For the second game in row Hatem Ben Arfa was Newcastle’s star player with another excellent outing in Newcastle’s colors, but even the Frenchman couldn’t get the goal that would have put Newcastle back on track, although he worked his socks off for the side.
Ben Arfa – in action yesterday
Tim Krul 7
Tim had a decent game and certainly had no chance with either of the two goals, and he made a good attempt to get to Hazard’s penalty and guessed the right way, but the shot from the impressive Belgian was too well positioned. Tim again looked an impressive goalkeeper in the Newcastle goal and has picked up from where he left off last season.
Danny Simpson 5
Danny was okay yesterday before being replaced by Ryan Taylor after 64 minutes, and when he came off and clapped the Newcastle supporters we couldn’t help thing if that was his last game in the black and white stripes of Newcastle. Whether he goes or stays, maybe Ryan Taylor will claim the right back position soon, if Debuchy doesn’t come in. An average performance form Danny boy yesterday.
Steven Taylor 6
Steven had another decent game in London, and wasn’t at fault for the two goals, and we just have to hope he can start to form a long standing partnership with Colo at the back, and this was the first time these two had played together since the Chelsea game at St. James’ Park last December, when Steven did in his Achilles. Steven has started the season in promising form and had a decent game yesterday.
Fabricio Coloccini 6
Had a quiet but effective game in his very first appearance of the season for Newcastle, and it was good to see the captain back in Newcastle colors. This game was lost in the first half, especially with that second goal coming late in the first half, but Colo rallied the troops well in that second half, and with any luck we could have scored some goals. Good to see Colo back in the side.
Davide Santon 7
We thought Davide looked very good on the ball yesterday, and he was looking to go forward all the time, and Davide still has time to become a top full back for the side. He had a good game yesterday, although he’s better at going forward than defending – but so was Jose Enrique.
Ben Arfa 8
Ben Arfa was again the pick of the bunch for Newcastle right from the first kick-off, and this boy again looked majestic on the ball and seemed full of confidence too. The Frenchman also was very determined and kept drifting into the center, where perhaps he could have been more effective for Newcastle yesterday. Worked his socks off for the side, and Ben Arfa has looked great in the first two games of the season. Easily our Man of the Match with 70% of the vote.
Yohan Cabaye 6
Getting into the swing of things, but still didn’t look like the player we know this lad is. Put in a decent shift though, and still trying to get back to full match fitness. Put in a workmanlike performance for the side, before being replaced by James Perch after 77 minutes, and we expect Yohan to improve the more games he plays.
Vurnon Anita 6
Made the mistake of touching Fernando Torres for the penalty after 21 minutes and that changed the game in Chelsea’s favor, but it’s hard to criticize Anita too much, as he tried to get to grips with the pace of the Premier League. A decent enough performance from the Dutchman in the second half, and don’t forget he also played the full 90 minutes on Thursday night in Athens.
Jonas Gutierrez 6
Typical display from the Argentine but couldn’t get any good crosses in or set up the strikers. Jonas does an awful lot of work for Newcastle, but no final cutting pass or cross yesterday, which we really needed in that second half, when a Newcastle goal could have altered everything.
Demba Ba 6
A quiet day for the Senegal man, and he had a couple of chances to score but missed an excellent chance from about seven yards out after 84 minutes that Petr Cech managed to save down to his right – but Ba should have broken the net with his shot. As always he put in a lot of work for the side, and played as a withdrawn striker in the first half.
Papiss Cisse 6
Still coming into match fitness and had another quiet game, but he linked up well with Demba Ba a few times, but Alan Pardew gas to work out how to get the best out of his two Senegal strikers when they play together. Played on Thursday night in Athens so maybe we expected too much from him yesterday. It’s hard to say this when Ba and Cisse were in the side, but Newcastle lacked a cutting edge up front yesterday, and we had some decent chances in that second half, but couldn’t get the all important first goal.
Ryan Taylor 6
Got on for the last 25 minutes or so, and we think Alan Pardew will think of starting this player in our next league games against Aston Villa, simply because he’s a goal threat from any free-kick and we needed a goal so much in that second half. After his excellent permanence in Athens he did well yesterday, but probably needs to start for Newcastle – and maybe at right back in place of Danny Simpson. Ryan is similar in style to Danny but can take those corners, free kicks and throw-ins, and he gives Newcastle that little bit extra - especially in games like yesterday.
James Perch and Gabby Obertan came on too late to be rated.
That’s what we thought of yesterday’s performances, but it’s all subjective of course – how would you have rated the players?
Comments welcome.
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104 responses so far ↓
1 outsidethebox // Aug 26, 2012 at 11:12 AM
benny 10 out of 10
2 dawid182 // Aug 26, 2012 at 11:16 AM
oh cmon… 6 for Colo and Anita? if they were six Ben Arfa should habe been 10… we lost the game, it cant be 6 for almost every player
3 outsidethebox // Aug 26, 2012 at 11:17 AM
from games so far if no one in or out i think we have to play
krull
santon saylor or perch collo gutti
cabaye anita tiote marv
benny
cisse
4 cyprus // Aug 26, 2012 at 11:19 AM
Good to see your ratings Ed, do it every week.
Or is it you? 
How come he’s not on your banner since, like it or not, he’s a starter. Just saying, I’d be a bit offended if I was him and visited your site 
You may be reading this blog too much, regarding Simpson!
On your ratings, all fine except Cisse and Cabaye should score lowest, to be fair
5 eaststandgeordie1982 // Aug 26, 2012 at 11:19 AM
Ed marv came on not obertan and would probs take a mark of everyone imo we were bad i dont think anyone would get an 8
6 Hatem's better than Messi // Aug 26, 2012 at 11:21 AM
Cisse 4
Jonas 4
Starting Raylor … this is why we need to buy this window!
7 ToonDownSouth // Aug 26, 2012 at 11:21 AM
Munster
Whilst I did say I was going to stop posting, I feel I should point out that I really wasn’t directing that post at you or Beattie! Measured, rational criticism is fine – it’s what the blog’s for.
8 Lee Dodd // Aug 26, 2012 at 11:23 AM
The Chelsea Game is Over its Time to Move on !!!!! Were Gonna Win Something This Season – Better Squad than last Season etc. If we can keep everyone and buy a defender and a striker by sunday then were cooking on gas !!!! Watch out Aston Villa The Dembas are Coming !!!!!
9 davybtoon // Aug 26, 2012 at 11:26 AM
our youth team is looking very strong
alnwick
tavernier streete good dummitt
biggie abeid
sammi vukic ferguson
campbell
all these players will b challengeing within the next year n i wouldnt hesitate to use any of them if needed
10 davybtoon // Aug 26, 2012 at 11:26 AM
lee dodd
thats the attitude to have
11 ToonAndy // Aug 26, 2012 at 11:28 AM
I was devastated after getting beat yesterday but we have to remember it was Chelsea away! … Not many teams will go there and get anything… But I wasn’t happy when I saw that 4-4-2 line up again!… I hope Pardew tries this against Aston villa and I think we’ll see some much better football…
————————-KRUL———————
SANTON—-SAYLOR—COLLO—-JONAS
—————TIOTE———-ANITA———–
———————–CABAYE——————-
BEN ARFA———————-MARVEAUX
————————-CISSE——————–
12 catchy in norway // Aug 26, 2012 at 11:34 AM
ok
simpson was no worse than a few others yesterday
cabaye jonas were just as shocking, yes shocking
ba and cisse hardly linked up at all ,
the game was crying out for marvaux to be brought on much earlier , and for jonas not santon
pardew got the tactics wrong, my rating for him was 5,
reasons for such a low mark
1 subs bench looked weak,
2 should not start with both ba and cisse, there clearly not fit after fasting
jonas should have been subed, santon is a better LB
13 Ruddy Marveaux-lous // Aug 26, 2012 at 11:34 AM
Krul – 6
Simpson – 4
Saylor – 6
Colo – 5
Santon – 6
HBA – 9
Anita – 5
Cabaye – 4
Jonas – 5
Ba – 6
Cisse – 1
14 Ruddy Marveaux-lous // Aug 26, 2012 at 11:35 AM
Alan Pardew – 3
15 Nufc-83 // Aug 26, 2012 at 11:36 AM
Ochytoon is obvious your an idiot.
16 Nufc-83 // Aug 26, 2012 at 11:37 AM
Spot on them ratings ruddy although actually drop ba to a 4.
17 ochytoon // Aug 26, 2012 at 11:38 AM
Coming from the guy who posts on a blog claiming he is a better footballer than Danny Simpson…
18 outsidethebox // Aug 26, 2012 at 11:39 AM
toon andy @ 11 ………see @ 3 …got to be way foreward
gutti isn,t a winger but has energy to get up and down from fb ..santon may be able to get some crosses in from right and benny in free role behind cisse ( with ba sharing role ) ..5 in midfield with tiote and anita as cover for fb,s …
give it a go alan …
19 Nufc-83 // Aug 26, 2012 at 11:40 AM
Davy ur optimism is silly tbh i used to be the one fighting the neggers on here but u take it to a new level .
20 Nufc-83 // Aug 26, 2012 at 11:42 AM
Ha actually learn to read u idiot. I said better on the ball as i am a winger i really think i am simples
21 Offkey // Aug 26, 2012 at 11:45 AM
Our game lacked intensity yesterday, which it somewhat did against Tottenham and is something we suffered from last season at times. IMO, for us to compete with the likes of Chelsea the majority of our players have to be on top form, which a number seem not to be.
However, I also remember the days when we couldn’t buy a win in London and 3 points from Tottenham (admittedly at home) and Chelsea, isn’t poor.
22 ochytoon // Aug 26, 2012 at 11:46 AM
NUFC 83
And I said I doubt that’s true. Simpson isn’t the greatest player in the world and he doesn’t carry much of an attacking threat but he is usually defensively solid and he is accustomed to the league. Hence why I would prefer him over Debuchy who isn’t a great defender. It’s all well and good wanting really attacking fullbacks but a Debuchy/Ben Arfa combo would be tactical suicide. We’d be ripped apart by a lot of teams down that right hand side.
23 Nufc-83 // Aug 26, 2012 at 11:46 AM
Agreed offkey good post tbh
24 pbNcl // Aug 26, 2012 at 11:48 AM
I feel at home with positive lads who see the big picture, real supporters who support the club. I get a bit tetchy with others who can’t wait for a mistake of some sort to back up their negative outlook. Were one of the best sides in the country, and things haven’t been this good for a lot of years, so why can’t people jus be happy! I come across a lot of ”fans” who don’t deserve the accolade. Other teams will fear us this season, the manchester clubs and chelsea will batter most teams and we did well yesterday. Hats off to the boys
25 tjshawsey // Aug 26, 2012 at 11:49 AM
I really think we need to change our system. The fact is Ben Arfa is our magic man, so we need to make use of that. I would also like to see us buy in a left footed LB, Santon was getting into so really good positions but his crossing with his left foot was poor. Here is the team I would like us to play:
Krul
Santon Saylor Colo New LB
Cabaye Tiote
Jonas HBA Marveaux
Ba or Cisse
Also, whilst Jonas is decent to have defensively, I do feel we sometimes suffer when going forward with him.
26 davybtoon // Aug 26, 2012 at 11:54 AM
lads andy carroll would cost what do you reckon 15mill maybe more been thinking southampton had a 11.8mil bid accepted for gaston ramirez why dont we just sign him instead deal for him to southampton has fell through now
27 nicktoon // Aug 26, 2012 at 11:56 AM
Can I remind the negative bloggers… How many times have we beaten Chelsea at the bridge? I remember we lost 5-0 under air bobby!!!
28 Nufc-83 // Aug 26, 2012 at 11:56 AM
Don’t make simmo to be the greatest defender he’s average at best. All i want is a player who can defend well enough to hold his own but offer something when in possession. Is that too much considering were a top 6 premiership club?
29 toonking // Aug 26, 2012 at 11:57 AM
ed
although i would say simmo was the quietest of our defenders yesterday, he was certainly not the worst on the pitch cabaye anita and cisse all looked much worse.
beside simmo can’t be blamed for ether goals as they were done from going through the centre rather than crossing the ball.
30 Toon1978 // Aug 26, 2012 at 11:58 AM
People forget it took 82 million pounds worth of players to unlock our defence. And that was only Torres and Hazard. The referee was more inconsistent then any referee i have seen in years. He gave Chelsea free kick in and around our box time and time again. Ba was brought down in the same position on many occasions and we got absolutelynothing. The ref was the worst performer on the pitch lol followed by Torres who is a bigger whine then Bellamy and a cheating mong. Chelsea spent around 15 minutes rolling around the bloody floor in that match. That does not take away the fact that they are a very good team. We managed to keep up with them for the vast majority of the game considering to difference in monies spend. I think a bit more investment in the team is needed considering net spent is 3 million which is DAMN poor considering we should be pushing to the next level, not good enough really but the window has not shut and i do believe we will get in a striker and a full back and we also need a Centre back which has been a problem for quite some time. On a whole, we played well yesterday as we played against 12 men, Chelsea 11 and the ref.
31 ochytoon // Aug 26, 2012 at 11:58 AM
Davy
Deal between Southampton and Bologna hasn’t fallen through, Bologna are just playing hardball. I expect the deal to go through in the next few days as they don’t have a choice but to sell.
32 pbNcl // Aug 26, 2012 at 12:00 PM
I’d take anybody over carroll. Any other striking option at all
33 ochytoon // Aug 26, 2012 at 12:01 PM
NUFC 83
Well he’s better than a lot of other right backs in the EPL. He can’t be that bad.
34 Beattie25 // Aug 26, 2012 at 12:01 PM
We would only be ripped apart with a Benny Debuchy duo if we stuck to 4-4-2.
If it was 4-5-1 the. We would be fine.
35 davybtoon // Aug 26, 2012 at 12:02 PM
ochytoon has agent ended talks bcoz they couldnt agree terms and pretty sure we can better what the saints will offer
36 davybtoon // Aug 26, 2012 at 12:03 PM
zaha palace started awful n long term target
37 davybtoon // Aug 26, 2012 at 12:04 PM
what ever happens signings or no signings we have to move away from 442
38 gorgonzola ( former Pecorino former to gorgonzola) // Aug 26, 2012 at 12:05 PM
pbNcl
100% I would be hardcore p+ssed if Judas came back….dont rate him one bit plus insane wages and HEAVILY over priced its hideous….for his price, easily get Debauchery plus a good CB..
39 Soni cazan // Aug 26, 2012 at 12:05 PM
Fair ratings.maybe cisse and cabaye down to 5 though.think we just need a few games get to the level were capable of.cisse only played on thursday and has only just stopped fasting so while he played badly we shouldn’t be too hard on him.come on lads it was chelsea away not reading at home.I don’t think we need a new striker as we have campbell who can really make an impact this season.if senegal qualify for acon then yeah we will but that’s only in january.a new fb is a must though.HWTL
40 mot7 // Aug 26, 2012 at 12:06 PM
that chesea team is a good side but if we had of had a real go at them i think we could have got a better result . BEN ARFA IS TOTALY WASTED on the right wing why ask him to defend i dont want to see him with the ball at right back then maybe another touch 10 mins later on the half way line
41 APBWA // Aug 26, 2012 at 12:07 PM
Some people need to remember that a top 8 finish would still be a good season- this is our 3rd season and it wouldnt be the end of the world if we didnt get into europe again…
If we invested a lot of money in the squad most people on here would regard it a failure if we didnt finish in the top 4! Trust me ashley is doing it the right way
42 Partizan // Aug 26, 2012 at 12:08 PM
Its obvious that having 2 classic strikers doesn’t work in modern football.
Its all about possesion and creating chances from open play which we terribly lack atm.
Pardew needs to make choice,,its either Ba or Cisse,cos you cant have them both at the same time,,didnt worl last season and it wont work in this season its simple as that.
4-2-3-1 is the most safest formation in modern football.
————————-Krul————————–
Simpson——Taylor——-Collo———Santon-
—————–Tiote——–Anita——————
—–Hba————-Cabaye————Marveaux
————————-Ba—————————-
Subs-Harper,Cisse,Jonas,Bigi,Amalfitano,Williamson,Obertan.
Just look at the bench now,much stronger than yesterday.
43 thai-mag // Aug 26, 2012 at 12:08 PM
I think Pardew got his tactics wrong yesterday, he should have went with only one up front and put in an extra midfielder , we couldn’t handle their midfield
44 ochytoon // Aug 26, 2012 at 12:08 PM
Davy
Sorry but that’s incorrect. He and his agent agreed terms, hence why Ramirez announced he’d signed for them a week ago. Bologna are being funny over the how some of the money is being paid i.e. Installements. He’s now refused to play for Bologna since the board promised he could move this summer.
45 Gateshead-Mag // Aug 26, 2012 at 12:08 PM
my opinions of the game yestaday
im not worried about losing to chelsea as i think they looked immense yestaday
i cannot single out any of our players that had shockers yestaday, i think marveux for guttierez should have been a change early in the second half as gutierrez didnt have a sniff yestaday and marveux adds more options going forward
in my honest opinion the reason we were out played was the formation, why oh why cant we play 4 3 3 like we did last season, 4 4 2 still has its day now and again, but the majority of the time it is flat and easily dominated
for everyone going over the top saying we have a shocking squad, howay man 1 striker and a full back and we have a top squad,
just wish it was utalised more
46 toonking // Aug 26, 2012 at 12:08 PM
mot7
well mate if you do not like benny getting back all the time then debuchy would not suit you
47 FatmanJoe // Aug 26, 2012 at 12:10 PM
I was a bit disappointed with the result but I think the lads did ok considering we didn’t have a lot of help from the ref.
Partisan I think you’re right unfortunately. We have two great strikers but they obviously have no understanding and 442 will kill us this season. I think one has to be dropped.
48 Ketsbaia9 // Aug 26, 2012 at 12:11 PM
I said Ben Arfa and Santon were our best players yesterday. It seems like I might be right in accordance with this.
49 toonking // Aug 26, 2012 at 12:12 PM
another thing on debuchy if he does come in when we loose to a team or even just concede goals who will become the player you bully then?
50 pbNcl // Aug 26, 2012 at 12:13 PM
Yep. No place here for a one dimensional judas at all gorgonzola, I can salute that. He should go to stoke and accept that’s his level. Not just his football I dislike. I dislike his character also, he aint fit to wash demba’s boots. And that aint a stab at stoke, I respect stoke, jus they play to andy’s strength’s. We play better football haha and I’m allowed to say that
51 steveno7 // Aug 26, 2012 at 12:15 PM
The express say arsenal want cabaye and the mirror say arsenal want tiote . fu##%ng southern papers .
52 FatmanJoe // Aug 26, 2012 at 12:15 PM
I actually want Simpson to sign a new contract. You need two good players in each position so sign a full back but keep Danny boy too.
I also think guidetti would be a good buy or on a season loan.
I feel like kets now..
53 mot7 // Aug 26, 2012 at 12:16 PM
hate 4 4 2 we will struggle this season if pards continues with it as most prem teams play with 5 in the middle .dont see the point in buying passing players then playng a style that doesnt get the best out of them must be frustrating for cabs benny etc
54 steveno7 // Aug 26, 2012 at 12:18 PM
Its funny how after every game everyone turns into a manager. ha ha
55 NUFC STEVE // Aug 26, 2012 at 12:19 PM
WOULD ANYONE LIKE TO SEE A WINGER BROUGHT IN???
56 Magpies-till-d3ath // Aug 26, 2012 at 12:20 PM
IF Cabaye was to leave, I would run out of patience with Ashley!! Unless we get £25m-£30m for HIM!!!!!
57 FatmanJoe // Aug 26, 2012 at 12:21 PM
Steve. It’s not just after the game, it’s all the bleeding time!
If you sign a winger you’re basically saying that the four or five we have aren’t good enough.
58 pbNcl // Aug 26, 2012 at 12:21 PM
FatmanJoe, I want simpson to stay aswell. He would be great back up to debuuuuuuccchhhhy and his attitude is exceptional.
59 Magpies-till-d3ath // Aug 26, 2012 at 12:22 PM
I’d really love Belhanda to come in, but not for any more than around £9-£10m.
60 davybtoon // Aug 26, 2012 at 12:22 PM
nufc steve yes
61 toonking // Aug 26, 2012 at 12:23 PM
when it comes to FBi would rather wait till january than sign one now. it is a forward i would like to see come in this window because only two forwards means tired legs and no cover on the bench for injuries and suspendions.
62 Harley // Aug 26, 2012 at 12:24 PM
I love pardew and he’s doing a great job but I wish he was a bit more adventurous.
Our tactics (even against lesser teams) always seem to be very cautious and stop them playing and try and catch them on the break playing rigid 4-4-2.
Whenever we switch to 4-3-3 we alwYs look dangerous like 2nd half spurs and yesterday. If we’d started the first half like we did the 2nd yesterday who knows what couldve happened. We were the better team in that 2nd half.
I pray he starts 4-3-3 against villa and we just go for it!!!
63 catchy in norway // Aug 26, 2012 at 12:26 PM
pards needs to look in the mirror and ask him self if he is there to keep players happy, or try and win things for the club,
i think he is to close to some of the players and feels he can not drop them, because there his blue chip brgade ,
chelski were not miles better than us yesterday, they just looked more threatening when they attacked in the first half,
HBA looked like he could do something, but he was the only 1 until marv came on,
cabaye his set plays were shocking, and thats why simpson had to come off, not cos he did anything wrong, raylor just offered more for his set piece plays,
i think the kids are in for another long season sitting behind the likes of perch and obertan, and while perch has improved, and played well when he came on, the kids have more to there game and just need playing time in there right positions to help them grow,
but pards sticks to the same guys to change things, he seems to have no trust in kids,
64 MagpiesFlyHigh // Aug 26, 2012 at 12:26 PM
toon1978
i like your posts and find a lot to agree with…but please do not use the word mong as a term of abuse. Mackem is fine though
65 wreker16 // Aug 26, 2012 at 12:27 PM
Question to all, if pards changes formation so we only play ba or cisse as our main striker, who do you have starting ?
66 NUFC STEVE // Aug 26, 2012 at 12:27 PM
End of the day our team wud be stronger against the big teams if we brought in another winger,played 4-5-1 and dropped Gutierrez???
67 FatmanJoe // Aug 26, 2012 at 12:32 PM
Ba for me. Such a hard call though. Two of our best players competing for the same position.
It’s a big statement having our no9 sat on the bench.
68 Magpies-till-d3ath // Aug 26, 2012 at 12:33 PM
You’ve got to be joking! http://www.goal.com/en/news/553/russia/2012/08/23/3326741/official-moussa-konate-joins-kuban-krasnodar
69 Ketsbaia9 // Aug 26, 2012 at 12:33 PM
We have Raylor and Perch who are miles ahead of Simpson. If we sign Debuchy, we’ll have 3 good players in that position excluding Santon.
Raylor proved yesterday that he a real threat and also a quality defender.
70 catchy in norway // Aug 26, 2012 at 12:34 PM
ba seems the better team player
and cisse the better closer down type of player to run channels
there both as good as each other scoring
71 Harley // Aug 26, 2012 at 12:35 PM
Wreker
For me at the minute I’d play Ba, he seems to look a bit sharper than cisse.
Cisse is class and will start scoring but just like last season when Ba took a few games to get in to his stride it looks like the same is happening this year too.
Would also love Carroll back. If pardew wants to play 442 he’s ideal!!
72 JDdubai // Aug 26, 2012 at 12:35 PM
Worry 1. Pardew seemingly saying that we will go 4-4-2 for most of the season. How can he not see that in both first halves so far we have been rubbish, Spurs should have been 2 up by half time and Chelsea dominated.
We only look like we can keep hold of the ball when we have 1 up front and to be honest right now that should be Ba as Cisse has been shocking in the 3 matches so far. He has started like Ba did last season so give him time I’m sure he will be fine but shouldnt be starting right now.
Worry 2. Signings, where has our money goe? 3 million net spend, no way this is near our so called “budget” that was spoken about during May/June. This week will tell us where MA wants us to get too.
Also Tiote seems to be made of glass, misses far too many games. If a 20-25 million bid came in, it would be worth thinking about, as long as we spend the money!
We lack pace, only HBA has the ability to make something happen in our team, only HBA has done anything noteworthy this season apart from Ba’s goal. We need another dribbler/pacy attacker who can make things happen out of nothing. Our only threat down the left is our fullback, nothing dangerous ahead of him at all.
Hopefully we will be celebrating beating Villa and the 2 new signings we have by this time next week, we shall see…….
73 Magpies-till-d3ath // Aug 26, 2012 at 12:35 PM
Ba for me as well, Cisse was sh**e in pre-season and hasn’t been much better in the first two games!! Ba is looking far sharper!!!!!
74 Kebabacus // Aug 26, 2012 at 12:36 PM
I thought Raylor was excellent again yesterday, he produced more quality balls into the box in 25 minutes than Cabaye did all afternoon. Cabaye’s corners were terrible.
Raylor should start against Villa, I’m with Ed on that one.
75 Nufc-83 // Aug 26, 2012 at 12:36 PM
Toonnking bully really? Wow u must have gone trough school pissing your pants.
76 ochytoon // Aug 26, 2012 at 12:40 PM
Magpies-till-death
A good player we’ve missed out on there. I don’t know if we were ever interested in him but it’s a shame he’s gone to a second rate Russian team. Perhaps there is a reason for that.
77 mattnufc // Aug 26, 2012 at 12:42 PM
People giving Cisse bad ratings, could he have done anymore with the atrocious service?
78 JDdubai // Aug 26, 2012 at 12:43 PM
Also I see many times people saying we have enough wingers so we dont need any more.
We only have ONE winger who actually influences a game and can create something for us, HBA
Marveaux – not fit enough yet, hasnt shown anything so cant rely on someone who hasnt proved themselves.
Obertan – dribbles worse than a baby. Sorry but people say its his confidence, he’s not a teenager anymore, if he has no confidence now then tough, get rid, he will not be good enough if we are looking to get in the top 4. He is a mid table/bottom half player. And the time he stays on our books it stops us looking for a better winger as people include him in the number of wingers we have so we end up going nowhere.
Sammy – too young to be relied on in the PL, season of cup matches and europa and maybe next season.
Jonas – not a winger anymore, DM or nothing.
Raylor – never been a winger. Wingers need creativity, the ability to beat a man, pace. Raylor can hit a decent ball but thats it, reserve RB thats all.
Amalfitano – from what iv seen he seems more like a ACM, maybe Cabaye’s replacement for Europe if we played 4-2-3-1.
So we have HBA who is a top 4 PL player, we need another..
79 Nufc-83 // Aug 26, 2012 at 12:45 PM
100% agree jdubia
80 Magpies-till-d3ath // Aug 26, 2012 at 12:45 PM
Update on Douglas. A Twente board member confirms both #NUFC and #FFC are in talks, but no fees have been mentioned as of yet.
According to twitter! Probably crap, but oh Well!
81 hattambenarfa // Aug 26, 2012 at 12:46 PM
Does anyone think Walcott would be worth a try would be great for rw freeing up arfa to roam, and would be a reserve striker. Still hoping to see debuchy through the door. Expect it to go through on deadline day if he’s fit.
Krul
Debuchy saylor colo santon
Tiote jonas/Anita
Walcott cabaye arfa
Cisse
82 ThaiMag // Aug 26, 2012 at 12:46 PM
Krul 6
Simpson 4
Saylor 6
Coloccini 6
Santon 6
Anita 4
Cabaye 5
Ben arfa 7
Jonas 5
Ba 5
Cisse 3
83 Gateshead-Mag // Aug 26, 2012 at 12:48 PM
hatembenarfa
im pretty sure walcott will want atleast 80 grand a week
84 hattambenarfa // Aug 26, 2012 at 12:54 PM
I think its terrible that wages are such a stumbling block in modern football. Causes a serious divide. 75k pw wage cap and have done.
85 Tsunki // Aug 26, 2012 at 12:56 PM
For me hba was wasted despite hismagnificent efforts. Not controlling the midfield was the start of the rot. Anita was just fine, only needs to get the pace of the prem, and he was pulled in by a clever striker. Ba was off the pace and had an awful touch all day. Cisse not really involved, but more probably because he was effectively dealt with. Jonas didnt have a great game but neither did he have a bad one, so whats the idiotic talk of dropping him about. Raylor was just there, no Kets, he wasnt a threat etc. Nufc83 I hope I never sit next to you when we win never mind lose, you are a vacuum of cheer ha ha. We lost to Chelsea! MoM cost £32m. Get hold of reality. It was no glorious win either, ruined for me by our slowfirst half, suckered pen, and a very good 2nd half worn down by torrential rain. Next time, move on. You do realise that Aston villa are going to be stuffed alive, dont you? Cheer up, we could be 5under1and.
86 alip123 // Aug 26, 2012 at 12:56 PM
We lost away to Chelsea a week after beating Spurs in our first away match of the season. Don’t think it’s a huge cause for concern yet, too many people panicking
87 Gateshead-Mag // Aug 26, 2012 at 12:58 PM
hattambenarfa
aye but a suppose its the same in any job, you want the best you pay more, if the premier league ever put a cap on wages the best players would just move somewhere they would get paid more
88 Tsunki // Aug 26, 2012 at 1:02 PM
Oh forgot to say I dont agree with one comment ED – santon is better going forward than defending but jose was the opposite, albeit just. Santon is still not as good as jose, we have missed him, unfortunately.
89 Sholadona // Aug 26, 2012 at 1:02 PM
Think Ba and Cisse might still be recovering from Ramadan, we’ll have to see
90 Special K // Aug 26, 2012 at 1:03 PM
To match our 5th place from last year we basically need to “defend” the 65 points we accumulated from the corresponding fixtures last year, for example out of Spurs (H) & Chelsea (A) last year we got 4 points and this season have 3. Not a disaster to lose the Chelsea points but Villa (H) is a must win and Everton (A) is a no-lose considering what happened their on the last day.
91 LewSpi // Aug 26, 2012 at 1:04 PM
Hattambenarfa
Great shout mate I’ve thought the same myself, I love Walcott, think he’d give the pace we need and he wants out of Arsenal, however I think we’d need to qualify for Europe again before he’d even half consider moving north.
92 JP...from The Rock // Aug 26, 2012 at 1:05 PM
HBA and Hazzard stole the show yesterday. Hazzard just edged it.
The rest were poor. We lacked invention, cutting edge, movement, initiative, determination and skill.
We were outclassed and outplayed yesterday and to the Eurpean Champions it’s no disgrace. Though we have to improve the way we build attacks as we seem to have NO CLUE as how to start one. It seems that we wait for the opposition to make a mistake that we can pounce on instead of asking them questions with our passing and movement.
It really is frustrating to watch and a worry. You could see Pardew has the team trying to keep hold of the ball more but what good will that do when we keep passing backwards and no players getting into space?
I hope it didn’t work out because it was Chelsea. I am curious to know how it will be against Villa. Still early days too, but it is worrying we don’t know how to conjure up decent attacks.
93 Gateshead-Mag // Aug 26, 2012 at 1:06 PM
tsunki
i never said drop jonas i just think he was inefective yestaday, marveux should have replaced him early second half imo
id like to see marveux and benarfa start a game together aswell as i think there our 2 real attacking threats from midfield
94 LewSpi // Aug 26, 2012 at 1:06 PM
Sholadona
Ramadan can not be used as an excuse when Ben Arfa also partakes in it and he has MOM in first 2 games.
95 JP...from The Rock // Aug 26, 2012 at 1:07 PM
Why don’t we go for Leighton Baines, Debuchy and Mbiwa. That’s our defense sorted!
96 Tsunki // Aug 26, 2012 at 1:08 PM
Jddubai – I would have to go a long way back to remember when we last had any proper wing men who had man-beating skills, pace, and could consistently put in good telling crosses. Hba would be nearest that but he is way too mobile to be a typical winger. We need at least one man who can knock a ball past the last man, up the line, and put good balls straight into the box. We had hoped it was obertan….
97 veto // Aug 26, 2012 at 1:09 PM
fair enough having benny int hat role away from home , but at st james’ barfa should be allowed a free role like hazard played .
98 JDdubai // Aug 26, 2012 at 1:12 PM
@Tsunki
Our best attacking team had Ginola on 1 side with the skills and Gillespie on the other who had no skils but was lightining quick and had confidence to trust his pace and knock it past his man and cross it in.
You dont need dribblers on both sides i guess, just need someone with a threat on either side which we dont at the moment.
Imagine how we will play when HBA has an off day which he definitely will have soon. My god, we will have nothing going forward at all……
99 yorkshireToon // Aug 26, 2012 at 1:14 PM
Anyone watching the arsenal stole build up to the game now?
Just showed a clip of Cazorla Playing in the free role behind the strikers, picking out passes, sliding people in and I really think this is where cabaye should be further up the pitch.
If cabaye was used further up the pitch like Cazorla he would definitely be nor effective. I know people want ben Arfa there but I think he played well in the first half and he will get forward when we have the ball and get involved anyway. Thoughts?
100 yorkshireToon // Aug 26, 2012 at 1:15 PM
Another note on that I think we rely too heavily on wonder goals having cabaye further up the pitch in that free role would hopefully mean we would get more tap ins/ 1 on 1′s
101 Tsunki // Aug 26, 2012 at 1:15 PM
Gateshead – not specifically you mate but I recall someone posting a prematch from a chelsea blog, they said Jonas was the last name you think of but should be first on the teamsheet. We Mags seem to be those forgetful types judging by the team lineups that keep getting posted without him. We would not have been talking about top 5 last year if not for him.
I agree Marveaux needs to come in, but he has been a very long time out to be given important starts just yet.
102 magpie6699 // Aug 26, 2012 at 1:17 PM
We’re 2 games into the EPL season and 3 into our season. Can’t believe people are having a go at Cisse – but I do think he should have started as a sub yesterday. Why? Because last Saturday was the end of Ramadan and that game would have taken a lot out of him, and also he played less than 48 hours before the Chelsea game in Athens.
I’d have played 4-4-1- 1 with Benny just behind Demba.
103 Rotonda heights // Aug 26, 2012 at 1:55 PM
From the last thread, i think carroll is the last person and different dimension we should be trying to sign. So far this season we have reverted to a 442 with 2 big lads up front and have played too many hit and hope balls, playing the percentages, when we are wasting a world class pass master in Cabaye who thrives in a 433.
We need a quick skilful striker , maybe Gameiro if Campbell isn’t ready. One really quick defender and an attacking right back and we are not far away. Either we keep evolving to become a better passing team and build on 5th place or we go back (in every sense) to carroll.
104 GeordieGeorge // Aug 26, 2012 at 8:48 PM
Why is everyone putting cisse in there starting 11 I would put ba instead imo he is a far better all round player, but I have to admit cisse is exactly the player u want if u always want a chance of winning
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