The score of 3-0 gives the impression it was an easy win this afternoon for Chelsea.
Alan Pardew – at St. James’ Park this afternoon
The London side were a lot better than they’ve looked over the last several games (unfortunately), but Newcastle should have been playing against 10 men after 4 minutes.
David Luiz fouled Demba Ba as he was running onto the ball – clear through in the center forward channel – it should have been a red card and when you see the video – it’s a stone cold red card.
Referee Mike Dean’s excuse for not giving the red card was that Demba Ba didn’t have control of the ball – and that’s daft – because if you look at the video, Be was running onto the ball when Luiz hacked him down from behind.
And even after 88 minutes with the core still 1-0 and Newcastle trying to get a point and pushing forward all the time, Chelsea got their second goal after 89 minutes and their third after 93 minutes – with Newcastle down to 10 men – so it was never a 3-0 game.
But hey, Newcastle will not get into the top seven this season by beating teams like Manchester United, Manchester City or Chelsea, or even Tottenham, Arsenal or Liverpool for that matter.
Newcastle will get into the top seven and probably the Europa League next season by taking points off the bottom 13 sides, because Newcastle are quite likely the 7th best side in the league this season.
Newcastle’s next four games are at Norwich City, at home to Swansea and WBA, and away at Bolton Wanderers – and there’ s absolutely no reason why our lads cannot get 12 points from these games, if they play near their best form in every game.
Of course one big worry will be the injuries to Steven Taylor and Fab Coloccini, but hopefully they came off quickly and may be fit very soon.
However, Alan Pardew has said after the game that it looks a bad injury to Steven Taylor – so we could be in trouble at the back in these four games, at least until Mike Williamson can get back fit again – probably in a couple of weeks.
But we haven’t had too many injuries this season either, so we cannot complain too much about them.
James Perch is available and did quite well when he came on for Colo in the first half today, but Danny Simpson can play in the center too, and Alan could bring in Davide Santon at right back.
So Pardew will have some choices to amke this week with the defense now split up if Steven Taylor is ineed out for a while.
But we just have to hope that Colo is fit for next week, because it could be that Steven Taylor is out for a while. Indeed it’s more important to pick points up against the next four opponents than it has been in the last three games.
Newcastle have dropped to 6th position in the league, and could be in 7th place if Liverpool beat Fulham on Monday night, but four wins on the trot should now be the Newcastle goal, and it’s possible, with a little bit of luck.
Today’s game was just crazy – Newcastle hitting the woodwork three times and Luiz should have been sent off – with a some luck Newcastle could have had a point today or even the win.
Let’s put it this way, if we had the luck today we had at Old Trafford last week we’d have won the game 3-0. 😀
But football and life are like this – it’s always up and down.
Let’s make it be up over the next four games and with 38 points, at least we’ll be very near to safety in the PL for this season – even before the turn of the year.
And we may even get some new players in January.
Comments welcome.
78 comments so far
Oleg G
Dec 3, 2011 at 5:44 PM
Comment #110-12 points out of the next 4 games is what we need to get and can get if we will forget about the last 3 games. Jonas will be back, Tiote hopefully. Colo? didn’t look like he was even injured. Best is back from his injury right?
We will be fine!
kevymartins
Dec 3, 2011 at 5:46 PM
Comment #2Edd i was just thinking that myself
12 points would be great and maby we could even push on to liverpool and get a win there
Dannyo
Dec 3, 2011 at 5:46 PM
Comment #3@boater
“Moral sapping” todays word, lol, indeed.
This feels entirely different than to the Man City loss, perhaps intensified cause of the loss of key players for however long.
Also, i do feel the loss is unjustifed, but we all know about those vital margins, and we’ve been in Chelseas shoes a couple of times this season already.
Bouncing back just became a little bit harder, but even more vital to show the spirit of team. We lacked key players at times today, but still managed to push Chelsea.
Think we’ll need to take that with us to the next few games.
Dannyo
Dec 3, 2011 at 5:48 PM
Comment #4Good read that Ed, needed some cheering up 😉
Darling27
Dec 3, 2011 at 5:48 PM
Comment #5I’m worried about the defence. Really worried in fact.
kevymartins
Dec 3, 2011 at 5:49 PM
Comment #6Oh btw what about martin o neill signing a 3 year contract with the scum…He will be gone next year when the dont give him the funds
roblee7
Dec 3, 2011 at 5:50 PM
Comment #7anyone else get really miffed hearing man u fans singin ‘busby aces’ to the tune of blaydon races. grrrr, that tune should be sang by us and us only!!!
GeordieToon89
Dec 3, 2011 at 5:51 PM
Comment #8few mackem mates reckon he’s been promised 100million to spend in january lmao a told them to shut it and they aint even got 100million to spend haha ther in more debt than us
GeordieToon89
Dec 3, 2011 at 5:53 PM
Comment #9Zogbia could be on his way out of Villa been left out of the squad today for a breach of club disciplines
kevymartins
Dec 3, 2011 at 5:53 PM
Comment #10I hope they get tanked by big mick’s side 2mara 😀
nimo
Dec 3, 2011 at 5:58 PM
Comment #11cant believe after reading earlier threads ppl are still defending raylors right to be in the team hes been sussed out n teams will contjnue to attack his lack of pace specially as he has no jonas to cover.. n for those saying perch didnt do a thing wrong how bout the first goal n not marking his man properly.. guess what give drogba a yard of space he will punish u with his head never mibd 2meters.. having had a little rant deserved to lose (if u discount the refs stupidly awful decision) but played brilliantly well with a poor side considering.. n wow timmy krul has to b dutch no.1 after performances of late could of had 6 past him if he werent so flipping good
GeordieToon89
Dec 3, 2011 at 6:01 PM
Comment #12nimo – your another quick to blame Perch but what about Cabaye he gave Mata far too much space and time he just basically walked past him and got the cross in for Drogbe to score or do you and the rest only blame Perch because hes played poor in the past? a think so.. btw drogba will beat basically any defender in the air from 6 yards out not just Perch
GeordieTwo
Dec 3, 2011 at 6:02 PM
Comment #13You can’t build a good squad on a hope and a prayer. Did Llambias and Ashley actually think we could get through a whole season with no defensive cover aside from and injured Willo? Looks like Saylor has a torn Achilles so gone for the season. We kept our fighting spirit but without Jonas Raylor was even more exposed on the left side and he isn’t a left back anyway. Sturridge could have had a hat trick in the first half if Krul hadn’t been brilliant. Peter is not a winger and didn’t know how to play defensively at all. It’s up to Llambias and Ashley in January if they want the team to be fighting for a place in Europe.
GeordieToon89
Dec 3, 2011 at 6:02 PM
Comment #14and also Steklenburg will still be number 1 cos a more experienced and slightly better keeper atm.. Krul has the potential to be one of the worlds best and lets hope that its at us
GeordieToon89
Dec 3, 2011 at 6:03 PM
Comment #15Taylor hasnt torn his achillies its suspected ligament damage
popscott
Dec 3, 2011 at 6:05 PM
Comment #16WNna be wondering how lover man can still be getting a game, he was knackered after 10 minutes. Look how many saves tummy made today, we could have been beaten 10 – 3 on a bad day, put it behind and hope injuries aren’t too bad as we are thin on the ground. Saying nowt about Ober!
davybtoon
Dec 3, 2011 at 6:06 PM
Comment #17Gt89 ya ryt on cabaye for first goal but no one will blame him bcoz they think he’s good lol perch played well today
nimo
Dec 3, 2011 at 6:07 PM
Comment #18never said no 1 else was at fault but u cant give him that much space.. simple rule of defending in the box.. stay tight
GeordieToon89
Dec 3, 2011 at 6:07 PM
Comment #19should get Alex on loan in january
dawid182
Dec 3, 2011 at 6:08 PM
Comment #20without Saylorand Colo? hard to belive it…
warwick
Dec 3, 2011 at 6:09 PM
Comment #21why was pardew saying chelsea staff need to look at themselves?
On repeat, anyone see?
GeordieToon89
Dec 3, 2011 at 6:09 PM
Comment #22agree with the space but Mata should never have had the time to get the cross.. your supposed to stop crosses coming into the ball buy pushing the players inside Cabaye just let him walk past him.. you cant stay tight to drogba he will always escape plus you need a couple of yards to get a run and jump cos he will beat anyone in the air
GeordieToon89
Dec 3, 2011 at 6:10 PM
Comment #23warwick – a missed it mate wouldnt mind seeing it though
sparkes123
Dec 3, 2011 at 6:10 PM
Comment #24I think we should look at Alex, not sure how expensive he’ll be though.
LeedsMag
Dec 3, 2011 at 6:12 PM
Comment #25Just heard on Sky its Taylors achilles – could be out for the season – the transfer policy and effect on squad depth is now well and truly back in focus,The lack of a left back was highlighted by the attacking formationn that gave him no cover and they were simply that bit better man to man in terms of quality.Lots of positives from the attitude and come back but the defence was always my concern this season with injuries/suspensions.If anyone thinks the next 4 games are easy, think again after these injuries
roblee7
Dec 3, 2011 at 6:12 PM
Comment #26gt89 – agreed on the cabaye point. however, saying drogba would always get that extra yard at 6 yards is a bit much. he wouldn’t, if it was colo there he’d of at least challenged drogba and possible even got in the way or won the header….the sky commentary team even said it
nimo
Dec 3, 2011 at 6:13 PM
Comment #27its the pressure that would of put him off n i also feel with better communication him n sayls should of swapped men b4 the throw was taken.. worried if tayls n collo rnt back for norwich thou cos holt can play abit
GeordieTwo
Dec 3, 2011 at 6:13 PM
Comment #28Crucial to get Tiote back now to cover whatever centre back pairing we can actually field. The next few games will be a struggle. Santon must surely get some playing time now whether he is completely ready or not. Krul is world class but it was a shooting gallery today. Raylor has to come out if we are to stiffen up the defense and help out the centre backs whoever they will be. I would bring in Santon right away.
hotdog
Dec 3, 2011 at 6:13 PM
Comment #29Shocking decision but well done to AP for not slating Mike Dean, take note Mr Ferguson!! We needed 9-10 good performances against Chelsea and for me only 4-5 come out with credit. I said after man utd we are not a top 5 team but if we can get 7th or even 6th place that will do me nicely. JC work on corners we must have had 7 or 8 today and they were all dink!!
davybtoon
Dec 3, 2011 at 6:13 PM
Comment #30Would we not hav ground for an emergancy loan if all r cb are out
roblee7
Dec 3, 2011 at 6:14 PM
Comment #31warwick – i think pardew was basically just saying that they over-celebrated, which they did, for every goal, like each one was a cup final winning goal or sumit
dmac
Dec 3, 2011 at 6:15 PM
Comment #32If you actually looked nimo you would have seen that Drogba wad Saylors man and he lost him and Perch tried to bail him out. Im not Perchs biggest fan but he was by no means at fault today. Obertan, Ben Arfa and even Cabaye were lacklustre today.
Lee Dodd
Dec 3, 2011 at 6:18 PM
Comment #33The Wheels Fell Of Big Style Today – Firstly We lost Coloccini then we get perch on as sub then we Go 1 Down . Loosing Steven Taylor and Coloccini is Very Bad Luck !!!!! The Ball Would not go in No Matter What We Did !!!!!! This Shows Mike Ashley that we Need New Signings and They Need to Come in Quick not Mess about With Young Lads and Wait Until The summer with Money Left From Not Paying The Likes of Alan Smith and Peter Lovenkrands etc !!! Why are we not Playing Santon ??? Why Did we play £5 Million to Sit Him On The Bench ???? Lets Get Alex and Anelka from Chelsea on Loan Until The Summer !!!!! We have The Best Goal Keeper in The Premier League – TIM KRUL !!!!
magpie6699
Dec 3, 2011 at 6:19 PM
Comment #34Worried about Saylor and Colo being out so would be happy with 7 points from next 4 games.
As for today, I’m still very proud of our lads. They still fought well and at 1-0 were the better team and unlucky not to equalize. The 2 late goals (against 10 men ) were cruel and anyone who says “Newcastle have been lucky” or “not proved as they’ve played no-one yet” should shut up. Were we lucky today? No. Did Chelsea have chances – yes but our goal-keeper saved them – he is part of the defence after all, so that’s not lucky. Were we unlucky with that awful refereeing decision today – yes, just like we were lucky last week. But I bet we would have had 3 points today if Luiz had gone off – they would probably have had to take an attacker off – Drogba or Sturridge – to bring on a defender and we wouldn’t have miseed Colo so much. Also, losing our captain / best defender early on I expected the world to cave in on us and it didn’t. I thought we were the better team in the 2nd half. Last week’s dodgy decision only gained us one point. So Keep the Faith – we are still a decent team and one to be proud of. HWTL!!
Lee Dodd
Dec 3, 2011 at 6:20 PM
Comment #35When Will Mike Williamson Be Back ???
dmac
Dec 3, 2011 at 6:21 PM
Comment #36I agree with you i think the Santon thing is a bit fishy! He was our most expensive signing yet doesnt feature at all?!? If he was unfit he would play for the reserves yet he doesnt regularly.
I hope we get Pieters in jan and id love Alex at cb i have always rated him at chelsea.
GeordieTwo
Dec 3, 2011 at 6:21 PM
Comment #37The pattern with Obertan is certainly disturbing. He can easily beat most left backs but then his crosses are usually very poor and he rarely gets a shot on net. Have to agree with dmac that Ben Arfa was very ineffective. He was trapped and surrounded every time he got the ball. He very rarely received it while running. He counted on his dribbling skills too much. Pardew needs to continue to work on tactics to employ Hatem’s skills better. Chelsea continue to look shaky on defense but we couldn’t penetrate with our attacks.
dawid182
Dec 3, 2011 at 6:23 PM
Comment #38Willo will be fit within 3weeks, against West Brom maybe
roblee7
Dec 3, 2011 at 6:32 PM
Comment #39Cabaye allowed Juan Mata to get to the byline and his cross was nodded past Krul by Didier Drogba with Perch making a woeful attempt to challenge the striker.
the boys at nufc.com weren’t impressed either
nimo
Dec 3, 2011 at 6:33 PM
Comment #40i dont know as i was at the game but someone said ginola said at half time ben arfa says still isnt 100% fit n needs games against smaller teams where he can get space b4 we see the real benny back