Shola Ameobi, one of Newcastle’s most experienced players, has come out and said something that is needed and wanted this week.
Shola Ameobi – lads will still fight
Shola, who is a big and positive influence in the dressing room according to Alan Pardew, has come out today and said the lads will still be fighting like crazy after only getting a single point out of our last three games.
Those three games were very tough against teams all in the top six of the Premier League, and we conceded 7 and scoring just twice, while getting a single point.
And with the injuries Newcastle have suffered against Chelsea,
“It will be tough for us – but this fight and desire that people talk about has to come to the fore again.” “Whoever steps in has to bring everything they’ve got, but I am sure we will be all right.”
“We just have to stay together as a team. You will lose games, that’s a given – it is how we come back and how we respond.” “The manager was quite positive after the game.”
“The dressing room is still positive as well, we are in the position we are because we’ve done well this season.” “We have to remember what we’ve achieved, and now take that confidence forward to Norwich.”
“We have played the top three teams in a row and it has been a tough run for us.” “We have to take confidence from where we are at and our league position.”
Ameobi said that the lads and manager Alan Pardew were not too down after the 3-0 loss to Chelsea, and of course Shola came very close to scoring a wonderful goal for Newcastle when the score was just 1-0, but his thunderbolt hit the crossbar – and almost broke it.
A goal at that stage wopul;d have set the game up for Newcastle and no doubt Newcastle would have gone for the winner, as the 52,000 mad screaming Geordies would have been roaring them on to victory.
But Newcastle again didn’t have the tum opf the green but certainly the 3-0 scoreline was simply not representative of the closeness of the game against Chelsea.
But all that matters now is that Newcastle pick up significant points in the next four games against Norwich City, Swansea City, WBA and Bolton Wanderers.
How many points out of the possible 12 available do you think we’ll be able to manage?
Comments welcome.
107 comments so far
Ruddy Marveaux-lous
Dec 6, 2011 at 5:29 PM
Comment #41Toonfan8 it’s great to dream some times..
nufc mad man
Dec 6, 2011 at 5:29 PM
Comment #42even though these next 4 fixtures are still winable when you consider the results of carling cup games
2-1 win vs scunthorpe
4-3 win vs forest
4-3 loss vs blackburn
the team must go heavy on the attack
as we seem so much weaker without the main back 4
Ruddy Marveaux-lous
Dec 6, 2011 at 5:29 PM
Comment #43AP Black and White Army….remember Damien Duff…
ash-out
Dec 6, 2011 at 5:31 PM
Comment #44@ Ruddy Marveaux-lous – post re Williamson
Dunno who you were supporting last year, but Williamson and Collo were the centre half partnership for most of last season. Williamson was excellent in his first year in the premiership.
Fans may be talking about Taylor for England but last year it looked like he was away and fans were singing about how a certain A. Carroll had smashed his jaw.
Taylor scored 3 in 3 at the end of season and got his way back ion the good books.
So 80% of last season was the time that Colo and Willo were so good we couldn’t see a way in for Saylor?
Dannyo
Dec 6, 2011 at 5:32 PM
Comment #45@GeordieTwo
Our defending doesn’t start with the defense, it starts with the striker.
The whole team defend as a unit, thats what makes us so hard to break down.
Cabaye is probably currently in Tiotes role right now, as he’s more familiar to it than Guthrie. Altho he’s not the warrior Tiote is, he works tirelessly.
We’re not up against Man City, Man Utd, Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham, Villa, Everton, etc etc.
We’re up against Norwich, Swansea, WBA…
There’s an ocean between some of those teams.
They can have their day, everyone can, but on paper, there’s really not much for us to fear.
GeordieTwo
Dec 6, 2011 at 5:32 PM
Comment #46It’s fine that Kadar now has a number Marty-Toon but has absolutely no Prem experience this year and should surely start on the bench for a few games unless Perch is a disaster. Still not convinced we will take 10-12 points from the next 4 games mate! There’s optimism and then there’s shear delusional thinking. I’m sure Holt is just rubbing his hands in glee waiting to play us in Norwich. He will definitely score if we start a pair of small centre backs. We will need to score at least 2 to win that game.
nufc mad man
Dec 6, 2011 at 5:36 PM
Comment #47from the results we had in the carling cup
i would say that these 4 fixtures can show us just how strong our attack as the defence witll look simular to our cup defence in terms of it’s strength or maybe worse as colo is not in
GeordieTwo
Dec 6, 2011 at 5:37 PM
Comment #48Just don’t buy it Dannyo from what I have seen of Norwich at home they are a very good team. We do play a team game but no team could stand losing their top 2 centre backs and not pay a price. We don’t even have decent cover thanks to Llambias. Williamson is not yet ready to play. We never replaced Sol Campbell or even tried to as far as I can tell. A last minute bid for Ridgewell? Ridiculous. Llambias’s head is stuck somewhere where the sun doesn’t shine and he plans to keep it there.
AP's Black & White Army
Dec 6, 2011 at 5:38 PM
Comment #49Aye, Ruddy, all too well. That paving slab of a face.
I just wish we had someone with reliable delivery; James Milner never wasted a cross, but I suppose you don’t get the pace with him, however i’d much rather have the former. Pace means nothing, if you either spoon your cross into the stands, or trip over yourself 9 times out of 10 *cough* Obertan *cough*…..
WWJBD
Dec 6, 2011 at 5:39 PM
Comment #5010 points from the next 12? Hmm optomistic.
Norwich are decent, Swansea are fantastic with the ball, West Brom have a good squad plus a great manager and Bolton are hit and miss but can hurt us
Not saying we wont get 10 points but I am not expecting it tbh
angelswithdirtyfaces
Dec 6, 2011 at 5:47 PM
Comment #51I’ll take 8 points as top 7 level of team performance and 10 as top 4 form over the next four games.
But – the Fool lost last night and all the top 7 will drop points against lesser opposition during the season – even City. The karma from the Manure game got repaid on Saturday so just hope we have no refereeing howlers to bugger things up.
More to the point is we need the attack to start racking up a few goals to rebuild our GD. I’d take 8 points if we hammered one of the teams and ended up +6 on the GD after the next 4 games
Geordie2
Agree we need one big man in there – It’s either Santon or Kadar take your pick
Dannyo
Dec 6, 2011 at 5:49 PM
Comment #52@GTwo
I understand the frustration mate, but we won’t get far dwelling on that. Everyone thinks it’s a major blow to lose our two top CBs, and u’re right, it won’t go unpunished.
But if we lose to these teams, that’s like saying we’ll be 12th come christmas, i mean, that’s what we’re facing if we don’t beat them.
There’s bound to be personal faults. But Pardew had an instant impact on our defense when he joined, well, almost instant, i’m sure he’ll work some defensive magic again.
And u can bet they’re all working day and night now. I think, and hope, we’ll be surprised.
GeordieTwo
Dec 6, 2011 at 5:54 PM
Comment #53Thanks for cheering me up Dannyo. I like your optimism mate! I’m more of a realistic old curmudgeon though. I think WWJBD has it more accurate but I have been very surprised by our results so far this season so I hope it continues! I would go with Santon angels but it’s just a gut instinct. Kadar just hasn’t played enough even in the reserves this season to just throw him in there. I feel worried the other CB will be Perch. He just isn’t big and powerful enough. Holt should enjoy playing us with a lineup like we have available now.
laurentrobert32
Dec 6, 2011 at 5:55 PM
Comment #54all things considered, i dont think the situation is as bad as we think. even presuming colo will also be out of the next 4 games i still think we can get 6-8 points from those games, 10 i think is a bit optomistic. this would take us on to 32 points and only needing 8 points from the 2nd half of the season. as long as we bring in a cb and miaga/giroud i think we still have a good chance of finishing 7th. if colo is only out for a couple of weeks we will be fine as williamson will be fit by then and so we would have them both over the festive period. keep faith lads, everything will be fine.
Dannyo
Dec 6, 2011 at 6:02 PM
Comment #55@GTwo
Lol, thanks for the compliment, and i’m a realist too, just and optimistic realist, if there is such a thing 😛
In all honesty tho, Collo will be back after only two games (hopefully), along with Willo and Tiote. (also hopefully).
Loosing the two CBs is typical of our luck, and maybe 10 points is overly optimistic considering the circumstances.
But if we can savor our team spirit and grit, and Pardew can convince Perch and possibly Kadar that they’re good CBs, we may be in with a shout for the 10 points.
It’ll come down to form and our team play, the latter we do very well atm. It’s a worry tho, no doubt, but hopefully the Norwich game will answer allot of our questions.
Also, if Kadar starts, he may get really motivated about his chance, and draw forth his best performance yet. He’s been solid for first team before. I think his development has been hindered by injury and constant reserve team footy. There’s probs allot of poor moral in all that for him too.
Christ, i try not to write wall of texts, but i just can’t stop myself.
GeordieTwo
Dec 6, 2011 at 6:11 PM
Comment #56Ok Dannyo I’m looking forward to you being right with your predictions mate! And I won’t say I told you so if WWJBD and I turn out to be right instead! Keep up the good spirit. It’s great to see so much optimism on the blogs these days!
Dannyo
Dec 6, 2011 at 6:12 PM
Comment #57@Gtwo
Lol, i’ve had to bow down to WWJBD before, just ask him 😛
It was quite humiliating, but a good laugh.
Ruddy Marveaux-lous
Dec 6, 2011 at 6:23 PM
Comment #58Ash out if you watched the previous posts it was a running joke so take your massive pompous head out of your ar$e and get a sense of humour. you think I don’t know who our centre half partnership was for the major part of last season, I barely missed a game so see that high horse you’re currently mounted on…get off it
Special K
Dec 6, 2011 at 6:59 PM
Comment #59Seen Chelsea linked with Krul and although its probably a non-starter, it got me thinking. If the fee is £25m and one has to leave who would you rather it be, Krul or Tiote?
Lets pretend the fee would be reinvested because that would be £60m Mike would be sitting on. We have decent enough cover for both and in my mind it really comes down to who do you rate more Guthrie or Harps?
GeordieGerman
Dec 6, 2011 at 7:13 PM
Comment #60Special K, That’s a bit like asking. Do you want 10 quid or 1.000 pence.
mikeashleyisamackem
Dec 6, 2011 at 7:37 PM
Comment #61well i thought we would manage if we lost 1 of our centre halfs but two is the worst everyone feared ,abstolute typical only at newcastle ,i thought the referees have all been against us in the last 3 games some very dubious decisions for the 7 incidents i can think off we got 1 am sure its corrupt, referees , all is not lost tho we have to remain possitive ,i would draft kadar straight in he s played games at international level and play simpson as my other centre half ,perch is a no go for me at fault for 2 of chelsea goals imo ,and i would bring in santon at right back ,taylor lb and of coarse he will have guti infront of him so we should be solid enough or raylor centre half might be worth a shout mr utility what do you think
soundoid
Dec 6, 2011 at 7:47 PM
Comment #62Simpson’s a midget.
phillyg
Dec 6, 2011 at 7:48 PM
Comment #63I believe our best formation is to play 4-4-2 and thats how we were getting our results. We have played Ba and Ben-arfa last 3 games and although we have still looked good we dont seem to be producing many chances. Ben-arfa is fantastic when given free role on either wing and can produce more flair and creative play. My formation would be
krul
simpson-perch-santon-taylor
benarfa-cabaya-tiote-guitirez
ba-best/ameobi.
I feel thats our strongest team with power up front, creative flair in midfield from and the rock tiote to help the in-experianced defence. Santon is our best bet at cb as hes strong, quick and Italian. Now is the time for santon to come into the team although cb is not his best he will still do a great job for us could be a great partnership with perch.
Howay th lads
mikeashleyisamackem
Dec 6, 2011 at 7:57 PM
Comment #64well i think attack is best form of defence in our case so i would play santon on the right back ,simpsons small but he s strong and collichini isnt exactly john terry if ya know what i mean ,if ya can play right back you can play centre back ,bring in kadar ,bobby robson use to play his youngsters these are perfect games to bring them through if they cant cut it against swansea norwich there not good enough so least we will know to get rid ,its a blinding oppurtunity for the lad what he has waited for all his career lets hope he can come in and do a job
soundoid
Dec 6, 2011 at 7:58 PM
Comment #65phillyg,
Yeah I’m liking that, with 2 big lads up front, you can play 4-3-3 with the same players too.
mattyNUFC
Dec 6, 2011 at 8:08 PM
Comment #66in my dream world i’d play
simmo…..kadar…tiote….santon….
ben arfa….cabaye…gurthrie…guit
………………..ba……………………………
…………………………best………………
special k, in the confines of that scenario, i’d rather lose tiote
mikeashleyisamackem
Dec 6, 2011 at 8:12 PM
Comment #67i wouldnt rush williamson back either ,theres also these other kids in reserves skelton and another good young one nicholson rings a bell ,for these lads these games are like world cup finals you get more out of them ,perch has a severe lack of confidence and that brings mistakes my team for saturday
krul
santon simpson kadar raylor
benafa guthrie tiote cabaye gutierez
shola
subs perch gosling sami ba best smith
soundoid
Dec 6, 2011 at 8:14 PM
Comment #68mattyNUFC
That made me laugh… in a good way.
seantoon
Dec 6, 2011 at 8:24 PM
Comment #69Mikeashleyisamackem how can you drop ba mate?
ross armstrong
Dec 6, 2011 at 8:37 PM
Comment #70when is tiote back????????
ross armstrong
Dec 6, 2011 at 8:38 PM
Comment #71and when is collo back?
Dannyo
Dec 6, 2011 at 8:43 PM
Comment #72Tiote has a niggle, likely to be out 1-3 weeks more.
Collo has just had his scan, haven’t read anything conclusive anywhere, but hopefully out just 1-2 weeks.
t00ntime
Dec 6, 2011 at 8:44 PM
Comment #73@specialK tiote to go 😛 cause we dont have decent cover for krul, harper wants to retire soon and forster looks bad whenever I see him als elliot looked quite bad aswell :S
soundoid
Dec 6, 2011 at 8:47 PM
Comment #74Hands up who wants to finish in a Championsleague spot…
Scottishmag1
Dec 6, 2011 at 8:55 PM
Comment #75………………………Krul
Simpson……..perch……..Kadar……..santon
Obertann…..cabaye……..Guthrie……..Jonas
……………….BA………….Strolla (HBA)
Bench
HBA or Strolla
Abied
Loven
Raylor
Thoughts?
NUFC STEVE
Dec 6, 2011 at 9:00 PM
Comment #76Scottishmag
You don’t have Mr T in there????
Scottishmag1
Dec 6, 2011 at 9:02 PM
Comment #77Don’t think he will be fit Steve…..
t00ntime
Dec 6, 2011 at 9:04 PM
Comment #78Lol even with these injuries ur a fool to think pardew will take raylor off lol, is ot just me or does pardew not dare tell players NO?
I mean krul only got put on because harper was injured. Marveux looked better then obertan but didnt get a game till obertan was injured, HBA only got start when shola and best were injured :S
Pardew seems to only change players when they are injured, and that annoys me when he says we havent put our best team on yet -_- well of course we havent… Raylor is never our best LB
But I’m telling u perch and colo will be our partner ship till one is injured and raylor will not move unless injured…
So if we lose a few matches dont just Blame MA but also blame AP team selection :S not meaning anything bad about pardew I like the guy and all BUT his line up only changes cause of injury :S so a new striker in jan wont help cause he wont come in till ba/best/shola is injured…
lesh
Dec 6, 2011 at 9:05 PM
Comment #79@1, 2, 3, 4…….. no commemt!
Scottishmag1
Dec 6, 2011 at 9:07 PM
Comment #80Toontime
Saturday will be a test On your theory, in my view santon should replace Raylor