A case of what if for Newcastle United today, as a game of tight margins ended in a 2-0 win for Arsenal.
We came out of the blocks flying, hit the woodwork twice and were denied a penalty that was initially given by Chris Kavanagh. However, the Gunners had their chances and ended up seeing out the game well.
In truth, we were a few levels below our best – we lost the midfield battle convincingly – yet it shows how far we’ve come when a title-chasing Arsenal come away lucky not to concede a couple, despite playing so well. Perhaps the biggest compliment is the way they time-wasted from the off – rather ironic when you consider all of Mikel Arteta’s moaning after the reverse fixture!
The result leaves us three ahead of Liverpool with a game in hand. The top-four race remains firmly in our hands, with Champions League football within our grasps if we can pick up six or seven points from remaining games against Leeds, Brighton, Leicester and Chelsea.
Howe went with an attacking line up, with Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson BOTH starting. It was a shame to see Sean Longstaff miss out entirely, who ended up being a big miss (not for the first time) in front of our back four.
We made an electric start, seeing Jacob Murphy strike the inside of the post within 70 seconds, then a penalty incident followed. Chris Kavanagh pointed to the spot for a Kiwior handball, but overturned his decision after taking a second look at the pitch side monitor. Did he make a ‘clear and obvious’ error? Perhaps, but the time taken to change his mind makes you wonder and left fans in the stadium furious after five minutes of limbo.
Nevertheless, our strong start was followed by a sucker punch at the other end, as Martin Odegaard’ low shot from range snuck from bodies in the box and past Nick Pope. 1-0 Arsenal.
They were a real threat on the counter and cut through our defence at times, but we had to stop giving it away in bad areas, with Bruno and Joelinton both guilty. We weren’t at our flowing best, yet Willock could’ve easily drawn us level had his low shot gone either side of Ramsdale.
That said, it could’ve easily been more than 1-0 at the break. Pope pulled off two one-on-one stops to deny Martinelli and Saka, then made himself big just seconds before the break to deny what looked like a certain goal for the elusive Odegaard.
It was a feisty game and emotions threatened to spill over at times, fuelled by the fact Mikel Arteta’s men were intent on slowing the game down where possible. Ramsdale took an age over his goal kicks, throw-ins were equally delayed and a few in red hit the deck to get treatment. It angered an already frustrated St James’ Park crowd, yet that could work in our favour as we went in 1-0 down and ready to attack the Gallowgate.
Like the first half, we kicked off the second with a big chance. Murphy got free, swung in a cross and Isak looked destined to head past post, only for his effort to crash off the post and out. Soon after, a set piece was swung in by Trippier which found an unmarked Schar from six yards out. Time stood still and we all expected the net the ripple, but his header was straight at Ramsdale. Down the other end, Arsenal hit the woodwork themselves, as Martinelli’s floating effort clipped the top of the crossbar. Another let off that kept us in it, but you had to wonder how we hadn’t scored.
Sadly, the game all killed off with 20 minutes to go, as Martinelli cross flashed across the box was turned into our own goal by Schar; the same man who almost equalised at the other end. A killer blow in a game of fine margins and one that left St James’ Park flat. We huffed and puffed to pull one back – Saint-Maximin went close with one lovely effort that Ramsdale tipped wide – but we couldn’t find a way after the likes of Almiron, Gordon, Targett and Anderson also came on.
It was good to see the Frenchman back, however, it was clear how much we missed Longstaff’s tidy possession play and protection of the back four. Arsenal are a quality side who break at pace and have bags of quality, orchestrated by the brilliant Odegaard, but our midfield lacked balance today, with Bruno having one of his poorest games in a black and white shirt.
Next up, a meeting with Big Sam’s Leeds next Saturday.
Keep the faith. HWTL.
Really need a win next week against Leeds. Our midfield was very poor and once again we see how good Longstaff has been. We are not the same when he’s out. Close margins today. It was always going to be difficult.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Not sure you can criticise Arsenal for time wasting when you have been doing it all season. At the Emirates you were at it from the first minute. You can’t give it without expecting some back.
Kevin Albone(Quote)
You could have been two or three goals down by half time.
Your players elbowed throughout the game and the feisty play came from Newcastle.
Like a previous poster on here said – you cannot complain about time wasting when that was all you did at the Emirates.
Me(Quote)
Lear penalty shout for West Ham against Manchester United. Not even looked at by VAR. one more bit of evidence of corruption in the FA. If it’s not corruption, it’s incompetence. Neither are acceptable at this level. Man United should be 2 down.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Kevin – as a Newcastle fan I agree with you.
Our issue is when we do it it’s time wasting – when you did it today it’s game management 🤷🏼♂️.
I think the ref added 5 mins at the end of the first half and another 5 or 6 mins at the end of the second – and the time gets added to our games too. It bit us on the ar$e against Liverpool when they won the game in the 98th min or something like that.
So I don’t think it is time wasting as it’s added on – it is more trying to disrupt the flow of the opponents game. Is that sportsmanship? That’s up for debate, but it’s something I’ve watched in over 40 years in WCs 🤷🏼♂️.
You didn’t beat us today because of that. You beat us because you moved the ball better & put your chances away – we didn’t.
Sharpy17(Quote)
And another decision goes against West Ham and in Man united’s favour. De Gea falls over and so goal not given.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Arteta moaned about our tactics at the Emirates after we came with a 0-0. A few months later, he’s doing the same thing at SJP. Can’t give it the big one about ‘playing the right way’ and slating our approach, then do the same thing!
Olly Hawkins(Quote)
Me – it also could have been 3-3 by half time. It certainly wasn’t as one sided as you suggesting we could have been 2 or 3 down.
As for elbowing – come on man, you don’t believe that for a second do you?!. There was multiple suggestions of elbows, but not one landed on any replay.
Let’s keep it sensible buddy. Listen I wish yous all the best for the league. I hope yous do it & City end up with nowt this season, but keep it right mate. There was some strong tackles but nothing naughty that crossed the line.
Sharpy17(Quote)
For what it is worth I wish a solution could be found to stop all teams doing it. I don’t think Newcastle are any better or worse at it than anyone else. And yes all football no managers are hypocrites! But I wish Newcastle good luck for the rest of the season, it’s good to see different teams in the CL, and both Arsenal and Newcastle have had very good seasons
Kevin Albone(Quote)
Gilly – the definition of Corruption: dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in power, typically involving bribery.
I think that’s why Stan is challenging the use of it (but he’s a big lad and I’m sure he can correct me if I’m wrong).
I think incompetence is a far closer description though mate – incompetence and a lack of consistency from game to game.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Kevin – here here mate, and I’d include Brighton in that. The 3 best footballing teams this season in my opinion.
Im sick of the likes of City, Liverpool, Chelsea & Man Utd – I’m no fan of Spurs either but sheep in wolves clothing.
Would be great to do battle with yous at the top of the league in the future.
Good luck for the league mate 🤞🏼
Sharpy17(Quote)
Nice one WH 🙌🏻
Sharpy17(Quote)
I posted this on the previous thread
also agree no Longstaff = no points
I think having both sides of an argument is valid Stan.
I think there has always been a big six bias, but also a home team bias. Do I think money changes hands, Not at all.
I agree with sharpy the phrase clear and obvious has morphed into if we find an error no matter how long it takes. But if the error is there then accuracy is what is now being deemed important.
Would I prefer a 20 second time limit, of course, but that’s not where were at
PremAndUp(Quote)
Well, if it’s incompetence, it’s very biased incompetence as it almost always seems to favour the so called “big six”
Gilly Toon(Quote)
PREM I said a few threads ago Longstaff is very under rated fans don’t seem to see the work he does we never play as well when he’s out but some fans don’t rate him wrongly,ime some must not have played the game themselves
Icedog(Quote)
Well done West Ham. Good win, although once again there was biased incompetence in favour of Man United… clear penalty for WH not given or even looked at by VAR.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Looks like we settle on incompetence then guys,or biased incompetence for Gilly Toon
StanHardy(Quote)
didn’t see the game but a disappointing if not very surprising result
I’ve been a bit surprised at how many assumed in the last week that a CL finish was so clear cut given how tough Newcastles run in is.
There’s a reason arsenal have led the league most of the season .. they’re a f’kin good team.
We see the blueprint allardyce has for leeds ( and he loathes the toon), Brighton are a top team, Leicester will run hard and who the **** knows what Chelsea will bring.
So buckle up and enjoy the end of the ride to this brilliant season .. and it has been.. coz it’ll go to the last game I reckon
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
Agree it’s been a gert lush season as they say here in Bristol. So glad not to be in a relegation battle and able to relax and enjoy the games.
Yesterday we matched and in some cases bettered them on stats, we just didn’t take our chances and Ramsdale was good for them. Bruno had a bit of an off day, looked slow at times and his foul led to their first goal but he has been immense for us so I can’t put the blame on him. I also think he’s playing inured, that ankle still isn’t right for me.
If the pen stands and gets scored it’s a different game as we were well on top at that point.
Regarding corruption and bias, who knows, but there can be no dispute that for ages in the PL refs consistently favor the so called elite teams, top 6, call it what you will. Look at the west ham game yesterday, it’s clear as day. Plus the added time at the end was what 10 mins ?
Longstaff is a bigger player for us than is given credit as well .
kimtoon(Quote)
I can’t stand the new subs rule. The last 20 mins of all games is just constant interruption and time wasting. Just go back to 5. It was always enough.
I think Eddie got it wrong yesterday. They’re a very good team we would have done well to draw with. The idea of us imposing OUR game doesn’t always work. We allowed them so much space in the middle it was criminal. Or maybe it was just where Longstaff would be. The Brazilians were poor and I was surprised to see Wilson and Isak start together. Onward and upward!
georgio(Quote)
Have to make sure of a bounce back next game
StanHardy(Quote)
Longstaff out of Leeds game looks like Linton out as well,big Sam will be rubbing his hands we are light in m/f Bruno isnt at his best that ankle is slowing him up
icedog(Quote)
Sean sees a specialist on Tuesday and yes Joelinton had a slight limp after the game. We’ll know later in the week. Either way we should have enough good players to worry Leeds.
georgio(Quote)
I think the Arsenal game just highlighted our need for a number 6 – certainly against the better teams.
Bruno is brilliant, I love the lad & he is a player to build a team around. He’s marshalled our midfield all season – but that holding role is not his A game.
It’s none of our midfielders A game though they are good enough to get through most teams in the league.
But we need that DCM in the summer – along with a RWF, RB & RCB … and Marcus Thuram imo.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I say RWF but I mean the right side of our attack – it doesn’t need to be a winger as such. I think we have plenty already in Miggy, Murph, Gordon, ASM and even Isak could operate in that channel if needed – with Joelinton a left side wide forward if needed.
My pick for that right side of attack is Maddison. He’s a player who could play 10 or in that right channel.
Sharpy17(Quote)
So . . . Bruno, Willock and probably Joelinton. If he can’t make it do we go 4-2-3-1 or try something new in the 433. Could Anderson play instead of Joelinton or Longstaff? He looks stronger every game. It’ll be a very tough game and we can’t afford a defeat.
georgio(Quote)
Georgio – would you consider 3 CBs?
————-——– Pope ——————-
——- Schar — Botman — Burn —-
Trippier —————————- Targett
———- Bruno —- Anderson ———-
Miggy ———————————- Maxi
—————-—- Wilson ——————
I know it’s a bit make shift and a formation we have not yet played but I think it protects a weakened midfield whilst still having the threat of the likes of Trippier down the right & our front players.
It should also help against their main threat of Rodrigo & Gnonto.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Personally, I would be interested in both the Thuram brothers, and their dad as a club ambassador.
PremAndUp(Quote)
Prem – now there’s a way to solve a multitude of problems mate 👌🏼
Sharpy17(Quote)
It’s an idea Sharpy but maybe too big a change for the whole squad right now. Could work.
Also I’d definitely want Isak on the pitch. Still had no word on Joelinton – he could be fit.
georgio(Quote)
Georgio – I just don’t think we should risk fitness even if Joe can make it. Give him a week off & save him for the likes of Chelsea & Brighton where you’d expect it to be more difficult.
I don’t expect Leeds will be pretty. Fat Sam will have them humping the ball up front – there won’t be any fancy football being played that’s for sure.
I think that team give good defensive cover with 3 big CBs. Both Miggy & Maxi like to dribble in field but having Trips & Targett as wing backs means they can still freely overlap and play crosses in if that’s the better passage of play for that particular attack.
I’d start Wilson for the physical battle and bring Isak on when their defenders are tired.
I think Sam will have them fired up with it being a televised home game and it will be more a battle than a football match – hence I wouldn’t risk anyone carrying a knock if it can be avoided – I know Bruno is in there with an ankle knock but he seems to be the least injured of all over midfielders at the moment 🤷🏼♂️
Sharpy17(Quote)
Looks like Joelinton will be fit and Longstaff too maybe. Apparently he’s played cricket the last two weekends.
georgio(Quote)
Just wanted to go back to this as I’ve now finally got to see the game
Don’t disagree at all that the right reinforcements would improve the team.
I would add to that, another missing piece to take us to the next level is nous. It was so apparent how composed arsenal were in the face of Newcastles franticness. They had a plan and played it very well.
Adding the right players to the squad will help but so will having the experience of these types of games. That’s one of the reasons reason why I think it’ll be a mistake to overhaul the team this window( not that anyone here is suggesting an overhaul should happen)
A quick trawl of competitor teams sites indicates it’s Newcastles inexperience at the top that they think is their best chance to reach CL places
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
Go West – couldn’t agree more with your analysis mate.
I think as fans we will find ourselves at a bit of a crossroads this summer if (when) we do get European football.
Do we buy into the nonsense the likes of GNev is spouting about us going for the likes of Neymar, or do we continue to trust those in charge to go and get the player THEY feel is right – my immediate thought as an example is Scott McTom. Obviously the vast (if not all) majority of fans would want different/better – but if he’s the player Howe thinks best fits our squad right now, then will we trust that?!.
I’m with you though. I wouldn’t make massive changes to the first team squad – maybe 3 or 4 players this summer depending on who they are.
Another maybe 3 or 4 young guns to develop for the future.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Aye Sharpy, we all know things need to change in the summer to maintain progress.
I’m unfazed by what any so called expert says about Newcastle unless they demonstrate they care about and are informed on the club .. and Neville most certainly is neither of those 😊
Quick point .. Newcastle are guaranteed euro footy next year .. question now is what colour (so to speak) and I won’t be disappointed with any euro comp
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
At the start of the season I would have snapped your hand off for Europa League football and I’ll still be happy with that.
georgio(Quote)
I like Howe’s comments today .. “team should be excited by challenge of battle for top spots not daunted”
This is as it should be .. 18 months after takeover Newcastle have gone from perennial relegation battle to CL battle where the top teams are copying them to win, and this is the beginning.
Who wouldn’t be excited by that .. I am
7:30 am beers for me tomorrow.. that’s exciting too 🍻
HWTL
GoWest!Mag(Quote)