Alan Pardew has come out and tried to defend some of the back four who played at Norwich last Saturday, and were not too impressive.
James Perch – in action at Norwich last Saturday
Pardew believes the back four did a decent job last week, but when it came to defending set plays they were not impressive.
And Norwich and in particular center-forward Grant Holt who got two goals, benefited from Newcastle having nobody in central defense who was good in the air.
And generally the Norwich players won most of the balls in the air in that penalty box.
Alan talked about his disappointment at Norwich:
“I think we are all a little bit disappointed that even though we did not have any centre halves, with the people we had on the pitch, we did not defend the set plays better at Norwich.”
“The back four did very well but every set play, we struggled,” “We looked at that and have to make sure we improve. Swansea are not a Norwich-type team because Norwich are all about balls down the channel and balls into the box. “
“Swansea are a slightly different proposition, and they are probably better suited to us when we are at home.”
Alan Pardew and John Carver will defend the fringe men when they are brought into the team, and certainly Ryan Taylor has done very well since being played out of position at left back at the start of the season.
And Danny Guthrie did really well in the six consecutive games he deputized for the injured Cheick Tiote, before Danny succumbed against Chelsea and is out for up to six weeks with a groin strain.
That Chelsea game was a costly one for Newcastle with Newcastle losing Coloccini, Guthrie and of course Steven Taylor to injury.
In particular James Perch has been defended by the Newcastle manager, and to us he has never looked like a Premier League player, although he is great lad and apparently a first class professional at the club.
And today Alan Pardew has defended Jame Perch who came in for criticism last Saturday for his performance in central defense when he partnered Danny Simpson at the back.
This is what the manager said about Perch:
“Ever since I have been at the football club I have always stuck by them if they have done well for me and I think that the players, like Perchy, it gives them hope,” “He believes he is good enough to secure a future at St James’ Park.
“I think Perchy just gives you everything he’s got when he plays,” “You ask him to play full-back, right midfield, centre back – it’s not the ideal situation but he never moans or gripes about it. He just does his best.”
In all likelihood James will keep his place in central defense today, but we have to hope that one of our regular center-backs is able to play – Fab Coloccini or Mike Williamson.
We even think Perch could be leaving the club in the summer, but that doesn’t stop us from hoping he has a good game today, if he gets a game.
Comments welcome.
10 comments so far
Rotonda heights
Dec 17, 2011 at 9:25 AM
Comment #1Why does Pardew come up with stupid comments like ‘’ Perch won’t let anyone down!!!
It’s Perch’s stock in trade. It’s what he does.
We all know Pardew will continue with Perch at CB over Kadar, Raylor at left back instead of Fergie and Smith over Abeid.
Perch, Raylor and Smith have been found out time and time again. Surely a good manager would swallow his pride and ego and shelve his stubbornness and at least see if the youngsters can cut it as Perch, Raylor and Smith clearly can’t, and we know exactly what we are getting from them.
We’ve had a great start, until we got 1 point out of the last 15, but Pardew’s highest achievement ever was finishing 9th and he’s got to be more pro-active and see what works and what clearly doesn’t, a la Norwich.
JAMSHA
Dec 17, 2011 at 9:27 AM
Comment #2Heard someware colo is fit to start. 🙂
roshan MAGPIE
Dec 17, 2011 at 9:30 AM
Comment #3i think Pardew is a gay and his partner IS perch
Sav
Dec 17, 2011 at 10:38 AM
Comment #4This was known from last season. we went into this season with Williamson as experienced cover for Colo and Taylor. Looks like Kadar is kaput at the Toon so its down to Ashley – and he has the brass neck to ask Pardew ‘When is a CB coming in?’
‘When you crack open your 35 million windfall,, Mashley’.
Jan Stavik
Dec 17, 2011 at 10:40 AM
Comment #5“He just does his best”, what does that really tell you? I’m reading “He’s not good, but he’s trying…”
Hope we’ll be able to grab 3 points today, but with Perch and Simpson in the hearth of defense I think we will struggle again!
mikeashleyisamackem
Dec 17, 2011 at 10:51 AM
Comment #6does his best well i should hope so a hope hes not like bugger it a cant be arced today ,i will run myself into the ground pardew if thats the case can i have a start ,its not about doing your best its about being good enough and he clearly is the worst cb ive seen in a town shirt
toonincheek
Dec 17, 2011 at 11:17 AM
Comment #7roshan – let’s not drag down the standard of this blog.
magpiebop
Dec 17, 2011 at 11:59 AM
Comment #8Perch is Championship at best. Kadar should play and apparently in 13 games has never been on the losing team.
Brutooon
Dec 17, 2011 at 12:51 PM
Comment #9How does conceding 7 goals in two games as a Centre Back still said he “done well”
That total Bullsh*t and stup*d
Ben3arfa
Dec 17, 2011 at 1:39 PM
Comment #10perch is crap, end of story