Have we all recovered from that?
Inn another pulse-raising encounter Eddie Howe again failed to get one over his former club Bournemouth in an end-to-end draw in the Premier League.
It was goalless at half-time after Martin Dubravka made some brilliant saves to deny Dominic Solanke, but the in-form forward got the better of Dubravka five minutes into the second half to open the scoring after the Slovakian’s costly slip.
Seven minutes later Anthony Gordon levelled the score, but Bournemouth were ahead again 10 minutes after that through Semenyo until Matt Ritchie’s first goal in four years restored parity in a frantic final few moments.
It comes as more questions over Dan Burn’s ability as a top level left back persist and compounds the headache for Eddie Howe.
51 minutes into the game Dubravka slipped after receiving a back pass letting Solanke tap into an empty net. It was unfortunate for the Slovakian keeper who was celebrating his 150th appearance for the Toon.
It took seven minutes (and a lengthy VAR check) for Howe’s Mags to level the game. Fabian Schar was impeded in the box after a set piece was swung in. VAR checked the foul and then checked an offside but eventually a penalty was awarded after referee Michael Salisbury was sent to the monitor. Gordon dispatched his spot kick calmly to the goalkeeper’s right.
But Dan Burn, who had not had his worst game in recent weeks up to this point, was again lost by Semenyo who peeled away easily and had acres of space when he received his pass to go on to smash the ball into the far corner to restore Bournemouth’s lead with 20 minutes to play.
Bournemouth were resolute in the closing periods of the game and as gaps began to open in our midfield because of the fact we were chasing the game, the game became more and more stretched.
Howe brought on youngster Joe White in the 10 minutes of stoppage time alongside Matt Ritchie. The Scot was on the pitch for around 90 seconds before heading the ball goalwards from a cracking ball into the box and smashing in the resulting rebound to equalise once more.
It was another frantic and pulse-raising game in which few minds will have been changed. Newcastle can grab goals, but defensive frailties are more and more visible.
All eyes on Howe’s next teamsheet as Newcastle remain seventh, but miss out on the chance to close the gap to Manchester United and pounce on Tottenham home defeat to Wolves.
NUFC XI: Dubravka, Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn, Miley, Longstaff, Bruno, Almiron, Gordon, Barnes.
SUBS: Karius, Dummett, Lascelles, Ritchie, Krafth, Hall, Livramento, Murphy, White.
Nowhere near good enough – Howe has to take a look at himself!!.
He’s been brilliant for us but showing loyalty to Burn is disloyal to the other 10 players out there!!.
I also heard the ‘demands of CL’ – nonsense!!. We’ve played 4 games more this season than last!!.
I’ll accept November & December were demanding but Howe used the reason for poor performance that he wasn’t getting the time on the training pitch – well he is now & do we look any better???.
He can’t blame injuries on our defensive frailties – ok Pope is out but Dubravka has made big saves today – he slipped for there first – the question for me is why the hell are we messing around with the ball there anyway?!?!!.
I don’t think my blood pressure can cope with Almiron anymore either!! – Howe keeps playing him, and left him on to take Barnes off 🤦🏼♂️.
Sharpy17(Quote)
The points gap that already exists puts top 6 out of reach for us I think – we aren’t playing anywhere near good enough to go on a run to make them points up.
But 7th could still get us Europa football – for me that’s a must for this to be deemed any kind of decent season for Howe – especially going out of the CL bottom of our group & missing out on the Europa place.
WH, Brighton & Chelsea will all want that spot too and they aren’t far behind us.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Properly enjoyed that. Probably more to do with a few beers before breakfast than the quality of the game which was school playground at times.
Nufc lucky not to be two down and then wasteful in front of goal again when they were on top in a mostly pretty even game. Thought the front three looked pretty fluid but didn’t get a balance to keep a central focus
Im as perplexed as anyone why livramento not starting and he looked pretty good again today
Thought guimaraes and miley looked ok going forward and continue to be less than optimum defensively. miley was noticeably more aggressive today.
Felt a bit for dubravka for the first but he and burn poor for the 2nd
I’m not sure what they give gordon but I want some of his energy .. just please keep working on finishing
Longstaff troublingly anonymous today and thought schar and Botman off pace a bit.
All in all a fair result. Bournemouth are a very smart and aggressive team.
A problem nufc have is when they have to force a game as they’re playing into counterattacking hands as they don’t have the quality of players at the club especially discounting those not fit ( livramento aside)
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
Your comments are puzzling. Of course injuries are a mitigation for a disrupted defence and you yourself highlight (arguably) the single most impactful loss of player this season to the teams function.
Barnes was brought off to protect him because it’s his first full game after four months out injured .. remember Howe being slaughtered for overplaying players and not using subs earlier this season
We all know what almiron is and is not .. nowts changed.
No better than December?? .. to my mind that’s seven unbeaten with some well worked tactical tweaks against 7 losses in 9. This, with a patched up team that still includes a 17 year old regularly playing. That sounds better to me
The team play with fire, energy, will and a fair bit of skill and flair. They’re a bit limited and no doubt inconsistent , but that’s what happens in a rebuild and that’s where the club are. I’ll take it
Not starting livramento aside ( and that’s a puzzler) it still feels like Howe has pretty limited realistic options. Not to mention that he himself is only in his 2nd year trying to build a team to compete with the elite
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
GoWest – you think we play better defensively since Howe has had time to work with them on the training ground?.
You think our midfield is more compact & difficult to play through?.
You say unbeaten in 7 – incorrect it’s 5 and 1 of those games was a cup game against Fulham. 3 of those 5 is a draw against Luton & Bmth – both arguably fair results in the sense we didn’t have them under the cosh & they’ve done a smash n grab on us – and the 3rd a win against Forest which again wasn’t entirely convincing (they should defo have had a pen).
I’ve said top 6 is out of reach so I’m not being unrealistic in my expectation here – these are games we should be winning convincingly or at least dominating & coming away with a disappointing draw if that was the result.
Our last 2 home games we’ve nicked results against Luton and Bmth coming from behind in both games – not good enough for me mate, but if you’re ok with it then each to their own 🤷🏼♂️.
Sharpy17(Quote)
GoWest – you did twice post ‘chaos’ in yesterday’s match article by the way – are you satisfied with chaos?.
Also, I’m not expecting him to compete with the elite – which for me the ‘elite’ is Man City & Liverpool (maybe Arsenal). I’m not even expecting to compete with the group behind that yet – Man Utd, Spurs (maybe Villa or Chelsea)
I do expect to be the best of the rest though & don’t think that’s unrealistic for Howe & the squad of players he has.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpy
“these are games we should be winning convincingly or at least dominating”
You’re beginning to sound like an entitled big six fan
We ain’t there yet, which is why we struggle with setbacks we don’t have the depth on or off the field.
PremAndUp(Quote)
Prem – with success comes expectation not excuses.
I’m not saying we should be winning & dominating EVERY game – this is Luton & Bmth at home I’m talking about here.
I refer you to the post I’ve just made to GoWest – I’ve already said this morning I don’t expect top 6, it’s best of the rest just now – I think 7th is fair expectations.
Sharpy17(Quote)
There’s nothing Howe can do about individual errors – Dubravka slips, Trippier fumbles the ball (Everton), the ball bounces off Botmans backside to Nunez – nowt Howe can do about that.
But our back 4 aren’t the solid defensive unit they’ve been under Howe & our midfield are still easy to play through – that’s something Howe can work on in training & if he can’t get them back to last season then it’s time to try other players – other formations if the injuries impact to such an extent.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Joelinton did a lot of defensive work as well as being a tough midfielder. I think we are missing his influence to be honest. I hope we can sort out a deal to keep him. I’m not sure what the story is with Hall. That’s an odd situation.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Aah BLx .. I forgot mancity and miscounted 🤪
Anyways I’m glad you haven’t given up on the site
To answer your queries, no I don’t think defensively the team are convincing, yes I think the mf are part of that issue (I think I was the first to highlight the mf as a defensive weakness on this site ) and no I don’t like chaos. I’d prefer nufc to control games and be disciplined and organised
That said I do recognise why they’re not able to do so. I don’t get why schedule and injuries are not seen as mitigating factors and expectations of transformative changes after 4-6 weeks of coaching where players are still intermittently available. I think refusal to acknowledge that players being what they are is a factor in what we’re witnessing is unfair.
That these things have been apparent for a lot of the season does not reduce their impact on a pretty average PL squad
I will unapologetically enjoy the transition of the club irrespective of the in moment game results as they move towards the success I firmly believe is coming. I will then enjoy the success itself as I do love a double bubble.
Im not entitled enough to demand this progress is linear and nufc become a dominant force quickly and I respect other clubs desire to compete.
It really is quite liberating and preferable to sucking the p155 of a thistle of entitled expectation
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
Moving onto Howe’s coaching, I do think the training is showing.
Then again I look for differences and not just repeats of limitations I’m well aware of so I can pile on individuals.
On player development look no further than how miley is progressing. Played far too many games .. there’s that choice thing that is hampering the team .. but to see how he’s developed since is glorious. Talented without doubt but that development is coaching by Howe and his crew.
As a team, the victories at Fulham and Aston Villa show that coaching input too. I happen to believe that, while for me those types of victories are manna, most nufc fans would be critical of that approach at home and demand more so I get why Howe doesn’t do it. I mean nufc took plenty of stick for the Fulham game despite cruising it.
So some examples of coaching benefit. I acknowledge they’re not consistent as these things aren’t binary switches but improvement for sure.
Your comment that nufc should be winning and dominating games such as yesterday is a sign you may be critical of a controlled disciplined approach (and that’s before considering how entitled it sounds) and is coincidentally disrespectful to opposition teams
I do think Howe should revert to organised team rather than the free-lancing attack he’s choosing because fundamentally there isn’t enough quality or options in the team to do the latter.
So I guess my question is why do you think nufc should be dominating opposition teams because to my mind they’re playing out pretty much as i would expect them to given the factors I’ve outlined
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
Last point about yesterday from me.
I know Clery is popular on this forum and rightly so as he’s articulate and balanced
If you get time take a listen to his points on the TF podcast on the burn situation after yesterday. Spot on analysis and some interesting comments on balance and overly simplistic fixes
Like many I think livramento is overdue a start. I would put him RMF and give longstaff a rest.
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
What do you think of Anderson as his back up / replacement. Similar player; aggressive, quick, physically impressive and an eye for goal for MF.
He’s a beast, if not to joelinton standards, and still early 20’s so ideal development option for Howe.
There are questions on how he’ll be coming of a bad injury, but he looks a good option to me altho id love joelinton to stay
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
I wonder if the label ‘entitled’ gets used enough it might actually stick – I know it’s already got boring.
I’m happy for you to put up any comment where I’ve discounted injuries or scheduling as a reason for why we are performing as well as last season.
But to address both – scheduling, we’ve played 4 more games this season that last – 4.
We played 6 CL games but 2 fewer cup games.
Injuries have been an absolute nightmare – but it’s Howes job to adapt to that. Whether that be changing formation or using all personnel available to him.
The club chose to renew contracts for the likes of Dummmet & Ritchie – even if they are only used to rest some of the players being used a lot to give them a break.
Then of course there’s Lewis Hall?!.
I’m not interested in debating which individual players have improved or not. Miley is brilliant – no question but I could argue players have regressed from last season too – but it would be a matter of opinion.
What’s not matter of opinion is we have gone from being one of the best defensive teams in the league to one of the worst in stats such as goals conceded, shots faced etc – that’s not linear progression.
The home games I’m talking about controlling are Forest, Luton & Bmth (not City, Lpool & Arsenal).
In those 3 games we took 2 points & conceded 9 games – that is the home form being served up to our home fans.
By the way, I’m not suggesting we beat these teams 5 or 6 nil either incase you misinterpreted what I mean by controlling games.
It’s baffling coz you criticise my opinion & call me entitled – then say I’m probably right that Howe should make changes 🤔🤷🏼♂️
Again, 7th … is that really what is being classed as entitled?!.
Sharpy17(Quote)
It’s pig headed stubbornness to keep playing the likes of Burn & Almiron when they are weak links in the team & opponents are targeting them.
Burn compromises our defence & we have conceded too many chances & goals from that flank – that’s just fact. He has Tino there to use & doesn’t – loyalty or pig headedness?! If it’s loyalty then it’s to the detriment of the rest of the team & that’s not good.
Almiron is so wasteful & so many of our attacks breaks down because of him – again that’s just fact (the stats support it). I appreciate Murphy & Barnes have been out injured – so move Trippier up & play Tino RB 🤷🏼♂️ so change a formation & put an extra CB in to get fitter more in form players in – try it at least 🤷🏼♂️.
Instead he keeps doing the same thing & we keep discussing the same outcomes 🤷🏼♂️.
Sharpy17(Quote)
so 20mil for Ashworth big Al says is that all lol,i think Howe fell out with him over Lewis Hall Howe didnt want him at 28mil but Ashworth pushed it through hence Howe plays him very little anyway let M/U suffer they always try to play hard ball with us so stuff them imo
icedog(Quote)
We should as for £28m and recoupe the Hall money 😂.
£20m seems a lot but who knows 🤷🏼♂️. I have no issues with Ashworth but I think there is an awful lot of hype around, which seems to have been drummed up by GNev.
He seems replaceable to me, in the sense that Brighton have hardly fell off a cliff since he left – I’m sure we will find a quality replacement and carry on.
Sharpy17(Quote)
@GoWest, I haven’t really seen enough of Anderson to know if he can fill Joelinton’s boots both in attack and defensively. I’m sure we will see in time. My only concern over Ashworth leaving is his knowledge of our plans and forward thinking. Could we really trust him not to divulge all to Manure? I guess the garden leave period will be for to change plans. I’m very sure he is replaceable. As was said already, Brighton haven’t missed him.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Gilly , I have no doubt at all he will give up all our plans to them. I would just let him sit it out until after the summer window. But maybe just let him go now so long as they stump up the cash.
kimtoon(Quote)
Gilly – I think that would be a massive factor in why they have pursued him so much – in the same way they got the fella from City the other week. Not the only reason I’m sure but a big factor.
I don’t think it matters though, like I say, I don’t think he’s what the likes of GNev make out – it’s Eales who has the plan – he built Atalanta from the ground don’t forget, Ashworth was a replaceable spoke in the wheel.
Sharpy17(Quote)
spot on mate nee worries,oh by the way Howe will send Hall out on loan watch this space
icedog(Quote)
Ice – I don’t think Hall is a bad player, he’s just £28m of what we don’t really need right now.
I’m pretty sure Howe would have rather spent that money towards a CF, or RWF or CB or an out & out LB.
A big problem with Lewis is he’s one of those players who hasn’t really nailed down a preferred position yet. Maybe a loan would be good for him to go to a team that would play him regularly in a set position – somewhere like Boro to work with Carrick who I think could help his development.
Sharpy17(Quote)
What annoys me re Ashworth is that MU have not even had the decency to approach the club. Their approach has been via the backdoor and via the media. The club has no morals and yet such practices if carried out by any but the big six would be condemned.
PremAndUp(Quote)
Manure and its supporters are just the “Spoilt Brat” that lives on the street. That cries and stamps its feet every time it wants something. Best to be ignored!
nutmag(Quote)
I know all the craic is around Ashworth getting Hall when Howe may have not wanted him, but can anyone remember how Tonali was signed?!.
He flew out to Milan to try & sign Barella & the next thing we know he’s signed Tonali.
I imagine Ashworth was explaining that one away like me when the missus sends me to the shop for bread & milk and I return with Madri & Pringles 😖.
Everyone is mint when they are going to Man Utd – Rangnick, Ten Hag, Anthony – they quickly get found out.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I know we want to dig our heels in & make Man Utd work for Ashworth – hold out for that £20m – but if they don’t and move on to someone else we are left with a fella who will be on gardening leave til 2026 – coz can he really come back in now?!.
Man Utd have been snakes about how they’ve went about this – but Ashworth doesn’t get a free pass here like – he has flirted with them & he has said he wants to leave – hence him being on gardening leave.
I know Radcliffe becoming a minority shareholder of MU was only confirmed last night – maybe that’s what they’ve been waiting for before approaching Ashworth – but they took on the lad from City before now so maybe now.
Ultimately we need a quick resolution to this carry on because it’s an off field distraction we don’t need – hopefully the delay is US getting OUR replacement before letting him go.
Sharpy17(Quote)
https://youtu.be/rhLG_YbPrHI?si=0w3af2uK6SZSA5py
I watched this whole podcast Episode & was so impressed by Paul Barber (COE or Brighton).
But found this 10 mins extract though where he’s talking about Ashworth leaving them & how they dealt with it – very professional & very pragmatic.
Ashworth was there about 3 years – Barber has been there since 2012 and is still in post. I’m certain he’s the plan maker at that club & the reason they are doing so well – and he’s the reason I’m certain Darren Eales is the man with the plan for us.
It’s an interesting watch though if you have 10 mins.
Sharpy17(Quote)
The way Jim Radcliffe is talking I don’t see it being long before the Super League rumours start up again.
Sharpy17(Quote)