A final day draw at Stamford Bridge for Eddie Howe’s Mags, who were below their best but bound to be tired at the end of a simply stunning season.
The first half was full of missed chances – mostly from a wayward Miguel Almiron -, some superb breaks from Allan Saint-Maximin and a first Toon goal for Anthony Gordon, while the second petered out like a classic ‘end of season’ affair.
Lewis Miley came close to a dream Premier League debut, shaving the crossbar ten minutes to play, but Chelsea had two big chances to win it in the final few minutes and looked far more likely to win it, in the end.
It didn’t matter in the end, as we can now look ahead to an exciting summer, with top-four secured and a team to be proud of. We’ve conceded just 33 goals all season – the joint lowest in the league alongside title-winners Man City – and lost only five times. Again, the only side able to match that tally are Guardiola’s men. We’ve been so consistent all year and brilliant at both ends, with Toon trio Callum Wilson, Alexander Isak and Miguel Almiron all reaching double figures. Sadly, though, the latter didn’t have his shooting boots on today!
We were all over them early on, as the shambles at Chelsea from top to bottom was evident from the off. Isak forced an early save from Kepa and Saint-Maximin was running riot, but it was Gordon who gave us a lead, tapping in after Anderson’s ball across the box picked him out perfectly.
Chelsea responded with a soft equaliser, seeing Trippier turn into his own net after we switched off and Sterling’s ball across the box wasn’t dealt with, but we had so many chances to retake the lead before the break. Almiron fired two big opportunities well wide and another straight at Kepa, with the superb Saint-Maximin having a goal-bound effort blocked well by Silva.
We had Dubravka to thank at the other end, as he made a big save to keep us level and deny Sterling, yet it was poor finishing and a failure to dispatch big openings on the counter that let us down, as Almiron reminded many why we remain on the lookout for a right-winger. He’s had a great season, but today highlighted his limitations and overreliance on his left-foot.
We had plenty of motivation to go out and win it in the second half, as Man Utd were level with Fulham at the break. The game was there for us if our finishing improved, yet it seemed like we had one eye on a well-deserved break instead; and who could blame them. The lads didn’t pose the same threat in the second 45, as Chelsea took control of the ball and looked the more likely; without testing Dubravka a great deal.
Saint-Maximin and Gordon had faded out of this one and both departed with just over 20 minutes remaining, seeing Wilson and Murphy come on in their place. We were limiting the hosts to shots from range, but beginning to look leggy and like a side who may have spent most of the week celebrating that top-four finish!
17-year-old talent Lewis Miley then came on for his top flight debut – becoming the youngest ever Mag to represent us in the Premier League. Burn also replaced a tiring Targett at left-back, but it was Miley who almost made the difference, seeing an edge of the box effort clip off the bar and out. So close to a dream debut and the closest we went in an otherwise flat second half display.
It didn’t matter in the end. Man Utd were now leading at Old Trafford, securing third spot for them. It’s been an incredible season and a humungous effort from all involved, with Howe’s patched up squad missing seven or eight through injury bound to be tired and a few levels below their best today.
Chelsea should’ve won it at the death, as Burn was robbed in a dangerous area, allowing Sterling to set up Pulisic down the left. Thankfully, the USA international fired his effort too close to Dubravka, with Joao Felix also missing a big chance with his head moments later; two moments that summed up the lack of quality in the final third all afternoon!
A classic end of season encounter, but a game between two sides ending the season in very different positions. One on the up and into the Champions League, the other in a mess after finishing outside the top 10.
2022/23, it’s been a pleasure! Here’s to an exciting future and the return of Champions League football later this year. You’ve done us proud, lads.
(4-3-3): Dubravka – Trippier, Schar, Botman, Targett – Gordon, Bruno, Anderson – Almiron, Isak, Saint-Maximin.
SUBS: Karius, Gillespie, Dummett, Wilson, Lewis, Murphy, Ashby, Burn, Miley.
Absolute tremendous season and beyond all expectation.
Thoughts on incomings, we definitely need an upgrade on Almiron who can’t be relied upon to take his chances see him as a reliable squad player, Harvey Barnes would be a solid acquisition.
James Maddison would compliment our midfield and offer something different.
Would cash in on Maxi and go for Diaby.
New young right sided centre back but not urgent if Tierney bought in at LB.
Joseph(Quote)
71 pts, not too shabby. Sets the bar for next season.
We were on target for 76 at several points in the season.
Looking forward. onwards and upwards
HWTL
PremAndUp(Quote)
Seen a shot of Maddison with his shirt up, soft flabby belly showing. EH will not be impressed.
I’ve never wanted him anyway.
georgio(Quote)
Prem – anything over 60pts next season I think they’ve done brilliantly well again.
60 was my target for this season which they have obviously exceeded.
But with a CL campaign added in this year, I’d be fine with that.
60 pts saw Spurs finish 8th this season so expecting Chelsea & Liverpool to come again next season.
I know it doesn’t sound overly ambitious at all, but I think we have to be realistic that this is still a building process.
That’s depending on how we get on in the CL obviously – if we go out at the group stages then I’d want more.
But my expectations is we probably drop into the Europa.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I thought Maxi looked good yesterday. I’d be deeply disappointed if he left – especially if it was ahead of Miggy.
I thought Gordon did well for his goal & looked ok in that more central role – but I can understand why Howe has held him back.
I question his athleticism for a Howe team – not his fitness necessarily but there were times he moved round that pitch like Shelvey used to.
He either has to work hard on that, starting this summer – or accept he’s more often than not going to be an impact sub – which for £45m is a massive waste of money.
I’m not being down on the kid coz there were definitely periods yesterday where I thought he looked good – more that there is still work to do there imo.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpy – he’s just not fit and admits he was miles behind the others when he arrived. A EH preseason will put him right! Did you see the vid of Howe celebrating with the fans yesterday? Very heartfelt and very impressive.
georgio(Quote)
I can’t do anything but celebrate with and salute these players and staff for the last season.
We’ll see where nufc are come august with players etc and in the meantime I sincerely wish all the best for those players and staff for their contribution this season
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
It’s a long time since I’ve felt like this at the end of a season. Probably going back to Keegan and Robson days I guess. Well done to Eddie and the whole team. Excited to see what’s next.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Same here
kimtoon(Quote)
Cannot believe that Eddie did not get manager of the year! Just un-fucking-believable… the job he’s done is way better than what Pep did with his bunch of very expensive stars. 😡😡😡
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Pep deserves it for producing the best team the PL has ever seen. I’m well aware of the money money argument but would Lampard for example had the same result.
georgio(Quote)
Taken from a letter in the Mag.
“Best moment for me was the very end of the season – seeing Eddie do a crowd punch and with such emotion. I so loved it and really can’t wait for the day when he does that each time we win at all 4 stands. Brilliant and anyone who hasn’t seen it just search on NUFC twitter and you will easily find a couple of versions. It’s fantastic.
georgio(Quote)
Kind of agree georgio.
Nufc fans ourselves have highlighted regularly that money itself is part of and not the whole reason when suggesting how brilliant Howe is .. which he is.
To take ego driven individuals like elite football players and consistently mould them to an ever improving team for continued success the way guardiola has done takes dedication, incredible belief and skill. Howe ( and Hodgson ) aside his conduct is as balanced as they come in the PL
That manc only hit the top late on is not a negative either .. manc set the standard and many teams are improving to make the PL competitive. Manc stayed close to the top and held it together under pressure to be supreme down the stretch when Arsenal faltered
Saying all that, id’ve chosen Howe but I’m a Newcastle fan so I would 🤣🤣
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
That was a lovely sight to see Howe orchestrating the toon army at Chelsea on Sunday and I like that he keeps those moments in reserve for special occasions. Makes it very special when he brings it and drops his control a little
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
Howe was so emotional I was shocked by it!
georgio(Quote)
I love Eddie Howe & Pep is a sensational manager (City are a bunch of cheats, but Pep is class).
But my manager of the season – Steve Cooper comes a close second to Gary ONeil.
To take over from Scott Parker who basically sh!thouse the players saying the squad wasn’t good enough – it being his first real managerial role & having pretty much everyone expecting you’ll get sacked. He’s just quietly went about his business and had Bmth safe with weeks to spare in the end.
Howe will just have to try harder next season 😜😂
Sharpy17(Quote)
Gutted for Eddie but Pep is a brilliant manager, to manage all those ego’s is no mean feat.
kimtoon(Quote)
Aye lot of fans don’t understand that mate
Icedog(Quote)
I watched the Europa final last night & Jose was an absolute disgrace!!.
Sir Bobby would be disgusted by his behaviour. He’s not a man I would want anywhere near our club.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Well that’s a wish you’ll get Sharpy!
This Veiga link seems pretty real. Great reputation for a kid in a poor team.
georgio(Quote)
Like all windows, I just open up the page and check to see if Ice has posted ‘medical incoming’.
PremAndUp(Quote)
i see Nott/Fort have put Shelvey up sale manager says he wants him out of club,dear me looks like he has huffed a few there,was always far to slow for PL,one good pass in twenty does nowt
icedog(Quote)
PREM only spoke to him y/day he just on his normal job ime sad to say,but he is thinking he could be called in,said a strange thing like there could be some medicals done abroad ???
icedog(Quote)
Interesting, even though it tells us very little.
PremAndUp(Quote)
I like the look of young Gabri – though it’s YouTube scouting on my part if I’m honest. I’ve not seen anything of him real time, but I’m sure our scouts will have.
I liked the Ferran Torres link as well, though I’d play him right wing forward if we bought him – £26m seems super cheap?!.
I checked his stats and in 32 games he’s only got 4 goals & 2 assists – not great in a Barca team really.
Really like the idea Gyökeres too. If we can get him for around £20-25m then I think that’s a really good buy too.
There’ll be a few looking at him but I’m hoping CL, Isak & Krafth will convince him NUFC is the place to be.
That would be 3 quality players under the age of 25 for around the £80m we get for CL qualification.
Sharpy17(Quote)
So it looks like Mount is off to Man Utd & Kovacic is off to Man City – Chelsea fire sale is only strengthening their rivals!!
But does that in turn free up the likes of Scott McTominey or Kelvin Phillips for us?!.
Would we still be looking at them if we sign Veiga??.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Is Veiga a DM or AM?
georgio(Quote)
Georgio – from my YouTube scouting 😂 he’s a rightsided Willock is the best picture I can paint.
Not a DM I would say but can put a tackle in.
Likes to get forward with the ball from midfield. Maybe similar to Longstaff but a better finisher.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Not keen on mctominey
kimtoon(Quote)
DM in order of preference
Rice
Ugarte
Thuram
Phillips
McTominey
PremAndUp(Quote)
I think it also depends on cost as well though.
Some clubs are in a position where they only need 1 or 2 top players in – our squad isn’t strong enough for that yet & we need 4/5 in the summer imo.
If our budget is £150m & Rice would cost £100m – but McTom could be got for £30m then we have to continue that strengthening process.
I don’t think we are far – many even next summer depending on how these next 2 windows go, but we have to be sensible about it.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I doubt that we are buying £100m players, or ultra high wages. It will be a balanced approach. We may get one top name, but I think given the number of players we need they will be £30-£50m
PremAndUp(Quote)
Prem – I hope our marquee signing this summer is a right side forward – I think it & LB are the 2 positions we lack really quality.
I think we were fortunate that Miggy had a real purple patch last season but outside of that run of games he was pretty poor.
Dan Burn did really well at LB, but I’m not sure you could say ‘real quality’.
I’d be happy with Tierney. I think with regular football we’d get real quality – hopefully he’s through the worst of his injuries. But with Burn & Targett there I think he could be managed well – £30m is a good price as well.
It’s hard to look passed Diaby for right side forward – if we can get him 🤞🏼. If not him I think Maddison – I know he’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but the lad gets goals & assists 🤷🏼♂️.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Unai Emry took Tierney Arsenal and is looking to take him to Villa. Destiny Udogie is my option
PremAndup(Quote)
Totally agree Sharpy, really disappointed in Jose who I always had a soft spot for .
Taylors family were targeted at the airport too, really not on.
kimtoon(Quote)
Prem – I don’t know that lad to be honest but I trust your judgement mate. Ultimately I think we need to improve at LB though – I saw a link to Ferland Mendy from RM as well the other day.
I can’t say I’m keen on Felix coming in mind. From a footballing perspective I don’t think he stood out in a very poor Chelsea side this season.
He’s an Athletico Madrid problem & I don’t want him coming in and blocking a pathway for the likes of Anderson of Miley – especially if there’s no future in the signing.
Sharpy17(Quote)
mate told to show up monday??
icedog(Quote)
Most important signing in my opinion would be a real DM. I see Chelsea are after the two best ones . 2? Ugarte and Caicedo
georgio(Quote)
But they can’t offer CL .
kimtoon(Quote)
How does casimiro get away with that, VAR is useless
kimtoon(Quote)
How dubious a pen is that for Manure VAR want shooting
kimtoon(Quote)
no way that is a deliberate handball
kimtoon(Quote)
Well that’s two titles now for City, despite VAR doing their best for Man United once again.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Grealish must be the worst 100mil player I have ever seen how pep kept him on the pitch I will never know not worth 5mil never mind a 100 ffs
Icedog(Quote)
Grealish walks into newcastle startin 11. Been mint 2nd half season
Davey(Quote)
Aye polo mint,he’s very very poor imo
Icedog(Quote)
Man Utd finished 3rd, won a cup and made the final of another – yet still looked miles off City today despite it only being 2-1.
They will spend on Mount, they will need to spend big on a CF & they need a quality CB – I expect that’ll be £200m … and I still don’t think they’ll be close to City’s points tally.
Sharpy17(Quote)
He’s one of the dirtiest. players in the PL
Icedog(Quote)
Aye Ice he is
kimtoon(Quote)
He may well be but he’s a top class player. RM and Brazil top.
georgio(Quote)
He’s probably their player of the season. Certainly made the difference for them
PremAndUp(Quote)
Talk about character of players we want to sign – Celta Vigo need to beat Barca to stay in La Liga and 21yr old Gabri Veiga scores a brace to beat them 2-1 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Definitely the type of player we want & need 🤞🏼🤞🏼
Sharpy17(Quote)
Veiga is also just the type we need to break down parked buses and we’ll see a lot of those next season!
georgio(Quote)
Georgio – having YouTube scouted the lad after our links, I watched their game against Barca.
I have to be honest, I wasn’t expecting much – they were playing Barca and had to win to stay up. That aside, it was likely his last game for Vigo so he could be forgiven for seeing the game out without injury or issue that might affect a move.
What I watched was a young lad hell bent on keeping his side in La Liga. They were still playing Barca so he didn’t have it his own way the whole game obviously, but there was periods in the game where he really stood out – and he’s still only 21.
I really hope we get this deal done.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Another player I really like who also plays La Liga on loan at Sevilla is Loic Bade.
His parent club is Rennes. He’s only 23 and a RCB, with a transfermarkt value of £10m.
I’d buy him now but keep Schar for next season. But I think Bade would be an excellent replacement for Schar & partner for Botman.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I think Spurs have got this ALL wrong. The Celtic manager seems like a Nuno signing to me – in that Nuno was doing well at Wolves but Spurs was a step too far. The Celtic manager has done well there but has no previous experience to suggest he could cut it at Spurs.
Cheese ball or not, I think ironically Brendan Rodgers would be a far better option at Spurs.
I know he struggled at the end with Leicester – but he did have a lot of long term injuries, particularly in defence whilst at the same time losing Kasper & not replacing him.
The fact he nearly won the league with Liverpool, he had great success with Celtic & went on to win a cup with Leicester – I think he’s a far stronger candidate.
But I’m not complaining. I think they’ll be in a mess again next season & that would only be a good thing for us 🤷🏼♂️👍🏼
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpy, I have seen a fair bit of Ange P and he a top manager. He will get Spurs playing well. He won’t take any **** from the players and is tactically very astute. If the players buy into what he is about, they will improve bigtime.
Aussie(Quote)
I see stories around now that Viega deal is not happening 🤷🏻♂️. So many conflicting reports about who will and who won’t be joining. Joke season is upon us.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Apparently the Veiga deal was never on. It was just dodgy guesswork from a spanish source. Pity as he’s just what we need.
georgio(Quote)
Aussie – time will tell mate.
If he was going into a Palace for example, then I think that would be a good match – a good dip his toe in the hardest league in the world.
But he’s going into a broken club with expectations above their current station imo.
I know Howe went in & changed things straight away – but the circumstances were very different. There was a feel good factor around our club with the takeover & his room for improvement was far greater than what AP has.
If Kane leaves, the feeling around Spurs will be worse again.
I hear people say AP takes no cr@p – but neither did Jose or Conte and that approach didn’t really with with that group of players.
Like I say, time will tell but I’m not convinced just now.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Had a look at the Dominik Szoboszlai guy and he looks a really really good player. Well worth the £70m they want for him! He also looks made for the PL.
georgio(Quote)
Georgio – he looks mustard doesn’t he?!.
I think it’s him or Veiga for that CM spot. I was caught by the Spanish rumour the other day – and I think he’s still in the frame.
But I get the feeling they are trying to bring the price down on this lad a bit first. If we get him though he’d need to be Dom coz I’m going to struggle with the spelling of this one 😖😂
Sharpy17(Quote)
I agree Sharpy. Expensive but well worth it. Can play either wing or through the middle. With Mac Allister going for £35m it seems prices are dropping.
It’s very deflating though reading the Telegraphs list of potential targets. Don’t want any of them!
georgio(Quote)
Georgio – the likes of Luke Edwards writes with an apparent knowledge of what’s going on – I don’t buy a word of it!!.
He may form his opinion with a greater level of feeling around the club with him being present at press conferences & speaking with club representatives about budgets & what the priority positions are likely to be – but actual transfer targets?! – why would anyone at the club share our transfer target list with him?!.
I don’t believe he or any journalist is any more in the know than any of us fans.
There is nobody who has an inside source to who we’ll sign – however confidently they write about it.
Sharpy17(Quote)
worth a watch
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m55CAt89oNs&t=303s
PremAndUp(Quote)
What’s mad is that Mac Allister & Enzo Fernandez are WC winning midfielders – one goes for £35m the other £120m 😳🤯 – I know which one I’d rather have as well by the way.
Bellingham is meant to be on his way to RM for around £85m if rumours are right – so WHU might want to reconsider what they want for Rice.
Ultimately there are a lot of clubs still recovering from the financial effects of COVID and where they might value a player at £60m now – the longer the window goes on £45m looks a lot more attractive for the running of their club.
The issue with RB Leipzig is that I think they have sold Nkunku (spelling) for a big some already so may not be as much in need of that £45m and happy to play the game for closer to £60m 🤷🏼♂️.
It’s not just the NUFC tax, it’s the CL money we have too now.
But I feel confident with this lot that they will stay the course for the names Howe has identified as priority signings & work hard on those ones 🤷🏼♂️
Sharpy17(Quote)
Prem – cracking that mate, what an in-depth piece analysing our stats. Have to say, I’ve never heard of the lad, but I’m impressed – and if he can do it then why can’t the ‘journalists’ – because they are more interested in high volume, fly by articles full of adverts & little substance that why 😡
Sharpy17(Quote)
I am avoiding player speculation and just gonna wait and see who we sign, i’m sure they won’t let us down.
kimtoon(Quote)
So, Sela confirmed as the sponsor and new shirt released. I like it. What do you guys think?
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Gilly I like it but collar could be nicer. Lets hope castores sizing has improved too.
kimtoon(Quote)
Yeah they are definitely a cozy fit, especially for those of us, (like me), who have expanded a tad round the middle lol
Gilly Toon(Quote)
There’s a new thread
https://www.nufcblog.co.uk/2023/06/05/a-message-for-amanda-staveley/comment-page-1/#comment-838965
Gilly Toon(Quote)