A disastrous result and pathetic performance as Newcastle United got everything wrong in a dismal derby day on Wearside.
We were second to every ball, slow and wasteful in possession, and lacking in urgency or any real plan to hurt Sunderland, with us toothless in the first half and never looking like scoring as we chased an equaliser in the second.
Nick Woltemade’s own goal may have given the Mackems an early Christmas gift, but the home side wanted it more than us and actually imposed themselves on a game that we approached so negatively from the off.
Where was the intensity? Where was the fight? Where was our physicality that saw us dominate Everton on the road just a few weeks ago? Where was the quality? Why is this capable side so consistently inconsistent, delivering big wins one week and stinkers the next?
So many questions and not enough answers, with the post-match meltdown justified this time as we delivered such a limp and spineless display when the enormity of this match would’ve been made clear to all involved.
Howe got it wrong with his negative tactics and team selection (Elanga?) and his second half changes did little to swing the match, but his players also failed him, freezing on the big occasion, losing their battles and lacking quality all afternoon.
Neither side played well and there was barely a big chance created between us all match, but one team wanted it more and that was the difference.
Newcastle XI: Ramsdale; Livramento, Thiaw, Burn, Hall; Bruno Guimarães, Miley, Tonali; Elanga, Woltemade, Gordon.
Subs: Ruddy, Schar, Joelinton, Wissa, Barnes, J.Murphy, Willock, A.Murphy, Ramsey
Sunderland XI: Roefs; Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Reinildo; Sadki, Xhaka, Le Fée; Traore, Brobbey, Talbi.
Subs: Patterson, Geertruida, Hume, Neil, Rigg, Mayenda, Mundle, Isidor, Adingra.
The first half was cagey, tense and lacking in quality, as the two sides looked more fearful of conceding the first goal than imposing themselves on the opposition.
Early on, we looked a little anxious on the ball, were sitting too deep, giving away the ball as soon as we got it and failing to build any attacks, with Elanga and Gordon’s starting positions limiting their ability to break in behind or support Woltemade.
Sunderland had almost 60% of the ball and were throwing it into the box from corners, throw-ins and open play, but they were struggling to break down our low block that was weakened physically as Burn went off after a heavy tackle from Mukiele.
Four shots, two yellows and plenty of fouls and physicality, with Sunderland’s Brobbey lucky to stay on the pitch after he raked down Miley’s ankle while already on a yellow card.
Hall was doing a solid job at left-back, Bruno was growing into the game and Miley was tidy enough, but we were far too passive as a team, hadn’t even come close to testing Roefs following a lacklustre 45 minutes from Gordon, Woltemade and Elanga.
A big second 45 was needed and we got off to the worst possible start. A Mukiele cross whipped in and Woltemade put through his own net, getting it all wrong as he glanced past Ramsdale and in off the bar.
A huge response was needed to turn this one around, but we barely laid a glove on them. Bruno tried to drive us on and was the only Mag to test Roefs with two weak efforts from range, Wissa came close to glancing Murphy’s deflected cross and that was about it.
It’s like we turned up with the mentality of ‘trying not to lose’, then hadn’t a clue how to get back into the match, impose ourselves, build patterns of play or create chances once we went a goal behind.
Our first moment of fight came in the 94th minute as Thiaw and Isidor were both booked after a coming together, which just about summed it up. Howe said after the match that our effort levels were there but our quality wasn’t, yet it seemed clear to me (and every Mag watching) that we failed in both departments.
To make an abysmal afternoon even worse, Burn’s rib injury looks worrying after he was taken to hospital in an ambulance, while Bruno’s late yellow card leaves him a caution away from a one-game ban.
Next up, a big inquest and some harsh words before back to back home games against Fulham (cup quarter-final) and Chelsea (Premier League).
Played not to lose. Which on the face of it maybe you can understand the logic if it wasn’t a derby. The one goal says it all really. You can’t be doing that though. It’s embarrassing to go to your fierest rivals and just not turn up. I’d rather lose 3 nil and fight for the game than to just not try and still lose.
Toonali(Quote)
Everybody knew exactly how this game would play out, and it has. Unfortutantly some people are Howe fans, before they’re Newcastle supporters so they’ll blame it on individuals and tight margins even though this has been the norm for two years now.
Scott(Quote)
Howe has been found out. They either need to make him change or change him. Results are too consistent to be classed a blip
Dan(Quote)
We should be doing better than this, players were woeful but tactics start from the top and I’m not sure how much more wiggle room PIF will give Howe after this one. We are just not performing consistently and it’s costing us dear this season.
Lee(Quote)
Correct. But the usual suspects will defend him to the hilt.
Scott(Quote)
100% yes hes done wonders from where the club was but if the club wants to progress something has to change. Can’t go as inconsistent as it is especially if they do still have the lofty ambitions. Bringing Wissa on with 15 minutes left when 1-0 is unbelievable. Every time the ball went to Woltemade he lost it trying to hold it in instead of flicking on or heading down. Doesn’t want to be classed as just a tall striker but do the basics and use the advantage.
Dan(Quote)
Just 15 or so points needed now for safety. That’s only five wins. Surely Eddie, Jason and Graeme can get us over the line?
In Eddie we trust 🙂
The Panther(Quote)
However needs to go for me ,woltemades game play is woeful to slow can’t use the high press with him I’d take 40 mil always for him
Mig(Quote)
hey i am a sunderland fan, and boy we went for it, as a derby this is the worst i have ever seen, sad to say the mgr did not do it, maybe its time for howe to go
graham brown(Quote)
I’m no expert.. but something is seriously wrong in training this season.. there is no intensity or urgency at all. We no longer press to win the ball back fast. We took 5 secs to get the ball up last season with so many willing runners but this season it’s been one two many touches, passes and faffing around, almost intentionally letting the opposition track back to position. Obviously we’re never going to break down teams playing so **** slow!
ASEANmag(Quote)
Called it i said we’d lose if we played this way and i said the fans would turn, i’ll wait to see how we do in the cup, lose that then maybe.
It is telling since we hired James Bunce the injuries have tailed off but so has our intensity, coincidence i think not.
I think the excuse that Howe came out with that Isak leaving has screwed the way we play isn’t a excuse anymore is it tactics or losing the players who knows.
As for the Mackems well they won their final we have bigger fish to fry and Howe needs to sort it out and sharpish.
Absolutely glorious(Quote)
Hands Up
My fault entirely
Triple Captained Nick Woltemade in my FF team
Sorry
PremAndUp(Quote)
All teams lose matches,some they shouldn’t have like those vital ones .Like today . They all have a dip in form and lose confidence . All these things happen.
What is unforgivable is repeating the same mistakes over and over again.
These being:
1] Not rotating our squad. Those who are not playing get angry,think about leaving and don’t get a chance to improve. Those that play get tired and make avoidable mistakes.
2] Parking the bus especially late on. The opposition gain confidence and score. Then we were chasing the game. It simply doesn’t work.
3] Not motivating our players.
4] Slow/ too late the put on substitutes. Red cards / not enough time to get an equaliser /
Now the facts as a result of the above :
● Lost 11 points from winning positions.
● Conceded more goals in last 10 minutes than anyone else.
● Very inconsistent performances from tired players.
● Players lose confidence in themselves and the tactics.
Now the reason .
Eddie Howe has done a great job for us but this season it’s down to him to stop being stubborn and make the changes needed which the statistics show are as plain as day. If he doesn’t the PIF will bring some in who can manage a good squad more successfully. I hope I’m wrong but I think he has taken us as far as he can.
Steven(Quote)
Booo
Absolutely glorious(Quote)
No effort. Shocking passing and. Never looked . Like scoring Sad to say Howe time is coming to an end. Two good games. Two bad games Who do we get next. ??? That’s the question ??
Dave thistlewood(Quote)
Who put the ball in the Ge0rd1es net? Nick Woltemade! The richest clurb in the world and still haven’t beaten us in the league in nearly 15 years. Mind the gap. lol! X
Reg(Quote)
Sorry about today guys, at least we’re the richest club in the world still. Bottom half of the premier and looking up at Sunderland 4 points ahead. I’m gonna have a lie down now as I’m a bit tired. Sleep well Ge0rd1es.
Nick Woltemade(Quote)
Did you score ? I would be embarrassed to win by a solitary OG . Oh and facts matter, richest owners not club, big difference.
kimtoon(Quote)
Obsession by wearyside.
Well done you won the bragging rights we’ll let you have it and concentrate on the league cup and the champions league, you know competitions where you can actually win something. How are you doing in those by the way …oh wait
Absolutely glorious(Quote)
Love how you spell ‘club’…It’s not how you say it down there in the land that time forgot. Your 15 year stat would be amazing if you hadn’t been hiding in the 3rd division for half of them
East Stand(Quote)
Jeus nice to see Sunderland win the NE cup final. Nothing else matters. Lump ball kick anything above grass **** football.
Yes we should have done better. But out of playing so many games we can’t win ‘em all. Be careful what you wish for in terms of replacing the manager.
Gordon Lee, Richard Dinnis, Sounes, Roy Kinnear. There are plenty to name.
Front three were poor today.
1 own goal.
The little birdy(Quote)
We might of well as sent the lasses team to the dark place today, keeper apart pathetic all around. If only managers could openly criticise player’s instead of licking their posterior s. Always remember Big Jack back in the 80s telling Waddle he wasn’t playing the 73 boys as he was a closet Mackam! Needless to say we smashed them at home and got a good point at Joker park! Well done Big Jack!
Allan Z(Quote)
Well said Allan Z ,wise words from a proper fan fella
Twangers(Quote)
We lost by a single freak goal. Let’s not go overboard. It was a poor show, but hey, it’s a derby and that’s usual. I do feel we need to sacrifice our solid midfield ‘best in the prem’(?) to add a CREATIVE locksmith and please, ditch Elanga – Ice given up hope of him.
Greggsboy(Quote)
Let Sunderland have there little moment. Newcastle will bounce back from this I hope. I’m upset with the players performances of late. I’d rather play all out attack than be overally defensive.
Stem(Quote)
What summed it up for me – after 63 minutes they were 1 – 0 up and still hadn’t had a shot on target!
I know this is not a popular idea but a change of management is needed.
Too many mediocre performances.
Two things to say.
1 . I compare us to the Leicester team who won the league under Ranieri. They played a similar kind of game. Pack the defence, score on the counter with fast players down the wing. Trouble is, when you play well people start taking notice, and figure out how to play against you.
2. This is a point I saw on here a year ago. As a manager Howe is a motivator. Motivators get get 110% out of their players but there comes a time when the players can no longer do it. They get results for a couple of seasons, then the players revert to their previous levels of performance.
Just like Leicester – we’ve been rumbled. At this point the management would need to fall back on tactics. We don’t have that – we’re a bit of a one trick pony.
Time for a change , boys and girls.
Jordi Plato(Quote)
Howe.. did that happen with the elite squad we have …. Mediocre pathetic and frightened bunch of headless chickens with no tactics or organisation..
Mike(Quote)
You should be able to see with your own eyes Wissa isn’t match fit. Even when he’s given 15 mins he moves about as well as Wilson last season.
Keith(Quote)
Pathetic sums it up. No heart, no passion, no desire and no effort. Ref was awful too. Bottled it when Brobbey should have been sent off with a second yellow, and VAR should’ve looked more carefully into a tackle that sent Dan Burn to hospital. That said, we did nothing to justify winning that game.
A few questions I’d ask Eddie…
why did he play Elanga over Murphy when we can all see that Elanga is just not there right now?
Why did he play Tonali when we can all see that Tonali is not right. A great player but the last 5 games or so he’s not performed. We paid £43million for Ramsey, why not start him instead?
Why play Gordon when his head is not in the team right now. We can all see it, Barnes is more effective…
It looks to me that Gordon wants his move to Liverpool. It looks to me like maybe Tino wants his move to City. He was way way better than the player we saw yesterday. Tino yesterday was all about dithering and passing sideways or back. He used to be an incredible attacking threat.
Eddie needs to get to grips with what is going on in this team. That’s his job!
Gilly Toon(Quote)
I don’t want apologies from these primadonnas, I want passion on the pitch, performances that they are paid millions to produce. Apologies are meaningless after the event.
FIFA apologised after the penalty that was wrongly awarded to PSG, it didn’t get our points back. Apologies are nothing. Do it right on the pitch! That’s where it counts.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Spot on mate
kimtoon(Quote)
the manager and the team no longer have the balls to go away from home and fight howe has taken this team as far as he can he is more of a local football coach than a premier league coach dont ask how did he win the carabao cup i still havent worked that one out but i think that it was a bigger day off for liverpool than a bigger day on for nufc i have watched nufc since 1953 but sunday was the pits
brian hunter(Quote)
We had Dan Burn still trying to play on with a broken rib and punctured lung, I think it takes a fair bit of balls to do that.
kimtoon(Quote)
I’ve held off posting to avoid the immediate of the game.
But all I’ve realised is time is no healer.
Sunday was an absolute disgrace. That first half was embarrassing!!.
I don’t care about how well they are playing this season, they are a newly promoted team and we are a cup winning, champions league team – we should have been going there to quieten down the noise neighbours.
The game was scrappy. They did not beat us with better tactics, better skill – they fought harder and wanted it more – and that’s unforgivable.
I’m not going to assess individuals because frankly nobody can walk away saying they tried.
I think Howe has earned the season to fix it, so I don’t buy into Howe out calls – but he is going to have to change his approach. Players are going to have to earn the right, because at the minute they are getting away with under performing.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpy Agree with you on all you have said. People should wait let the dust settles before filling the blogs with ‘hate’
I remember an interview with Bobby Robson as he boarded the coach after a particular dire performance. He said pointing at the coach “I hope they don’t sleep tonight because I know I won’t! These things happen Even Kevin Keegan let a twelve point lead slip away. Look at the match stat’s. They had ONE shot on target! We hit the post twice an inch either way and we would not be having this conversation.
Brian Hunter if that was the pits for you since 1953 you must have missed a lot of games I’ve seen. My advice would be take a minute and look at the bigger picture don’t act like ‘spoilt bairns’ When our c.e.o. says the plan is for five years. I will be exceedingly lucky to still be around in 2030 so I’m sure you younger guys can wait a little longer!
nutmag(Quote)
Completely agree.
kimtoon(Quote)