Yet another frustrating away performance saw us fall 1-0 to Manchester United on Boxing Day, leaving us in the bottom half of the league table.
A first half strike from Patrick Dorgu proved to be the difference, as despite 13 shots on goal and 66% possession we simply couldn’t find the back of the net against a makeshift Man Utd side.
Here’s what the gaffer had to say after just our latest toothless display away from home:
On what went wrong at Old Trafford
After falling behind midway through the first half, we dominated proceedings for the rest of the match.
But similar to what’s been happening all too many times this season, we simply couldn’t capitalise against a defensive system where we were the much better football team on the night.
“I don’t think there was a tactical problem for us at any stage of the game. We are disappointed with the way we defended the goal. Long throws were something we prepared for.
“We are disappointed with our actions in terms of trying to score because we created the chances, put a lot of crosses in their box. The chances were there.
“If we score that equalising goal then that momentum is there with us.
“Second half was a lot better than the first but we didn’t do enough, we have to do more.
“It was not through a lack of effort, we were very dominant in that second period and I thought if we scored we would go on to win.”
On Man Utd’s system switch
Having done the double over Friday’s opponents last season, and coupled with the fact that Man Utd have only kept a single clean sheet in the league this season, we certainly should have delivered a stronger attacking performance than what was served up.
However, Ruben Amorim’s defensive system, alongside an uncharacteristically stellar performance from Dorgu, was our undoing.
“Were we surprised by Amorim’s system? I don’t think so. We started the match well for 15–20 minutes, but after conceding, we didn’t respond effectively.
“At halftime, I was disappointed we hadn’t taken control, because I felt we had the means to do it.”
Just shows how Isak carried the team, with his goal scoring.
Without him they are rank mid table (if that), despite some players being talked up by the media
The new additions look more and more like panic buys, Woltemade, is a talented player, but he´s a luxury Newcastle can´t afford.
The senior management who are responsible for players coming into the club, have a lot to answer for, since avoiding relegation, they have relied upon those same players, to carry the club forward without carefully selected and timely reinforcements.
The management have bathed in the success so far, but have failed to repair the fundaments of the club left in ruins by Ashley
Top quality players are refusing to come to Newcastle despite a brilliant manager, and unbelievable supporters, because they know the foundations for sustainable success aren’t there.
Chelsea have spent billions of pounds on players and infrastructure, and have no where near the resources of the PIF
So you have to ask the question how committed are the PIF ???
The backroom staff seem to be multiplying by the week, but the evidence that this is producing results on the field is there for all to see –
If the PIF are really committed to the club, get a new stadium built, get the training centre sorted, get some world class players in, instead of trying to do it on the cheap
Bob the builder(Quote)
Totally agree with this. Ultimately direction is set from the top.
It all feels cautious and naive.
It’s time to ditch the empty statements and instead commit and show true action. Mitigate the constraints we have on building the squad by going aggressive on the side of the business we are allowed to invest in.
Howe the toon(Quote)
Someone hit the nail on the head yesterday when they said if it isn’t working don’t just throw on like for like subs and hope it works. The system and tactics are the things not working.
Howe needs to shake it up and change tactics when it’s not working, will he or can he those are the questions.
Personally I don’t think he can.
Absolutely glorious(Quote)
Some ridiculous comments .. Newcastle have been very successful ..won a cup, champions league and have attracted top players like Woltemade , tonali, guimares, livramento ,gordon, etc .. all internationals .. the plans for new stadia are not simple due to location and legal obstacles , Pif have spent near half a billion on squad etc, women’s team flying , academy set up improved .. to say Pif are not interested is ignorance and frustration .. the problem is Howe and the control he has had on transfers, tactics and team selection .. time for a serious discussion on his future if he can’t turn it around
Mike(Quote)
isak was only as good as murphy supplying him he never carried our team lazy lazy player more pens than anything woltemade is so much better than isak at least he tracks back and goes tohelp
jen(Quote)