Newcastle didn’t really deserve anything out of the game last night at Anfield, and it was not one of Newcastle’s better performances.
Andy Carroll in action last night for Liverpool
The game was fairly even in the first half and Newcastle even went ahead with an own goal from Daniel Agger after 25 minutes.
Yohan Cabaye had headed on a good cross from Ryan Taylor, and the ball was going in, before it was diverted by Agger’s arm into the net, and maybe the goal will eventually be awarded to Cabaye by that dubious goals committee.
But would you believe it, they equalized after 3 minutes later through Craig Bellamy, who hit home a poor clearance by Cheick Tiote from a right wing cross into the Newcastle box.
We thought we could have even gone on and won the game 1-0, or at least got the 1-1 draw, because in their last six home games Liverpool had not been able to score more than one goal.
It was fairly even in the first half, and even in the second half with three quarters of the game gone, Newcastle were nicely placed at 1-1, and we thought we even had a chance to even win it at that point.
And it was also annoying all game when the TV commentators obviously wanted Andy Carroll to score against his old club, and Andy did hit the cross-bar with a good header in the second half, and he’s still a good player but Liverpool hardly play to his strnegths.
Let’s put it this way – if he returned to Newcastle he’d be as good as he ever was, because Newcastle play with two good wingers and get those crosses in and would use Andy’s strengths.
Steven Gerrard had come on after 60 minutes, and in retrospect if the England International hadn’t played at all last night, Newcastle would have probably got something out of the game.
But Steven seemed to energize the Liverpool team, and he started putting some great crosses over to Andy Carroll.
It was from a free kick after 65 minutes that Liverpool went ahead after 67 minutes, and after the game Alan Pardew was complaining it was never a free kick.
But we always think that’s a poor excuse – and he sounded too much like Steve Kean after a game – and it would have been better if Newcatsle had defended the free kick a lot better than they did.
But Craig hit the ball past the wall and basically Danny Simpson and Tim Krul got in each other’s way, and the ball somehow ended up in the back of the net.
And then to make it even worse, Steven Gerrard decided to get himself a goal, and on 78 minutes he had the ball clear down the left wing , and put the ball in from a narrow angle, but Tim Krul will be asking himself how he let that one in.
It was the 9th time in the last 11 league meetings that Liverpool have beaten Newcastle at Anfield, and the fourth time in a row that Liverpool had scored three goals at home against the Magpies.
Let’s put it this way, we were not at our best last night, and didn’t deserve anything from the game.
But there were some good patches, especially in the first 20 minutes of the second half when the lads played some good football, as they tried to get control of the game.
It was a disappointing result and a rather disappointing display from the lads – and that’s the truth.
But it’s only one game, and once Mike Williamson is back fully match fit again, we have to hope the defense becomes a lot more solid than it looked last night.
But that’s the fifth time in the last eight games that Newcatle have conceded three goals, in a streak that has seen us get us one win and only 5 points from the 24 points that were available.
We’ll have to do better than that early next year, but the next game will also be tough against Mancsheter United next Wedbneday evening at St. James’ Park.
We’re not expecting too much out of the game, but we’d like to see a better and more solid performance from Newcastle than the lads gave last night at Anfield.
It’s time for Newcastle to regroup, because we still have a decent side and some good players, but too many of them were off form last night.
But as we said it’s only one game and we have to hope we’ll be a lot better over the next few games.
Comments welcome.
54 comments so far
cyprus
Dec 31, 2011 at 9:47 AM
Comment #1Sorry for third re-post, can’t keep up with Ed. If you’ve read this please ignore. Happy New Year all.
Re-post:
Was this our worst performance of the season? Answer: Absolutely. So much respect, so much fear, everyone getting rid of the ball like it was a hot potato. For those of u who missed the game, here’s the dire reading:
Krul: 5. In truth, didn’t have too much to do, but he conceded a sloppy second and then conceded from Gerrard from an impossible angle. Also, was delaying play from the 1st minute, which is, frankly, embarrassing.
Simpson: 5. This will thrill his detractors. He really did have a poor game. Tried, but was to blame for at least 1 goal.
Colo-Williamson: 6. Did ok to silence Carroll, speaking of whom, his bad luck continue, as he hit the bar once more.
Raylor: 4. Always out of his depth with real wingers. If Santon can’t displace a makeshift LB, we need to get someone who can.
Santon: 6. When he came on, did ok, nothing to write home about.
Tiote, Cabaye: 7. Tried, huffed and puffed, with few results.
Vuckic: 1. Crazy, crazy decision by AP to throw such a talented lad in at the deep end, at Anfield. Anyway, a risk that did not pay off. While on, the game passed him by. He just watched, like I did, more or less.
Jonas: 5. Though I’m a fan, apart from a couple of slick moves, he contributed nothing going forward and was weak defensively.
Obertan: 5. Please, please, take on 1 defender some time soon (i.e. dribble past him) and you don’t have to do anything else, I’ll give you a 10 out of ten man.
Ba: 6. By his high standards, not good. Though he should’ve scored (was unlucky not to), his hold up play was poor.
When Sammy came on, he was below average, almost comical.
Hey coach, HBA must start and finish every game. What’s the matter with you? If you give him so little time, especially with a team which was there to be beat (us, that is), what do you expect? I repeat: PLAY HBA FROM THE START.
roshan MAGPIE
Dec 31, 2011 at 9:53 AM
Comment #2good wingers ed o please both of our wingers suck they dont know how to cross how to pass and how to beat a man the only thing they know IS run like a head less chicken
roshan MAGPIE
Dec 31, 2011 at 9:55 AM
Comment #3CYPRUS common lad stop that i saw your comment and its right but dont like to read it again and again
Scottishmag1
Dec 31, 2011 at 9:56 AM
Comment #4We simply were not good enough in all areas of the pitch, tactics were inept.
They did to us what we did to others in the first four games of the season, no time on the ball!!!
T say that we require no additions to the team is completely naive, if it was not for Demba Ba I suspect that we would not be anywhere near the league position we are never mind the creaking defence.
He will need to change things for Wednesday night if we are not to get a battering!!
cyprus
Dec 31, 2011 at 9:58 AM
Comment #5Roshan, I agree with a lot of your comments and you do have a point. But modern wingers don’t only cross. They open up defenses, make the pitch wider, play 1-2’s with forwards and clever through balls. Crosses are old fashioned, approximate (even from the best crossers, e.g. Beckham, Giggs) and based on wishful, hopeful balls in. So, Jonas is the real thing 🙂 Only, he is ring rusty because he’s needed to defend out of his skin in the last games, given our defensive frailties.
cyprus
Dec 31, 2011 at 9:59 AM
Comment #6Sorry about reposts, btw
Benji84
Dec 31, 2011 at 10:04 AM
Comment #7I have to agree with you with this, if Benny is fit the guy has to start. Lets look what he has done. Man city almost scored and looked dangerous. Man United got the penalty and West brom set up Ba with a goal. Lastly Bolton scored a cracker of a goal!!! I totally dont understand why he is not getting more minutes on the pitch??? Both Guitti and Obertan are playing poor and i know everyone is saying get off the obertan band wagon but if you are continually not playing well you should be dropped.
With that rant off I am going to place my 2 cents in. From the game it showed us a few things one we are lacking someone out wide who can beat a player and take a shot and also any movement going forward was not there. In the second half we mashed 35 passes in a row and yes it looked sexy but we did not look threatening in front of goal. If we are going to push for at least top 8 which i look at the league at the moment and i dont really see anyone below us now with there current squad to be higher than us. Being a long Toon fan for many many years will newcastle just buy 3 new players 1 wide player, a defender that can play right back to piss off Simpson and a forward that can score goals and work with Ba. Do you think this will ever happen ???? Anyways everyone happy new years and i love this site it keeps me updated everyday with my beloved Toon. The comments are funny and shows that even a guy in sunny Adelaide in Australia feels the same frustration with newcastle but that’s why we support them
roshan MAGPIE
Dec 31, 2011 at 10:14 AM
Comment #8ITs ALRIGHT CYPRUS love to read the comments posted by the readers of this BLOG
Ruddy Marveaux-lous
Dec 31, 2011 at 10:16 AM
Comment #9Wasn’t the fault of any individual although I thought that our passing, in particular Tiote and Cabaye, was very poor, constantly gave the ball away and put us under pressure. I think that the problem lay with the fact that we sat back and tried to play for a draw instead of getting into Liverpool’s faces and taking the game to them. We got a fortuitous goal and instead of seizing the initiative we sat back and allowed Liverpool to dominate us and put pressure on us, that pressure finally told when we buckled after some desperate defending and conceded the equalizer. We got to HT level and Pards should have been telling the lads that if they took the game to Liverpool they could win it, never mind drawing!! But maybe there is still a touch of immaturity or perhaps naivety in AP’s management and he still has things to learn. You can’t set a team out to draw a game, because if you do sit back and show them respect then they will punish you, whether that’s Liverpool or Wigan or whoever you’re playing. We played with fear last night and I for one never want to see a Newcastle side afraid of ANY team! Let alone those bunch of posers in Liverpool! The semi-crocked Stevie G came in and was the best player on the pitch by a mile! wtf!? I was very disappointed by Pards’ tactics last night and I am one of his staunchest defenders. Sort it out AP don’t be afraid to lose a game playing attacking football, you will get much more respect from us if you do…it sure as hell beats losing a game playing defensive afraid football.
jonnymcdonald
Dec 31, 2011 at 10:20 AM
Comment #10Headline should read “Danny Simpson doesn’t deserve to play for Newcastle United!”
He has a cheek not signing a contract, considering he is technically the worse footballer in our squad by a long way!
Simpson Out!
bentoon
Dec 31, 2011 at 10:20 AM
Comment #11I cant see why Pards doesnt switch Guti to the right side and play HBA on the left. Let them get some crosses in from the byline onto Ba’s head. Its no good playing wingers on the opposing side like Guti on the left if they cant cut in and shoot. I think with the amount of times Simpson goes forward and leaves gaps in behind him, Guti would be better at covering.
solano
Dec 31, 2011 at 10:20 AM
Comment #12All the best Benji….I lived up in Hahndorf for a while and used to get down to West Beach and Glenelg ….enjoy your summer!
markmag
Dec 31, 2011 at 10:20 AM
Comment #13I agree the usual poor show at Anfield.Showed too much respect for a team that is clearly struggling at home a more attacking mindset could well of had them on the back foot.A lot of players had the night OFF and the passing was well wide of the mark.However lets press on get behind the team and hope M.A. comes up with the cash for 2-3 players in order to strengthen and push on.
Mc abaye
Dec 31, 2011 at 10:20 AM
Comment #14Hi guys, very dissapointed with the result last night! i thought we were gutless in our attack and very unorganised right accross the midfield. tiote allmost convinced me he was playin bad on purpose to get himself off the transferl list (wishfull thinkin) 🙂 also….i know every1 is on here slatin oberton but to be honest how much time does some one need to regain confidence, surely it must be like riding a bike if you know how to ride it you never forget!! even more so at this level. at the end of the day sir alex does NOT get rid off good players for 3mill………………
cyprus
Dec 31, 2011 at 10:21 AM
Comment #15Good post Ruddy, especially your advice to AP at the end
solano
Dec 31, 2011 at 10:23 AM
Comment #16Ruddy…don’t you think it’s time the MD and Owner gave Pards some better tools to work with? Our manager looks bewildered at the lack of support he is getting.
Ruddy Marveaux-lous
Dec 31, 2011 at 10:25 AM
Comment #17Sir Alex didn’t want to let him go because he knew he had ability, he like Obertan and thought he would help his career and let him leave so he could get first team football. People who use that excuse as a reason to slate Obertan should look things up first. He wasn’t the reason we got beat last night, every single player (and the manager) needs to look at themselves and be very annoyed at how they performed, and yes Benny lovers, that means HBA too. Coloccini was a man mountain last night and Willo defended staunchly all evening, aside from those two I was disappointed with everyone’s performances…not just Obertan!
Mc abaye
Dec 31, 2011 at 10:25 AM
Comment #18also i felt sorry for vuckic as hes got talent but last nights game would not of helped him improve his game at all. he was stranded up there with ba in search of some touches on the ball. maybe games against the bottom teams would be more appropiate, more time on the ball etc. the lads not quite good enough to hit the floor running yet. would like to see him as a left winger tho??????
Marty Saint Patrick
Dec 31, 2011 at 10:28 AM
Comment #19Alrite fellas, think that defeat lastinght was a blessing in disguise. Although we all want to see the team win- lastnight higlighted our insecurities. We have been paving over cracks but like other teams that have gone before we have been found out a little. I.E. target ryan taylor and danny simpson- taylor too slow and simpson under pressure is poor. Showed lastnight. Obertan and Guitieraz are innefective always cutting in! We also rely to much on Ba – and at times just bang the ball up to him aimlessly which is not his game.
Another bad defeat against Man utd will show up this again – What i have hear in the aftermath is possibly a striker may now be drafted in (cheap) no luke de jong etc – and definatily a centre halve possible full back.
we will be safe this season so lets be realistic but again we are in such a great position we should get these players nailed in ASAP.
Ruddy Marveaux-lous
Dec 31, 2011 at 10:29 AM
Comment #20Solano, one could argue though that a bad workman blames his tools. Wigan have worse players than us but were not afraid to take the game to Liverpool and were rewarded with a point, as did Blackburn, Norwich etc and those teams have worse players than we do. I do agree that we would have a better chance taking the game to “bigger” teams if we had better players but I feel it was AP’s tactics which let us down last night. But in the long run yeah I agree with you, the board need to back him in order to fulfill top 8 ambitions.
BelfastMagpie87
Dec 31, 2011 at 10:30 AM
Comment #21As much as I hate to say it….
I think once Gerrard gets back in the starting 11 Carroll will start scoring goals easily again.
He whipped in a few smashing crosses last nyt.
Have to admit I was pleased to see Carrolls reaction when Bellamy scored.
He didn’t look to happy.lol
spitfire_
Dec 31, 2011 at 10:30 AM
Comment #22With players like Obertan, Simpson and Raylor (on the left!) nothing good will happend agains big guns. Obertan didn’t help at all to Simpson in the defence. Jonas again was poor but at least he help Raylor and Santon. It’s funny how before couple of days Pardew said that Marveaux are big miss for the club but when he was fit he sit on the bench… at least now Marveaux can’t stop Obertan to show his qualities.
Simpson on the bench. He refuse to sign new contract (thank fcuk) and now its time for Santon on the left and Raylor on the right.
Pardew must try with Ben Arfa on the right wing. He is not a winger but nor Barton was. Ben Arfa can’t be worse than this bald… i mean bold player.
Last year at least our left side worked and then nobody doesn’t say a word for the right side. Now left and right wing are poor… wtf happend with Jonas after he sign the new contract?
Ruddy Marveaux-lous
Dec 31, 2011 at 10:33 AM
Comment #23If last night proved anything, it is that Ryan Taylor is not a defender. I thank him for his performances early in the season but defensively he is a total liability.My argument would be to sign a new RB and save Simmo as a squad player and leave Raylor to fill in in the midfield as a squad player. Although realistically I don’t think R Taylor is good enough to stay at NUFC
BelfastMagpie87
Dec 31, 2011 at 10:35 AM
Comment #24Any other team in our position wouild go out In january & sing 3-4 players to strengthen the squad & push on.
We’ll get in 1 player & probably sell 1 player.
bro56
Dec 31, 2011 at 10:36 AM
Comment #25@Ruddy Marveaux-lous
“Sir Alex didn’t want to let him go because he knew he had ability”
Even Fergy makes mistakes. How many time did Fergy play this player with ability in him time there? exactly.
Obertan need to buck his ideas up, he has no invention, doesnt get passed players despite being very fast, always cuts inside then looks lost. I always give players time but i think hes getting more time due to a Marv injury.
The difference last night was quality, simple as that. we have some they have more.
MA needs to address the quality situation because buying more Bests, Perch’s and first division fodder will not take us to anothe level
Benji84
Dec 31, 2011 at 10:36 AM
Comment #26Cheers for the comments Solano!!! I totally agree with should not be slagging off our players but if they are not performing or not playing well change it!!! Simpson thinks he is the most ganster defender in the league but he helped with the first too goals. 1 not covering the post and going back to goal line and getting in the way to Krul I mean WTF!!! I know everyone on this blog would totally agree that if we get just a few move players we could be a top side once again. But do the powers above want that and if not why? Also Stevie G just needed to play with himself on the pitch and he would of got man of the match lol
Ruddy Marveaux-lous
Dec 31, 2011 at 10:39 AM
Comment #27Ah C’mon Belfast why so cynical? After a defeat like last night I think we are all a little deflated but I do think we will sign 2 really good strong players to supplement the squad, a versatile CB/RB and another ST, surely that would cover the squad. Marv will be back in early February so there is no need to sign another winger. Let’s stay positive here lads if we have a productive window who knows what is possible!
Mc abaye
Dec 31, 2011 at 10:39 AM
Comment #28im not putting the blame on obertan as i watched the whole game and everyone was very average, im just making a point of how many games will it take for him to get going, yeah he has showed times of skill, speed and a good crosser. 🙂
BelfastMagpie87
Dec 31, 2011 at 10:43 AM
Comment #29Ruddy Marveaux-lous // Dec 31, 2011 at 10:39 AM
I hope your right mate.lol.
Benton Toon Exile
Dec 31, 2011 at 10:44 AM
Comment #30I’m afraid last night showed the glaring lack of quality in our side.
We are a mid table team trying to punch above our weight.
If we are to progress into Europe Alan Pardew needs to be given the tools to do it with.
Ruddy Marveaux-lous
Dec 31, 2011 at 10:45 AM
Comment #31Bro56 sounds like your frustration is being unfairly squared at Obertan. Fergy had players like Nani, Valencia, Giggs, Anderson etc who were all getting in ahead of Obertan. He played 28 times in 2 years since signing from the French league. He was never given time to adapt to the speed or physicality of the game, because of his experience there he is doubting his own ability. He has played 18 times for us this season, some performances were bad, some were good i,e Blackburn, Stoke and I don’t care what people say he laid on an excellent goal for Ba against Bolton. I firmly believe he will come good. If I was to be frustrated with a player last night it would have to be Tiote. His passing was atrocious, he dallied and put Simmo in an awful position which lost the ball leading to the 3rd goal and his hard man bad tackler reputation is undoubtedly what led Lee Probert to assume that the tackle which resulted in the FK which led to the 2nd goal was a foul. (not necessarily Tiote’s fault I’m digressing here a bit) Obertan has been frustrating and yes he is getting more time because Marv is injured but that isn’t his fault, he is doing the best he can and is getting better in my opinion
Ruddy Marveaux-lous
Dec 31, 2011 at 10:46 AM
Comment #32Belfast…so do I mate…so do I 😀
Magickit
Dec 31, 2011 at 10:49 AM
Comment #33Raylor makes
– a poor winger become average
– a average winger become decent
– a decent winger become top
– a top winger become superstar …
it is magic!!!
Magickit
Dec 31, 2011 at 10:54 AM
Comment #34we need to play modern 4-2-3-1 besides old-sch 4-4-2
I can say our winger has worst crossing ability ~~
Jonas/ Obertan – I think most fans here can cross better than them.
Pls shift Jonas to right (his left foot crossing -_- …..)
if Obertan must be started (put him on the left , he cant cross with right foot, so let him cut inside and plays passing game with HBA and cabaye and tiote.
Padrew …. pls change ~~~~ last nite is the worst match I saw this season !
toonbrother
Dec 31, 2011 at 10:57 AM
Comment #35As soon as I saw Vuckic in the line up i knew our passing game hence defensive resilience would break down. Its amazing when a casual fan like me can see things a premier league manager cannot
Its is quite stupid to blame the players for yesterdays embarrasing performance. These are the same players that fearlessly took on ManU at Old Trafford, Stoke at Britannia and Man City at Eltihad.
Pardew’s boneheaded player selection was what cost us 3 points yesterday. Only a manager stuck in the dark ages thnks you can win games by flooding the midfield with players and lumping long balls to the big man up front. Dalglish completely outclassed him in terms of tactical awareness. It would be more reassuring if he came out and admitted he got it wrong. Instead he’s talkng nonsense about the second goal.
Liverpool outplayed us in the first half. That pressure finally told . Weve never had a world class back four. Our defensive strength had always lay in our ball retention ability and Leon Best -w ho Pardew saw fit to drop yesterday- has been key to that. I dont think Pardew is bright enough to understand Ba is only at his best when Leon plays alongsiide him and Newcastle is a better team offensively and defensively when we play passing football. Besty may not score many goals, but he receives the ball at his feet , passes crisply and holds the ball up better than any player we have
Magickit
Dec 31, 2011 at 10:57 AM
Comment #36Simpson said that defending the freekick is sth they work on training …. on holy ….sit ~~~~
Why we do that ??? and I can sure bellamy is not a freekick specialist, his shoot mostly without speed and power …
hector riva
Dec 31, 2011 at 10:59 AM
Comment #37cyprus, how can you give vucic one point did he play any worse than demba ba, or anyone else in fact in the second half he showed some nice passes and touches, very unfair that is. vucic wik get betterr and better, its ok for you to say that after the lord mayers show, but vucic did no worse than anyone else last night, how does demba get a 6 and haris a 1 baffling young man very baffling.
Lynxie
Dec 31, 2011 at 10:59 AM
Comment #38Christ almighty, were you lot watching a different game last night? Every comment I have read today is ‘did not deserve anything’, or ‘couldnt string two passes together’, or ‘stood and watched’ etc etc. But for Simpsons f*ckarsed defending, we would have took something out of this game. Only jonnymacdonald (@10) has called it correct. Obertan is a coward, Jonas does not provide an end product (and as far as playing on the and cutting in to shoot! Pur-leeeez. He is the worst striker of a ball in the premier league.
Defensively, only Collocini and to some degree Williamson done OK, the comedy right full back, (what exactly has tacvernier got to do to get in this team?) and the ‘stand-in’ left back that the entire league has now targetted as a weakness, need replaced. I am not including Santon here, as he done OK when he came on, maybe he can be the answer. Oh and by the way, getting rid of the ball like it was a hot potato is called posession football. When we do it, it is called ‘not keeping hold of the ball’, when Barcelona or Arsenal do it, it is a thing of great beauty. GET A GRIP! We passed the bin raiders to death last night, but got beat, If you want reasons, ask Danny Simpson.
Lynxie
Dec 31, 2011 at 11:09 AM
Comment #39Ruddy @ 31
I take your point regarding Tiote being unlucky but not necessarily the best tackler in the league, However, Danny Simpson had plenty of time to distribute the ball when recieving it from Tiote, but he needed 3 touches, and was closed down easily. Very, very, very poor ball control by Simpson led to the 3rd goal. and if you watch again, Simpson was stroling like a spectator on the field as Gerrard sprinted past him (Both Tiote and Simpson ball watching).
tappy lappy
Dec 31, 2011 at 11:13 AM
Comment #40It was a similar performance to the Bolton game. We never looked like scoring against Bolton and it was a surprise when we did. Bolton never looked like scoring either, however Liverpool are better than Bolton and did create chances. I am not sure of the tactics being used in these 2 games, it seems we set out for a 0-0 game. Disappointing performance and loosing Ba for a month is a worry. On the bright side I did not expect the Toon to be in 7th place.