wolves and Nottingham Forest.
A triple change then followed by Howe on the 60th minute, seeing Isak, Saint-Maximin and Willock replace Wilson, Gordon and Longstaff. Positive changes with 30 left to play and we almost saw an immediate equaliser, as Joelinton failed to connect with a superb Willock cross down the right. ANOTHER huge chance wasted.
There was hope we could get something out of this, as Isak’s quick feet and pace in behind immediately caused City problem, but the game was all but killed off moments later when a subbed-on Bernardo Silva fired past Pope after latching onto Haaland’s lay-off. 2-0 down and a feeling of real regret we didn’t start Isak, ASM and Willock from the off.
After a scuffle between Burn and Haaland – a heavyweight battle if I ever saw one – got both yellow cards, Jacob Murphy came on to replace a largely anonymous Almiron for the final 15 minutes. Before that, Bruno also went into the book for a blatant handball after slipping on the edge of the box.
The game had gone flat at this point. It felt like the second goal had knocked the stuffing out of us and City seemed happy to keep the ball and protect their clean sheet, although Foden very nearly made it 3-0 with five minutes to play, seeing his low shot stopped well by Pope.
Matt Targett then came on for his first appearance since November, replacing Burn at left-back. Perhaps some minutes for the former Villa man before he comes back into the side against Wolves next weekend?
A brilliant ball was then whipped in by Murphy with a few minutes remaining. It was a superb cross, but just evaded Isak at the back post. We had our chances today, but sloppy moments at both ends combined with poor team selection cost us against a clinical City side who won comfortably without being at their best.
Next up, a crucial home game with Wolves next Sunday. A huge game in our bid for European football after five games without a win.
4-3-3: Pope – Trippier, Lascelles, Botman, Burn – Longstaff, Bruno, Joelinton – Almiron, Wilson, Gordon.
SUBS: Dubravka, Saint-Maximin, Ritchie, Targett, Isak, Manquillo, Murphy, Willock, Anderson.
Expected the loss but thought we had some good chances not taken AGAIN .
Lascelles played well, Murphy looked good as did Isak.
kimtoon(Quote)
2 -0 was about right,not at their level yet
Mick(Quote)
We did a lot right, but missing that clinical finish. We had enough chances to win but failed to take them.
In out in South Africa at the moment and for the next three weeks and internet is very limited here. I’ll very likely miss the next two games. We need to find our scoring boots soon!
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Didn’t see the game as not shown live on my chosen channel and too early to get to pub so can’t comment on performance
Result as expected .. loss with no goals.
Season shaping up as a reasonable outcome; a top 6-10 finish and a cup run with plenty of work to do to crack the elite
Ref suggested changes, I agree Howe should be trying something different .. I’m just not convinced those mentioned as replacements will make much difference
Oh and top 8 and a cup final is a successful season imo
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
Olly – Is it possible to think you’re right but still disagree 🤷🏼♂️.
I don’t think Howe got it wrong because we had good chances in the first half – Wilson should have done so much better with his change – really it should have been a goal. But for better control of the ball from Longstaff, I think his would have been a big chance too.
I agree that Maxi, Isak & Willock made a big impact & created chances again – but I’d have left Wilson on with Isak.
I also think Murphy offered more when he eventually came on for Miggy. I’m not saying he’s a better player – but having a right footed player able to cross the ball in early was a different headache for City – and but for some good defending at the back post from City would have been chances for Maxi.
I think if Wilson was still on at that stage we might have seen him run across the defender at the front post & cause problems that way.
I understand Miggy is industrious & maybe switching him to the left side might be an option. But playing him right wing slows things down & means we are over reliant on Trippier putting that cross in – which he’s not doing too well at the mo.
It also means he can find himself out of position defensively.
Listen Howe has worked miracles with these players & I love his relationship with them. If he wants to stay loyal to Miggy I get that, but it’s time to accept it’s not working down the right anymore.
Sharpy17(Quote)
No really surprises in terms of the result today & we played relatively well. There was certainly no parking the bus or sitting back. We didn’t have a lot of shots but actually only had 1 fewer on target than City – and considering Joelinton didn’t even connect with our best chance of the game – and Gordon air shot another good chance, it was closer than the stats suggest really.
Wolves @ home & Forest away are our next 2 games (both on Sky).
We have to be winning those 2 imo – good performances aren’t enough.
If we don’t take 6 points from those games I’d find it very worrying.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Concur on the necessary results in the next two and they should be winnable games (if a battle ) to hopefully set up sone momentum for manu at home
Ironically given the recent dip in results teams may be less guarded against Newcastle now
Kind of agree that the Wilson /Issk debate could be more about how to have both starting rather than one of the other
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
Watching Saints v Leicester at the mo & you can see why they are in a relegation battle.
But Leicester in particular are really poor – and as much as I’m a fan of Maddison, he’s pretty anonymous in a very winnable game – if your big players step up.
If Saints go down – and I think it’s likely they will – I think Walker Peters would be a good buy. He’s only 25 and a very competent full back both right & left – he could even be that replacement for Trippier at that age.
Sharpy17(Quote)
SHARPY i think their C/H is a far better buy hes going under the radar imo
icedog(Quote)
Ice – is that Salisu you’re on about mate?. I’ve noticed & rate him too – though he didn’t play yesterday.
He’s only 23 as well – LCB so would be good competition for Botman.
One player I’ve noticed has taken a real nose dive is Declan Rice. To be fair to him all WH players aren’t covering themselves in glory at the mo – including the likes of Bowen.
But you usually see Rice standing out & you wouldn’t know he’s even on the pitch in the last few games.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Eric will vouch for me that I like my Championship scouting as well.
The player I hope we are scouting at the mo is Viktor Gyökeres from Coventry – another couple of goals & an assist yesterday.
He’s only 24 but is a big strong unit with bags of pace – 17 goals & 6 assists in 35 games.
I’m not saying he should be our no1 first choice forward but I think he could certainly score goals in the PL.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Well mate something needs doing imo Wilson is finished of being no 1 striker four or five good games a season is not good enough going forward in fact sub is where he should be plus he’s a right sick note this season he’s coming to a end now
Icedog(Quote)
Ice – I find it difficult to properly judge Wilson at the mo coz I think the players around him aren’t really creating much for him – although his chance yesterday was an absolute sitter imo – should at least be hitting the target with that one.
My concern is his injuries. He missed the games before the final with a muscle problem & said he was only 80% fit – I bet most players play at 80% fit. But with him it’s most likely that would result in a lengthy injury.
I really think we need to be a bit ruthless in the summer & start putting together a squad that can go after those top 4 spots.
Arteta showed that ruthlessness at Arsenal & has a dependable group of players now – we need to follow suit I reckon.
Sharpy17(Quote)
This Forest game is good
kimtoon(Quote)
No way this game ends without a red card
kimtoon(Quote)
Blood y hell Pool running riot
kimtoon(Quote)
What a difference a week makes , Manure getting humbled here.
Shame it means Pool go above us
kimtoon(Quote)
Can’t decide if Liverpool are excellent here or Man Utd are awful – probably a bit of both, but I’ll be amazed if Man Utd finish with 11 men.
Man Utd has done us no favours today like – not only 3 points to Liverpool but they’ve got their goal difference right up today too.
Can’t stand either of these 2 teams like – and all the gobsh!te pundits they’ve delivered us.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Well that’s us now down to 6th 😡
We need to be winning our next 2 against Forest & Wolves as while I’m still looking at those teams above us – I’m also conscious of Fulham & in particular Brighton behind us – Brighton having a game in hand on us & now only 3 points off.
It’s Fulham v Brentford tomorrow night as well and if Brentford win I think it puts them right in the mix too.
We need to get back to winning ways ASAP – and that will start with being able to start scoring for a kick off.
Sharpy17(Quote)
one thing that seems to have failed to draw much comment is schar’s absence through concussion yesterday
I saw a claim elsewhere that he’s had six concussions while at Newcastle 😳
I recall a couple of games this season when he looked shaken after blows to his head but that number is astonishing and the cumulative effect on his health must be worrying for him
Apparently the IFAB .. has anyone heard of this fkin shower ??.. rejected a proposal from the PL for concussion subs. I rarely find sympathy with the PL but they must be frustrated with this decision.
With the amount of money slopping around in top level football I really don’t understand their pathetic approach to players health. Football authorities really can take on a backward approach to modern day developments at times
Back to schar and I hope he recovers fully and is getting the support and care he needs from the club
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
Go West – I was surprised Schar stayed on after his collision in the final – he had a canny little egg to the side of his eye.
There are concussion subs allowed in the PL which don’t continue towards the allocated subs – but I’m not sure if that rule counts in a Carabao Cup final.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Oops .. key word missing in my post was “temporary” concussion subs. Sorry about that.
the PL and PFA are both aligned on this approach but the IFBA feel it may complicate matters with potential for incorrect diagnosis
I’d be surprised if there isn’t Medical knowledge around to develop effective protocols.
Sports here in the US moved pretty quickly on this approach. It may be with football being international there are complications but it feels a bit cr4p if the PL can’t introduce this for the English game if they want to and feel they have process in place
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
GoWest
Spot on, it’s ridiculous that PL can’t govern our own sport regarding medical protocol .
kimtoon(Quote)
So when Fernandez pushed that linesman yesterday, why was he not punished ? I didn’t think you were allowed to do that, then again it’s a Manure player so I guess it’s ok.
What happens when players in other teams do it now ? Didn’t Di canio get a 10 game ban or something for pushing Allcott back in the day ?
kimtoon(Quote)
Where’s wor Eric at???? He’s never this quiet this long??!?!?!!
Sharpy17(Quote)
Kim – Man Utd only picked up 3 yellow cards yesterday – but they should have had triple that amount and could even have seen a red in that second half.
I think the best officials & VAR definitely went easy on them because of what Liverpool were doing to them – but that’s not how it should be.
Anthony could have seen a second yellow for kicking out at VVD, Luke Shaw made 2 yellow card challenges, Scott McToms yellow could have been looked at & changed to a red (if Bruno’s was red then that one was imo) and like you say Fernandez should have been in more trouble than he was.
It was one hell of a watch yesterday – just a shame it was Liverpool doing it to them.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Shhh, don’t wake the dragon
PremAndUp(Quote)
Well I watched Brentford beat Fulham last night & it was a very good game. Both teams playing very good football.
I know we talk about Spurs Liverpool & Newcastle for that 4th spot – but we don’t start scoring & getting back to winning ways and we are more in a battle with Fulham, Brighton & Brentford for 6-9th spot.
That’s not being dramatic or negative at all, it’s based on our form since the return from the WC.
For example – in the last 6 games we’ve won 1 and only managed 6 points.
During that same run of 6 games Liverpool top with 13 points. Brentford aren’t far behind with 12, Brighton have picked up 11 and Fulham 8.
We are still ahead at the mo but we could really do with wins against Wolves & Forest before the international break. It would be a real confidence booster if we could.
Sharpy17(Quote)
If I was to make my predictions as things stand now, I think with Liverpools experience & quality of squad – they take 4th, so much so I think they’ll be hunting Man Utd for 3rd – I think the close the gap that much.
Spurs fall away as they usually do, and I think it’s between us & them for 5th and 6th spot.
Of the other 3 I think Fulham fall away and it will be between the & Chelsea for 9th & 10th spot.
Brighton & Brentford take 7th & 8th.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Aye it seems reasonable not overly dramatic.
to some extent I guess Newcastle have opportunity for top four with games against arsenal and spurs due at sjp. I don’t believe Chelsea will remain so infective given the talent they have. maybe inconsistent but I wouldn’t bet against them clicking against Newcastle especially after the expert 5h1thousing of them at sjp in November
the more relevant discussion feels like Brentford away and Brighton at home and in the meantime start picking up wins, especially against other lower half teams starting this weekend .
Nowt we can do about Fulham as six points off them already
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
So I guess the question is how to improve and one way is through team changes, so here’s my 2pth
I wouldn’t be too surprised ( and I’d be a bit relieved for his health ) if schar gets a rest for lascelles
targett for burn feels an option as the latter looks jaded, targett offers left sided balance to complement trippier on the right (allowing Newcastle a less one dimensional attacking outlet from the back) and gives dead ball options
Looking up top I concur Wilson’s looked off the pace for a bit but I’m not sure isak is a direct and effective replacement in a front three, especially against wolves / forest who may well bully him and sit deep.
unless Howe’s going to tinker formation wise (doubtful )I think Wilson May start. Gordon should start too.
Then its a debate of isak or st maximan and if a formation tinker is necessary to accommodate player changes
Joelintons absence for the next two weeks complicates midfield but I’d be looking to start with willock, longstaff and guimaraes and then bring joelinton in for longstaff when his suspension done
I think almiron is squad player by end season.
That leaves disappointment Frasers behaviour has isolated him and wtf is going on with Anderson
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
No sign of Eric, is he on holiday ?
kimtoon(Quote)
I’ll be royally pis sed off if we let Anderson go and sign that waster Mount in the summer.
What is it with us not wanting to score goals? The chances we’ve had lately. Other teams seem to have players bursting a gut to score. Ours would far rather play a one two around the box.
georgio(Quote)
The Tierney links bother me, much as I rate him and he is talented ,his injury record is not good, we cannot afford another sick note.
I mean just look at this lot !
Games missed
21/22 Knee Surgery Mar 31, 2022 Jul 7, 2022 98 days 10Arsenal FC
21/22 Ankle problems Oct 21, 2021 Nov 6, 2021 16 days 3Arsenal FC
20/21 Knee Injury Apr 3, 2021 May 5, 2021 32 days 8Arsenal FC
20/21 Knee Injury Jan 19, 2021 Feb 16, 2021 28 days 6Arsenal FC
20/21 Virus Infection Oct 7, 2020 Oct 16, 2020 9 days –
20/21 Groin Injury Sep 13, 2020 Sep 27, 2020 14 days 2Arsenal FC
19/20 Shoulder Injury Dec 9, 2019 Mar 14, 2020 96 days 19Arsenal FC
18/19 Groin Surgery May 7, 2019 Jun 9, 2019 33 days 3Celtic FC
18/19 Hip Injury Apr 19, 2019 May 2, 2019 13 days 2Celtic FC
18/19 Cals Sclerosis Mar 31, 2019 Apr 5, 2019 5 days 2Celtic FC
18/19 Hip Injury Dec 7, 2018 Feb 22, 2019 77 days 17Celtic FC
18/19 Knock Nov 15, 2018 Nov 22, 2018 7 days –
17/18 Calf Injury Mar 16, 2018 Apr 7, 2018 22 days 3Celtic FC
16/17 Ruptured ankle aigament Oct 28, 2016 Jan 21, 2017 85 days 15Celtic FC
kimtoon(Quote)
Kim – that’s some list like innit?!.
I was already sceptical but seeing it in black & white like that – we shouldn’t be touching the lad with a barge pole.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpy, I don’t think I have seen him turn out for them more than 5 or 6 games in a row tbh mate.
I would be really concerned if we signed him. I think they paid around £25m for the lad as well.
kimtoon(Quote)
Kim – likewise mate. If we have £25m for a PL full back I’d be looking at Rico Henry from Brentford or Walker Peters from Saints – I think both are every bit as good as Tierney but far less injury prone.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Well just watched Spurs v AC Milan and I’ll not get that time back 😡.
They brought Conte in to win things – he’ll be gone in the summer & it wouldn’t surprise me if Kane isn’t far behind.
We talk about our scoring issues – they’ve gone 3.5 games without a goal now .. and not so long back they had arguably the best front line in the league.
They have spent big as a club but their squad isn’t great at all.
Sharpy17(Quote)
The Champions League is like an institute – the likes of City and PSG just can’t crack it.
Teams like Munich & Madrid – it just seems to be in their DNA.
Even Milan last night – they just seemed to know how to get passed Spurs.
Sharpy17(Quote)
you can see why EDDIE checks out players before making a move they have to be “team” players and be of the right mould,PSG have four of the worlds best players but they win nothing and you could see in their last game last night they are not playing as a “team” and got knocked out of CL
icedog(Quote)
Ice – PSG have built a squad to sell shirts not win trophies imo.
They will win games because of the quality of players, but they have had some of the best coaches in world football who can’t mould them into team.
Sharpy17(Quote)
spot on buddy
icedog(Quote)
It makes me laugh seeing all these pundits & journalists saying the only move for Kane is Man Utd if he wants to win trophies – the Carabao Cup last week was their first in 6 years!!.
They were not out of the CL in the group stages this season – they are a club still in turmoil as to whether they’ll get sold or not.
I’m not suggesting Spurs are the better option, but I can understand why people think a Man Utd that can get turned over 7-0 are so nailed on for success for Kane.
Sharpy17(Quote)
i think Kane will move this summer hes 29 so only about 3 yrs left at the top my feeling is he will go to a German club
icedog(Quote)
Ice – I’d be amazed if he moves from the PL. Like you say, he’s only got maybe 3 years to break Shearers scoring record – I actually think that matters more to him that trophies now.
That’s why I think he’ll stay at Spurs. He carries a bit of weight there & will likely have some say as to who’s their next manager. He’ll be guaranteed as much game time as he wants.
HIS priority will be HIS legacy. Trophies are great but the whole team win that – there is only 1 top PL scorer & that could last for decades.
Haaland looks like he’s a forward that could chase it too, but I think his ambition is to play for Madrid – I think he may have his sights on Ronny’s record rather than just the PL.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Big weekend for the mags.
By the time of the wolves game, Brighton and Brentford could be on par and both will think they should win. Hard to see Fulham taking owt from arsenal.
Lots of talk of games in hand over spurs for CL places.
More realistic focus is Europa and Europa conference with Fulham, Brentford and Brighton as competition and no games in hand
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
2 things I’d really like to see between now and the end of the season – though I don’t know the second will happen.
Firstly – I want to see Matt Targett back at LB. Not because Dan Burn has done a bad job – though I do think he needs a rest – but let’s have another look at Targett to see what the urgency is for a new LB.
Secondly – I really want to see Isak on the right side of our attack. I honestly think that would be his best position for us. I don’t think he’s physically strong enough to play through the middle and be that main striker. But I do think he dribbles well with the ball and can be a threat on that right flank.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Yeah, tight at the top. Seems like you have to win every game to stay top 4 and that’s just not us – yet. 5-6 maybe.
Howe says Isak still not fully fit. Must have been some thigh injury!
1-0 sunday.
georgio(Quote)
I think the important thing is win our next 2 games. It’s obvious to say that there’s nothing we can do about what other teams do, but it’s true.
We really want to be going into the international break feeling good after 2 wins & still feeling like we are in the mix.
It’s in their own interest coz Eddie will go a lot easier on them with 6 points in the bag 😂
Sharpy17(Quote)
MOTD will be interesting going forward, don’t see Gary coming back anytime soon and nobody else seems to want the gig either.
BBC pandering to the right again.
kimtoon(Quote)
Where’s Eric, anyone know, not like him to not post.
kimtoon(Quote)
It is becoming concerning. I do hope he and his family are OK
PremAndUp(Quote)
Tough gig for the bbc.
In an increasingly opinion not data focussed media, bbc continue to struggle as most folks will tune into outlets that offer what they want to hear
Like it or not he’s a bbc employee and so has a responsibility to follow their guidelines on behaviour. Social media blurs the work / life divide
The sad thing is this row is now about him and the bbc and limiting reasonable debate on the policy itself and (I’m guessing ) I doubt that was his hope when he posted
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
, we can only hope he and his family are well.
hopefully he’s back soon to a warm welcome
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
they have employees and presentors donating to the far right yet they are not censured
PremAndUp(Quote)
I wasn’t suggesting they shouldn’t have opinions / preferences
and apparently I was wrong to suggest sports presenters shouldn’t voice opinions publicly according to Greg **** (and he should have better insight than me as after all he ran the place) who insists they have a free hit through a long standing agreement to be allowed to publicly comment
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
Red Bindippers lose
PremAndUp(Quote)
Well after my gloom yesterday the table could look brighter tomorrow with a win after todays results
Caveat: Watching Chelsea building some momentum
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
think ERIC has gone on a trip somwhere
icedog(Quote)