Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has praised the character of his Newcastle squad tonight.
Alan Pardew after win – does he look happy or does he look happy?
Although Newcastle were outplayed in the first half at Ewood Park, the lads held on manfully and took an early lead when a right foot shot by Ryan Taylor was deflected by Scott Dan into his own net.
Ryan had been set up by Jonas Gutierrez, and then in injury time Gabriel Obertan ran from the half way line, as he was clean though and placed the ball past a helpless Robinson to make it 2-0, before acknowledging the Newcastle fans.
Blackburn only had themselves to blame in that first half as they missed chance after chance, but Newcastle were a lot more solid and organized in the second half.
Newcastle were without French International Yohan Cabaye, who was banned for three games by the FA earlier on Wednesday, for violent conduct, and Demba Ba, Papiss Cisee and Cheick Tiote were also missing.
This is what Alan told Sky Sports after the game:
“We had a bit of criticism about the Brighton game and we lost Cabaye, the two Senegal boys couldn’t make it, and we still won.”
“Great credit to the players and particularly to James Perch. I left him out even though he was excellent at Brighton.”
“But he came into the midfield for the second half and we looked a lot stronger in there.” “We’ve got such resolve in the squad.”
“To get a win on the back of Brighton was brilliant and we can look forward now to the end of the season.” “We’ve got a tremendous opportunity that we want to try and take.”
“We’ve gone up to fifth tonight – it’s an outstanding achievement from this football club.”
The 3 points took Newcastle one point above Liverpool and two points above Arsenal and into 5th place in the Premier League.
Next up for the Magpies is Aston Villa at St. James’ Park in the early game on Sunday afternoon, and Newcastle will have both Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse available for that game.
A win on Sunday, hopefully in front of another sell-out crowd, and we could even catch Chelsea – at least on points.
It was an excellent win for the lads tonight, and a gutsy performance when the defense was under great pressure for long stretches, but the lads managed to get their 9th clean sheet of the season.
It was also the fifth clean sheet in the last eight league games, which is not too bad at all.
Comments welcome.
170 comments so far
Toon_Tom
Feb 2, 2012 at 9:06 AM
Comment #161Perch is the new Xavi, unbelievable performance.
Perch for England, Ameobi for Walker Central
BOOM BOOM THE 1ST
Feb 2, 2012 at 9:11 AM
Comment #162Toon_Tom perch for england ha ha tried to get it trending the other day #strawberrysyrup4perch
Dannyo
Feb 2, 2012 at 9:12 AM
Comment #163I’m still adamant that HBA is a nr 10 like Pardew claimed, HBA is not by any means a winger.
Just cause he’s quick and can cross a ball does not make u winger.
HBA is a key to unlock defenses, yes, probably 2/3 times he’ll be dispossed, but when he makes it through to the final 3rd, u KNOW either he’ll get a cracking shot or he’ll serve a killer ball.
This is how Cisse will score the majority of goals, he’ll get behind the defense and get the through ball from Cabaye, HBA, Ba, u name it, he’ll knock it in.
Toon_Tom
Feb 2, 2012 at 9:13 AM
Comment #164haha, its worth a try Boom.
Honestly tho, i have often had a few bad words to say on Perch’s performances, but he seems to keep getting better and better now.
If Perch was 19, people would see how well he is playing now and how much he has improved and would be tipping him for big things. Another great performance by him!
Ollie666
Feb 2, 2012 at 9:16 AM
Comment #165Our team for when everyone is back and fit(includes long term injuries)
Krul
Simpson Colo Saylor Santon
Tiote
Cabaye Guthrie
HBA
Ba Cisse/Best
geordiejamie89
Feb 2, 2012 at 9:20 AM
Comment #166This was a good result against a Blackburn team at home who had been improving over recent weeks. Some people may have said it was fortunate, but how many times do the top teams grind out wins without amazing performances. I think this puts us in potentially a very good place. With Steven Taylor, Yohan Cabaye, Cheike Tiote, Demba Ba and Papiss Demba Cisse all not involved last night, we still managed a win. With Demba Ba returning, Papiss Demba Cisse being introduced, Yohan Cabaye back into the squad in a few weeks potentially with Cheike Tiote, things look promising. We still miss Steven Taylor, and should there be anymore injuries in defence we will really struggle. However that said Mike Ashley made a good choice by not paying over the odds for a stop-gap defender. Now picture this, Newcastle become even better with a formidable strike force with Demba Ba being lined up weekly with his Senegal team mate, and Yohan Cabaye and Cheike Tiote bossing the midfield. Oberton is making improvements and Jonas Gutierrez has been solid. Newcastle could potentially finish 4th at the end of the season. A big ask, but lets humour the idea. A Champions League spot would make it alot easier to tempt a player to the North East. ( Christopher Samba for example, has long stated his desire to play Champions League football).
In the summer, the signing of LB, CB, RM would put us in a really good place, with cover for the whole team. And with Mike Ashley’s investment in the near future on our scouting network and investment in our youth prospect, Newcastle’s full squad could much improve in the next season or two. I started following football in 2002 as a Newcastle fan, and this is the most excited I have been over the future of Newcastle.
sirtoongospel
Feb 2, 2012 at 9:22 AM
Comment #167Ollie I reckon I would put Marveaux in there for best team.
When he is fit he will be a big player for us.
Krul
Simmo Tayls Colo Santon
Cheick
Marveaux Cabaye HBA
Demba Papiss
Wouldn’t wanna play against that!
Level 7 Hero
Feb 2, 2012 at 9:38 AM
Comment #168Theres absolutly no reason why we can’t maintain our current or even improve on our current form.
I reckon we’ll finish up on 63 points, good enough for 5th last year put don’t know if it will be this time around.
Lynxie
Feb 2, 2012 at 9:39 AM
Comment #169I am ever so happy to be muching on my words after last nights result. I forecast (wrongly) a heavy defeat. never happier to be wrong.
I watched it on Norwegian TV here last night, and occasionally flicked over to see how Villa -QPR were doing. A word of caution here, Villa break with pace and look very good at the moment, Sunday is going to be a real test. Insomnia had a good game, and the speed of their attacks is a cause for concern.
I think with Delboy and Rodney we will have too much for them, as QPR terrorised them at times (pace through the centre being the main thing – Djibril Cisse), so I will cautiously go for a scruffy 1-0 to cement our top 5 place.
HWTL!
jonny_ringo13
Feb 2, 2012 at 10:23 AM
Comment #170http://www.facebook.com/pages/Everything-Newcastle-United-20112012/169761986420510