James Tavernier in action tonight – he had a solid game at left back
This is how we saw the game tonight at Old Trafford, when Newcastle were just a little unlucky to lose the game 2-1, and we saw some decent performances from the youngsters and fringe players at Newcastle, and this game will do them the world of good in their development.
On 14 minutes it was Dan Gosling who should have put Newcastle ahead, when he had a wonderful chance from just ix yards out, but he didn’t connect properly at all and he looped the ball high and wide – he should have done so much better.
And then a couple of minutes later it was Newcastle goalkeeper Elliot who made a wonderful diving save from Anderson, and saved newcastle again, as he had last Thursday night in Madeira.
On 35 minutes it looked like Tom Cleverly must score from 6 yards out but he amazingly put the ball wide of Elliot’s right hand post – and that was a let-off for Newcastle .
Just before half time Manchester United went ahead and it was a decent goal from Anderson, as he went through in the inside right position and moved to his left before hitting the ball with his left foot into the goal – it went in off the post, and Rob Elliot had no chance at all.
Dan Gosling was covering him but he just couldn’t get the block in, and the Brazilian slammed the ball home.
It was a terrible time for the lads to concede, after both sides had missed their chances earlier in the half.
Newcastle were 1-0 down at the break but they were in this game, and again had the impressive Rob Elliot in goal to thank for two terrific saves in that first half.
There were no changes made by either side at the start of the second half.
Chicarito had a decent chance after 49 minutes but he headed the ball wide, and then some good work by Vuckic in the penalty area, ended with the Slovenian’s right foot shot going just wide of the post – it so easily could have been a goal.
But then after 58 minute Manchester went 2-0 up, and it was Tom Cleverly who made up for his shocking miss in the first half, and he guided the ball home from just outside the penalty area, and he was given too much room in such a dangerous position.
After 61 minutes Pardew made a double change, and Shane Ferguson came on for Fab Coloccini and Papiss Cisse came on for Haris Vuckic.
And within a minute the two had created a goal for Newcastle, as Ferguson made a good run down the left wing and his almost perfect cross was nicely headed in by Papiss Cisse, for his first goal of the season.
A well worked goal by Newcastle, and we need to give Ferguson more playing time – as he always looks good out on the left wing – with his direct approach.
On 71 minutes 18 year-old Gael Bigirimana came on as a direct replacement for Cheick Tiote.
And a minute later Dan Gosling had another decent chance just outside the penalty box, but he hesitated, and finally hit the ball over the bar – he seemed to lack confidence in shooting.
Newcastle were now coming at the Manchester United side, but they would need to watch the counter-attack.
On 81 minutes is was Cisse again, who now seemed full of confidence, as he showed some amazing skill as he controlled the ball on his chest, onto his thigh and then he hit great overhead scissor kick, and the ball rebounded off the cross-bar – a let-off for the home side – and a wonderful effort from the Senegal striker – he’s back in form.
Newcastle were pressing Manchester for the equalizer and they were putting up a brave performance, and another chance fell to Dan Gosling on 87 minutes, and it was a decent chance but Dan just lobbed the ball into David de Gea’s hands.
It was a poor effort from the former Everton man – and Dan had three decent chances in this game, but didn’t take one.
It was a good chance for Dan tonight to show what he could do, but he needs to put the ball into the back of the net when he gets chances like he got tonight, if he is to push for a first team place at Newcastle.
Newcastle were pressing Manchester, and the Red Devils started to waste time and hold the ball near the corner flag to kill off the game, and after 4 minutes of added time, during which play was stopped when an intruder came onto the pitch – the final whistle was blown.
So it was a disappointing result for sure, but a decent performance from the lads – and especially in the second half, when they showed they would just not give up, and came right at Manchester.
And Alan Pardew will take a lot of positives out of this game from some of the youngsters and the fringe players, and Newcastle gave a very good account of themselves, especially in the second half.
And the good news is Papiss Cisse got his first goal of the season, and was unlucky not to get a second, and that will give him a much-needed confidence boost for our game at Reading on Saturday – and we need to pick up all 3 points in that game.
Teams:
Manchester United (4-3-3): David de Gea; Marnick Vermijl (Ryan Tunnicliffe 77), Michael Keane, Scott Wooton, Alex Buttner (Robert Brady 86); Darren Fletcher (c), Tom Cleverley, Anderson; Danny Welbeck, Wayne Rooney (Nick Powell 77), Javier Hernandez
Subs not used: Sam Johnstone, Jonny Evams, Jesse Lingard, Joshua King
Newcastle United (4-4-1-1): Rob Elliot; James Perch, Mike Williamson, Fabricio Coloccini (c) (Shane Ferguson 61), James Tavernier; Gabriel Obertan, Cheick Tiote (Gael Bigirimana 71), Dan Gosling, Sylvain Marveaux; Haris Vuckic (Papiss Cisse 61); Shola Ameobi
Subs not used: Steve Harper, Vurnon Anita, Romain Amalfitano, Sammy Ameobi
Referee: Anthony Taylor (Manchester)
Bookings: Manchester United – none; Newcastle United – Bigirimana (90)
Attendance: 46,358
Comments welcome.
NUFC News 24/7
73 responses so far ↓
1 pawl250 // Sep 26, 2012 at 10:32 PM
5 things I took from the game tonight!
1. Cisse scoring is the best thing that could have happened tonight! He needed that goal to take the pressure off him, let the goals commence!
2. Williamson is slower than my Nana, who is 82 years old! She could still defend better than him too! His heading ability for his height is atrocious! He has no accuracy and when the ball lands at his feet I am in awe at how he can be our 1st back up centre back!
3. Bigirmana – this kid will be better than Tiote!! He’s looking to be a right gem. For me I would put him on as sub EVERY game, and he would be my first choice replacement to Tiote or Cabaye should they get injured!
4. Gosling can’t defend, but his attacking mind is excellent. If anyone recorded the match tonight he was always in the box when a ball came in or we moved up the pitch. Scenario – 10-15 mins to go we need a goal! Gosling would be our best bet, not Obertan or Sammy!
5. Vuckic in my honest opinion will not make it. He has no presence, his passing is poor and its like time has stopped when he runs he is that slow!
Where is Abeid?! He looked arguably one of our best young prospects during pre season!
Also Tavernier had a good game but please do not say he is why we didn’t bring Debuchy in! He is not even in the same league! Remember this was Man Utd reserves and his attacking play was very questionable at times!
Team for Reading
Harper (Krul if fit)
Anita-STaylor-Colo(Perch if not fit)-Santon
Arfa-Cabaye-Tiote(Bigi if not fit)-Jonas
Ba-Cisse
Anyone saying Ba and Cisse can’t play together please give yourself a slap!
2 toonbrother // Sep 26, 2012 at 10:41 PM
good news tavs is the real deal and cisee found his scoring boots. bad newsgosling is rubbish
3 toonarmydownsouth // Sep 26, 2012 at 10:41 PM
Manxpie
Yeah but vuckic has had loan soells which sammy n fergie havent had so you could argue hes had more chances
I thought gosling was okay til the last 20 then he seemed to forget how to pass but yeah didnt think he was terrible but also didnt think he was great tbh
4 NewcastleMole // Sep 26, 2012 at 10:42 PM
Williamson is Very good in the air he wins many ariel battles however his awareness is almost no existent. He doesn’t know who’s around him or where he is half the time.
Gosling yes he regularly got in the box but he lacks the skill to make up for this off the ball work. Can’t shoot, Can’t pass, Can’t tackle he isn’t going to make it at Newcastle much like Guthrie.
Marvaux went missing for large parts of the game.
Tavernier did excellent and i was really impressed.
Obertan the same all running little else player.
Im being critical of a few players but to Pardew they fill a shirt and we aren’t in a position to replace any one.
5 toonbrother // Sep 26, 2012 at 10:42 PM
anyone who hails Gosling then turns around to diss williamson cant be taken seriously
6 jimmymagpie // Sep 26, 2012 at 10:47 PM
Pawl – agree with everything you say above, with the possible exception of point 4, I don’t get Gosling I’m afraid. Manxpie – Pardew in his interview after the game said Colo is very sore, and doubtful for Reading. He also said he had no option but to play Willo, as we are down to the boards with centre-halves, so is there something up with Saylor we’re not being told. The owner’s financial/transfer policy looking more fragile than ever – more interested in buying JJB!
7 pawl250 // Sep 26, 2012 at 10:49 PM
ToonBrother – anyone who says Williamson is a good player needs to stop watching football as they don’t understand it! His awareness is awful and he made Hernandez and Welbeck look like Usain Bolt tonight! He is slow! I didn’t praise Gosling, I simply stated he can play final 10-15 mintues when looking for a goal! That how I would utilise his talents given he a liability in defence! BUT he is much better than Obertan, who people rave about recently when he has been god awful! He has no desire to help in defence, his simple passing is non existent always looking for a stupid back heel or flick. He is a giant liability! He is sooo frustrating as he is fast, yet he refuses to attempt taking people on! And when he does is final ball makes me want to rip my eye balls out its that bad!!
8 jimmymagpie // Sep 26, 2012 at 10:52 PM
Pawl – I’m with you on Obertan. Anyway, my bed=time, I’ll leave it to you night owls. Night boys! HTL!
9 NUFC_LEAZES END // Sep 26, 2012 at 10:52 PM
@pawl
It was hardly a Manchester united reserves team, they had 3 young players on , the rest had plenty of top flight experience and quality
10 Blaydon-Toon // Sep 26, 2012 at 10:57 PM
Ok so Gosling is not going to be pushing for a first team spot Mr t Bigi and Cabs can rest easy … Williamson is limited but but what other options do we have ? Is Good any Good ?
11 Tsunki // Sep 26, 2012 at 10:58 PM
Well its job done a runout for the practice team and Colo gets a jog round the park before saturday. We gave the Mancs 2nd choice a good runaround with our 2nd choice, that wouldnt have happened a few years ago would it. Cisse back in the zone, Tav and Bigi showing promise, Fergie looks like a few games would make him a regular supersub. Elliot cant be blamed for either goal he was basically unsighted, and here’s why I dont blame Willo – both goals were the favourite shot of the shooter who isnt being closed down, several players unsighting the goalie in front of you, you curl it round them. Both goals were the result of an inexperienced back line not coming out to close down. A player of the Saylor type wouldnt have allowed that to happen.
Obertan played well right up to where it mattered. I will him to find that final ball but it just isnt coming. someone please help him! Gosling, runs around and finds places to be but sadly somehow is never on the same wavelength as the rest of the team. Vuckic had a spell but I am convinced he will not be a regular first team man.
Thats not to say they were all bad, in fact with the team we fielded we did very well, more good things than bad, and we could have been talking about the penalties if cisse’s overhead came off. Job done, next game please.
12 pawl250 // Sep 26, 2012 at 10:58 PM
NUFC leazes end – I was simply stating the defence was reserves or youngsters. As for reserves it’s exactly what Hernandez, Anderson are these days. I know Fletcher has been injured but he may never be the player he was and he has just came back from long term injury. Welbeck, Rooney (half fit) Cleverly really only first team players, other than De Gea who didn’t really influence the game tonight! Regardless it was hardly a starting 11 to be afraid of!! Tavernier did well but his pushing past the wing backs hardly happened tonight, always seemed to take the ball of him, or atleast the majority of the time! Still he was our best player though
13 Ian Toon // Sep 26, 2012 at 10:58 PM
pawl250- 1) yes
2) I can ‘t comment as I haven’t seen your gran play.
3) he’s extremely promising and only 18. Happy for Pardew to manage his PL introduction
4) Broadly agree- needs games to establish himself . He made a positive contribution as game progressed. Deserves credit for not hiding when things not going well. Missed a good chance early on.
5) He’s 20. Some players are late developers. Has not played enough
games . Good technique but Shola is static and had problems connecting. Vuckic needs a spell without injury to sharpen up and stamina.
6). Tavernier played as he did for Heed and is quicker than Simpson better control with the ball and just needs games against better players.
to boost confidence. Comparison with an Established French International is silly. Who would?
7) Perch was poor at right back as he was at Everton.
8) Williamson was pulled out of position and did look even slower than usual trying to cover for Colo who was using game for fitness purposes and sought to avoid too much contact under orders from Pardew on touch line.
14 Ian Toon // Sep 26, 2012 at 11:02 PM
9) nearly forgot Ferguson who has excellent control , change of pace, a few tricks and probably provided the best cross of the season that your gran would have netted.
15 Mister Tuff // Sep 26, 2012 at 11:08 PM
After watching the game tonight, then checking some of the blogs on here, I wonder if I have been watching the same game. Some people appear to rate Obertan :- previous posts
magpiepoot –Ober had a good game I think…
Thump—–Agreed, bollance. Ober had a decent game today , if his final product was a bit better he’d have easily been MotM – he didn’t stop running!
ToonDownSouth—-I do think Obertan is getting better with every game to be honest – but he may have already reached his ceillin
toonarmydownsouth—Obertan looked semi potent at times tonight.
Whilst the three posters see the game with obvious positivity -I really would like to do the same – would it therefore be possible to introduce me to your dealers so I can have the same experience.
16 Tsunki // Sep 26, 2012 at 11:12 PM
Pawl – no not a team to be afraid of if we were playing more of our first choice regulars. And we werent a team to be afraid of either. Pointless to be too critical of a game which ultimately was seen as little more than a good bit of exercise by both managers, and thats the way we should view it too.
17 pawl250 // Sep 26, 2012 at 11:12 PM
My ‘gran’ is pretty awesome like! Lol Willaimson for me is not a player we can rely on. He shoul be back up to a back up. I hope we manage to sign a defender in January! Pardew himself stated he ‘lacks options’ in that position! Perhaps that was a cheeky dig for some board backing in the upcoming window. I hope to see Douglas, Debuchy or Mbiwa any for me would improve our back four options! Mbiwa being the more versatile and promising of the 3.
18 Ian Toon // Sep 26, 2012 at 11:13 PM
Mister Tuff- Bollance is a good judge I have observed. In relative terms that was one of Obertan’s better games.
19 ramajama // Sep 26, 2012 at 11:14 PM
I see quite a few people are being critical about Vuckic and Marveaux. I reckon they will both be great assets to the team. Vuckic had that play where he bought the ball down in the box turned his man and shot just wide…i reckon he is showing the technique just needs to grab the game by the scruff of the neck more. Marveaux wasnt brilliant but his dead ball delivery is good and is composed on the ball…wasnt a bad game overall ay, showing good signs
20 manxpie // Sep 26, 2012 at 11:15 PM
@tads yeah he had 1 stint on loan (he still scored) but again he was injured i still think sammi an fergi has easily had more chances of doin wat there supposed to do in there positions, i don’t know i’m just annoyed by fans hammering young players and saying “THERE JUST NOT GOOD ENOUGH” does my nut in lol
21 ramajama // Sep 26, 2012 at 11:18 PM
@manxpie
I agree mate, people tend to be too harsh on our youngsters..they make take a while but they will get there in my opinion
22 Ian Toon // Sep 26, 2012 at 11:18 PM
Tavernier after his Greek tragedy is right back in the mix. That. Show was standard -albeit at a lower level- last season . He’s got a calm assurance that. Simpson just doesn’t possess.
23 Ian Toon // Sep 26, 2012 at 11:18 PM
Take it easy .
24 Brutooon // Sep 26, 2012 at 11:19 PM
1) i was impressed with Tavernier, played both full back and NOT AFRAID to go forward. definitely my MOTM
2) Gosling did OK, after 2-3 more games he should be sharp like during his Everton day. Give him chance
3) Obertan – totally USELESS. no end product and got CONFIDENT ISSUES
4) Glad Cisse score, his overhead kick show that his confidence is back
5) Williamson must be one of the tallest defenders in the league but NEVER won that much header! If he go head to head with Owen/Defoe/Wright Phillips and he will still LOSE
Conclusion : i dont mind we lose the game so we can focus more on the league and europa
25 Graeme // Sep 26, 2012 at 11:19 PM
Our reserve team nowhere near as good as Manures reserve team!! Pardew fielded a far weaker squad than Manure and in the end, it showed.
The positive from this training exercise was that Cisse scored a typical Cisse goal, which should do his confidence the world of good, he was a touch of class.
At the end of the day, one less group of meaningless fixtures to worry about; time to concentrate on what Pardew believes are our main objectives, given the limited squad he has available at this point in time!!
26 NUFC_LEAZES END // Sep 26, 2012 at 11:21 PM
@ian toon
Simpson = mr panicky-poo
27 Brutooon // Sep 26, 2012 at 11:21 PM
Shane Ferguson manage to product more crosses in one minute than Obertan did in 2 seasons !!!!
28 Tsunki // Sep 26, 2012 at 11:23 PM
Well I didnt mention Marveaux but he is looking seriously behind the pace, at times he shows potential of being very good but it just doesnt come through very often, he fades quickly. Vuckic SHOULD be progressing to press for a first team slot, and yes I was impressed by his two touch turn in the box, but I dont know if its a lack of pace, sharpness, concentration or application, but he just seems to do a small collection of cameos and goes missing for long periods. I think thats as far as he will go unless he puts more effort in.
29 NUFC_LEAZES END // Sep 26, 2012 at 11:23 PM
As I always say, I rate fergie very highly, and tonight has showed just why I do
30 Mister Tuff // Sep 26, 2012 at 11:26 PM
Ian Toon at #18.
Ian- I note you give your comments some “leeway” by use of the phrase “in relative terms”. Not to put it too blunty a slightly improved poor performance is probably better that a poor performance -bottom line is they are both poor performances
AP made excuses for Obertan the last game stating he was running around in a daze – I just do not see in him what some others see in him.
I do think the likes of Bigi and Tavernier (after his performance tonight) will be future first team players (providing they don’t do a Ranger).
There is also the argument that poor players if continually selected can block the progress of others.
31 Tsunki // Sep 26, 2012 at 11:27 PM
brutooon- your post @24 not a bad summary. Your post @ 27 is your more usual claptrap.
32 Brutooon // Sep 26, 2012 at 11:30 PM
tsunki : at least its not ameobi or perch related :p
33 Tsunki // Sep 26, 2012 at 11:36 PM
brutooon – ha ha ok fair enough fella I should get off your back you are at least trying
I do agree that even when obertan has a busy game I know for a fact when he goes for the byline he will not get a good cross in. I wish he would I really do. I think he can only play through the middle. Winger is not his strength.
34 manxpie // Sep 26, 2012 at 11:36 PM
bravo tsunki!!
35 Big Pappa Cissé // Sep 26, 2012 at 11:38 PM
Has anyone else noticed that Obertan never seems to look but just runs down the wing, head down, beats his man and then delivers a shocking ball. Maybe if he looked up he would know where the strikers were
36 lordjoesnow // Sep 26, 2012 at 11:39 PM
Tiote dissapointed me tonight as he couldnt mark when we conceded the second goal. just a shame really.
37 Tsunki // Sep 26, 2012 at 11:42 PM
BPC – thats exactly it, he doesnt look up, thats because he’s not a winger, never will be. I would have been interested to see if he could have played in the Vuckic position tonight, but who would we have put on the right instead?
38 Tsunki // Sep 26, 2012 at 11:44 PM
If Tiote and Colo had not been injured recently they wouldnt have been playing tonight. They needed the practice.
39 Big Pappa Cissé // Sep 26, 2012 at 11:46 PM
Yep, Cisse is definitely back. Great goal and that second effort was almost perfection
40 wynsleap // Sep 26, 2012 at 11:48 PM
Some very encouraging aspects of tonight’s game.
Firstly it looks as if we have a more than competent keeper in Elliott who I must admit has surprised me lately.
Secondly we HAVE to have Ferguson and Tavernier on the bench from now on as both look to have great futures at this club. Both technically good, willing to take players on, excellent pace and bags of youthful energy and confidence.
On the other side of the coin Gosling contributes little apart from effort and running (we could get Mo to do that) and Marveaux looks as if he’s just wandered in from a village team to have a go. His desire to just hang his foot in on tackles rather than going in hard is going to result in another nasty injury soon and his slow, safety passing, rather than taking a man on and running at the defence, contributes nothing to the team.
Vuckic I’m afraid is never going to make it here as he doesn’t have the strength or pace to impose himself either in midfield or up front. He may have some nice little pieces of skill but he just doesn’t carry any obvious consistent threat to the opposition. When he runs and turns it’s like watching an oil tanker in slow motion.
Bigi, on the other hand, is going to be a BIGGY. Plays as if he owns the stage, full of confidence in his own ability, neat, tidy and extremely calm. When Tiote is out of the team for whatever reason this lad will step in seamlessly. Needs to be on the bench at all times.
Disappointing result tonight but the kids did great. I think they may shock a few in the Europa League this season..
Finally well done Papiss. One goal and he looked the mobile time bomb we know from last season. There’s a lot more goals to come from this guy and if Ba can continue his form it’s going to be mayhem up front.
41 F. U. Ashley // Sep 26, 2012 at 11:57 PM
The way I see it these games are make or break for some of our fringe players, they give us the chance to see if a young player has what it takes to make it at the club and give a chance to the more experienced players to push for a possible first team start and show Pardew (and the fans) what they can do.
Here’s what i’ve learned so far:
Players who in my opinion have a good chance of making it:
Ferguson, Bigirimana, Tavernier, Abeid (if he hasn’t fallen out of favour for some reason), Sammy Ameobi, Campbell.
Players who in my opinion haven’t got a cat in hell’s chance of making it:
Gosling, Marveaux, Obertan, Vuckic – these 4 players have really disappointed me with their “seemingly” lack of effort – maybe not Gosling for effort but the general play and lack of any kind of quality from them is disappointing. I can’t see any of these 4 being at the club much longer. Replace these 4 with hard working quality players and now you’re talking. I wasn’t expecting much from tonights game and i’m not too dis-heartened by the overall performance but the quality of our back up players defo needs improving. I’m not too happy with the tactics on occassion either, we sit back far too deep and don’t even try to close down the opposition but I suppose we have to play to our strengths with the few real quality players we have. Looking back over this post it looks like a rant, it’s not, just venting a few frustrations. Maybe it’ll all click into place soon? here’s hoping!
42 Sawbuck // Sep 27, 2012 at 12:02 AM
Ref from Wythenshaw. Long journey home for some.
Mike Ashley and Llambias want to be worried the way we are consistently edged out of every kind of coverage from Euronews to Reuters, PA and all the other. You might say who cares but the other clubs are hiring better media placement pros and reaping shirt sales, hubbub etc…
I thought Mike was a marketing and brand guru.
43 KINGSMILL (The Poster Formerly Known as Niff) // Sep 27, 2012 at 3:27 AM
don’t even know why people are bashing on gosling, he made some decent contributions in the game.
I’d love for some of you lot to do in your knees and make a miraculous comeback in a year! He barely got a lookin due to that bad injury and he’s been recovering and trying to find that form he had at everton he’s only young he’s got time to improve. Since when were we a club that was even remotely good enough to demand this from youngsters? It’s ridiculous how stupid some of you lot actually are.
44 89Norcal // Sep 27, 2012 at 3:40 AM
I was impressed with Ferguson. The few games I saw him play last year he looked somewhat meek and toothless but he really took it too United’s full back and put in a great ball for Cisse. His confidence will be high now.
Tav redeemed himself from Athens imo, he looked good. Bigi is amazing and Vuckic really showed us some great play in the box, and he nearly scored.
45 Jail for Ashley // Sep 27, 2012 at 4:11 AM
Lucky we’ve got clever posters like you then formerly niff.
A lot of positives out of tonights game mind the return of Papisse Cisse and how good Tavernier looked,still a shame though because I thought the game was there to be taken tonight I really couldn’t see the harm in playing a couple of more first teamers to bolster the team,Anita instead of Perch and HBA and Jonas out on the flanks.,Say what you wan’t about Obertan good or bad but the guy is irritating me more and more with every stupid stepover and cross along the deck into the box we had two young inexperieced CBs and Shola in the box yet everytime Obertan had the opportunity to cross he starts with the stepovers giving their defence time tio organise then he either passes it backwards of puts it along the floor,so glad he’s not a big part of the first team set up anymore.
46 Santon03 // Sep 27, 2012 at 6:46 AM
Tav and Fergie was superb.
Willo is Willo. He was better than last season, but his positioning and awareness are not improving.
Vuckic, he has good awareness and skills, but what he need most is confidence and playing time, he is young and he only had a view games.
Cisse finally scored and has more confidence now, but I still doubt Ba and Cisse can play well together.
Tiote is rubbish, lately he hold the team movement, he kept the ball too much and create problems for the team, and his challenges are too wild imo, if he keeps it up he will get a red card. Tiote was the worst player last night and against Norwich.
As CB, probably Perch and Saylor combination is better.
Gosling did a good job, just need a little more composure.
Marveaux, well … I think Amalfitano is better choice.
47 Santon03 // Sep 27, 2012 at 6:56 AM
JFA
another irritating fact is Tiote trying to be HBA, he held the ball too long, held up the team movements and crazy wild tackles. He will get red card if he plays like that in Europa games.
48 Dannyo // Sep 27, 2012 at 7:21 AM
I thought the show we put on yesterday was a good one.
U have to say we dominated the game in general.
It was quality, or the lack of it on our side, that cost us the game.
Willo a shadow from himself against Norwich, Gosling runs and works, but that’s usually the only thing he does, not enough influence on the game.
Obertan, the lads got blistering pace, but my word he’s slow.
Someone has misplaced the speed of the legs with the speed of his synapses in his brain.
If he has to make a decision, it usually takes him a teabreak to figure out what to do. So frustrating. How can a man with that pace slow down a hole team when i gets the ball?
Despite those 3, there were many highs, and i thought the loss was unwarranted tbh.
We worked hard and had many young players on form. More good than bad for me in this one.
49 Critic77 // Sep 27, 2012 at 7:47 AM
Hi all, my first post, i had to register after watching last night and reading some of the comments.
Im angry.
Why on earth is gabriel obertan still in our first team?, am i missing something here?, yes he can run but HE CANNOT CROSS A BALL. he messed up multiple chances and holds onto the ball too long, then he panics and either sends in the worst cross ever or passes it back to the fullback and puts him under pressure who in turn goes back to tiote then back to our defence.
Secondly, why do all of our goalkeepers seem adamant in punting the ball to the other end and losing possession most of the time?
Next – i cannot agree with the first poster on dan gosling – he could have laid off the ball 3 times last night yet decided to take a pathetic shot everytime.
Marveux is rubbish also – as is mike williamson who consistantly shows his mediocrity.
Vukic also had a poor game – as always
Now the positives:
Tavernier and shane ferguson looked sharp – cisse is back on fire – ameobi held the ball up well and bigi looked very good when he came on.
Just some observations really. But please pardew, drop obertan and never let him on again, with arfa on the right last night and if cisse had started i think we could have drawn at least yesterday.
50 Ian Toon // Sep 27, 2012 at 7:49 AM
Kingsmill- @43. Well said – spot on.
JFA- try reading the Pardew and NUFC script in terms of prioritising games. You start of by saying a lot of positives, you should have ended there-LOL The inclusion of Anita, HBA and Jonas and we would have won ? The regular discerning poster is only too aware of the line you would have taken had we picked up further injuries as a result. Though that would doubtless have seen you launch into a tirade on MA should have spent a fortune in the window. It is lucky we’ve got Kingsmill because he makes a worthwhile contribution that fans bother to read.
51 check the toastie // Sep 27, 2012 at 7:53 AM
Dont really get all this positivity at actually getting knocked out of a cup that realistically is our best and only chance of winning anything.
Does everybody else follow the same team as me.. The team that has not won a trophy for 50 million years. If Padrew had of picked a slightly stronger side (Cisse for Vuckic) and ditched his lovechild (Gosling) then we would now be sitting pretty in the last 16.
It beggers belief how people can be so content with getting beat. Aim for the stars man.
I ask the same people if they will think it was a good idea to play players that IMO have been already proven not good enough if Sunderland are having a day out at Wembley come next March. Another lost opportunity, even Pardew said he was please, imagine SAF saying that after a defeat, get a grip folks.
52 cyprus // Sep 27, 2012 at 7:55 AM
Shame there are so many negative posts, surprised really.
1) We showed we have depth, as the kids gave Man U a game.
2) ALL our squad players knocking on the door gave a good account of themselves and played with lots of confidence. I could criticise one player, but, given his effort, that would be harsh.
3) We’ve played a lot worse, this season and last. In fact, in which game did we play better, this season? If we had somehow won (the chances were there), people would’ve been talking about an amazing game. Don’t only look at the score, look at the overall performance, if it’s good, results will follow.
4) Out of a distraction competition
53 Critic77 // Sep 27, 2012 at 8:00 AM
Got to agree check, another reason i registered, i think a lot here must be on prozac or something, or wearing rose tinted glasses.
We should be challenging for every cup with our strongest available side.
And before the “but we dont have a big enough squad” brigade come inhere and comment. Well that is rubbish.
I would rather come 10th in league and win the europa -facup or league cup.
I mean lets be realistic here, we wont win the premier league and most likely wont get into the champions league again.
It is all about money grabbing ashley again and his lapdog pardew wanting a high finish in the league because they want more money.
The lineup yesterday was a joke and where is ba and ben arfa? not even benched – shows lots of ambition……not
54 Critic77 // Sep 27, 2012 at 8:03 AM
And cyprus, you cant go around worrying players MIGHT get injured, want to wrap them in cotton wool and only play them in so called “big” games?
All a load of old tosh
55 Ian Toon // Sep 27, 2012 at 8:11 AM
Sawbuck@42. I agree. We have not replaced Chris Mort. He was a good advertisement for the club and influential within the media. As things stand it often seems that the PR job is covered by Pardew.
56 Magpie from Lithuania // Sep 27, 2012 at 8:22 AM
for Reading:
—————————-Harps—————————
Anita———-Saylor———-Colo———–Santon
————-Cabaye——Tiote———-Jonas–
—————————Ben Arfa————————-
———————Cisse————Ba——————–
Personaly i’d play Santon RB and Anita LB, but AP knows better.
Subs: Fergie (Santon moving to RB), Bigi, Shola (Gosling or Obertan, depends on the situation).
57 Ian Toon // Sep 27, 2012 at 8:24 AM
check- wake up. Maybe the manager doesn’t share your view on the quality of the squad. Pardew’s long term aims go beyond trying to prove we’re better than Sunderland. No opportunities were lost in fact
the average fan took far more positives than negatives from the game.
I am sure Elliot, Tavernier, Ferguson, Bigi and Cisse in particular would not agree with your stilted conclusion . Not to mention the vast majority of posters who got it spot on.
58 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Sep 27, 2012 at 8:26 AM
Good morning everyone.
Tads….I did manage to stay away all night. Even amazed myself.
Haven’t been through all the comments, nor do I plan to. I would imagine some were saying we were useless, others that we did ok, some really angry we’ve been knocked out the cup, others pleased we don’t have the distraction of it.
Watched the game and here is my brief assessment.
Another slow start. Pardew said at the beginning of the game we needed to get stuck straight in there. That message didn’t seem to reach the players. Once again, whilst not playing overly well, we hung in there for the majority of the first half and it took a decent strike from Anderson to get that goal. At half time, it was clear Vuckik needed to come off and be replaced by Cisse. For me, Pardew should have done it then, however, I do think the subs he made were spot on, just the timing was off.
In retrospect, Fergie, Cisse and Bigi should have started.
Cisse found the back of the net, so look out PL…he’s back and will want more.
Fergie looked lively and a very nice cross for Cisse’s goal. Expect to see some more of him this season.
Elliot has once again impressed me, I personally couldn’t fault him for the two goals. He was solid imo.
Bigi continues to impress me.
Gosling needs games. He can be frustrating, but there are his injuries and lack of playing time to consider. We’ll need the bodies, however, I’m not sure he should be starting ahead of others in the team in such games.
Obertan was ok. Chased a fair bit, put in an alright shift, but really needs to work on his final ball, it would improve his game so much.
Perch is looking good. Great grafter and seems to be picking out some decent passes this season.
Shola did his hold up play well, sadly for a lot of the game he didn’t really have anyone to play it to.
No one else I can think of really deserves mentioning (perhaps a little harsh).
One last thing. Seeing a lot about how the Man U “kids” beat Newcastle. Firstly, it makes it sound as if we were full strength. We had Collo (1st game back), Tiote (1st start since 1st game of season) who would be considered starters in our best 11. Man U had Rooney, Welbeck, Hernandez, De Gea, Anderson and probably more (it’s early).
Don’t really see what people are getting excited about – surely there was no real advantage to us, especially seeing as we were away?
Overall, I feel that if we had started with 3 different players (the subs we ultimately made) we “could have” made a difference last night. We looked a lot more threatening when they came on. It is disappointing, however, I still stand by my comments earlier in the season that these sort of cups are difficult to actually win, so we probably would be better to concentrate on our league position and getting out of the group stages of the EL.
59 LGFUAD21 // Sep 27, 2012 at 8:29 AM
Think some people here just arent thick skinned enough to be Newcastle fans.
I take the positives from that game because it was the League cup.
Would some of you rather sacrifice our league performance for a league cup?
It’s a trophy but Pardew, Ma and DL know the best route for this club to progress is by consistently achieving in the league.
It almost doesnt matter how well we do in Europe so long as we can keep getting into European competition for the next couple of years. Then we will have a foundation to build from.
Look at Birmingham City, they went all out on the league cup and they suffered relegation as a result. They won a trophy but you have to ask yourself was it worth it for them?
Not saying the result would be quite as perilous for us but a league cup is less likely to help us attract or keep good players than a top 5 finish.
The only thing I think Pardew got wrong last night is not playing Cisse the whole game.
Football isnt a science. That game couldve gone either way and it wouldve been a fair result as both teams were evenly matched.
But Cyprus has nailed it when he said dont just look at the score line.
Man U won by the type of goals that were essentially created from not much. The type of goal that Cabaye had us beat Wigan with last season.
Sometimes in football your team is just that lucky to have a player turn up and get that 1 goal that can break down a team.
The same people moaning about being out of a cup run are the same people that would then complain at the end of the season if we won the league cup only to finish 10th in the league.
SAF ouldnt be happy if the tables were turned but they are Man U and we are Newcastle. There’s a difference when your a team that wins trophies on a regular basis and one that is building.
60 Colo-Sus // Sep 27, 2012 at 8:29 AM
The difference between the sides tonight…technique, ball retention an footballing intelligence. Vuckic shows little guile for me, has ability but he’s a block head…just bombs 17262862828mph towards goal. Same with Obertan…no brain at all. There was a point towards the end there when he had chance to turn and pass but he passed it 50yards back to perch! Marveaux just looks like he can’t be bothered…he doesn’t offer anything at all! When I saw him last season I thought he looked promising but he looks worse every game he plays.
I know it’s only the LC but we should/could have beaten Man U tonight! Did fence between the teams was Tom Cleverley…not jut his goal he ran the MF. Shola do ok but he is still frustrating with his link up play. Tav did well I thought. Gosling is improving for sure, but his decision making lacks.
No footballing intelligence lost us that game but hey … It’s only the LC, not like we need a trophy…..saddens me that’s all
61 jawballsaswallwell // Sep 27, 2012 at 8:30 AM
I know this is going against the general consensus so I accept I may well be wrong, but it seems to me that when Obertan is playing well and he appears to be playing well more often, he goes passed his fullback with relative ease and real pace and often DOES deliver a highly dangerous ball into the box. I think he’s too fast for his teammates, who are caught somewhat by surprise and as a result fail to get on the end of it.
62 Colo-Sus // Sep 27, 2012 at 8:33 AM
Vuckic in my view has stopped progressing, id loan him again…full season, last chance, those slating Gosling obviously werent watching the same game, yes he missed a sitter but overall he was effective and showed a hell of alot more than Vuckic did,
Dont get me wrong i want Hris to progress and think he could but he needs a full seaosn in the championship for me.
Willo is an average back up, no quality about him just a heading machine.
We need to buy a CB and RB badly,
In the next window id sell Obertan as well, what does he offer apart from running very fast……
Marveaux needs rocket up his backside…does not try!!
63 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Sep 27, 2012 at 8:33 AM
Critic…Going to have to disagree with you there. If we could guarantee to finish top 10 and win this cup, then maybe. But you know, as well as I, that isn’t how it works.
If Pardew went for the cup and our league form dropped and then we likely get knocked out say in the quarters, semi or even final, finish below say Sunderland, you’d be happy? Would Pardew still have a job?
It’s easy to sit there and say play the best 11 each game, but that’s just rubbish imo.
As I said before, I don’t think this was the right starting 11 and we could have made more of an impact last night.
No one is saying we’re prioritising the PL to try and win it this year, that’s daft. What I believe they’re trying to do is emulate last season. EL qualification and adding to the team, bringing on the youngsters and ultimately improving the squad and therefore our chances at future success. You may think that lacks ambition for this season and that is your opinion, personally I see it as thinking ahead and preparing for a much bigger push soon.
Imo, 10th or lower and an ok cup run is not an attractive option for players currently at the club or ones we may be looking at. But hey, opinions are what make this whole thing so wonderful….or at least that’s what I’ve heard
64 LGFUAD21 // Sep 27, 2012 at 8:33 AM
Colo-Sus
I think Obertan gave a decent account for himself. HBA used to overrun the ball.
His work rate was top notch and his movement was much improved.
The only major fault in his game for me is that he crossed far too early but you cant blame that all on him he was heavily marked once SAF knew he could threaten them. Our strikers werent making the runs into the box when needed (something we always struggle with)
He still needs confidence but I believe he is learning. As his confidence grows through games like this so will his experience he will come along so long as the crowd stay off his back.
The crowd cheered Cisse at the weekend, but get on Obertan’s back.
65 LGFUAD21 // Sep 27, 2012 at 8:35 AM
Ibizatoon – Back by popular demand
Oh forgot to add that to my point.
Place all your efforts on a cup, you can still be knocked out by Chelsea in the quarters. WHere does that leave you.
In short its a gamble.
66 Ian Toon // Sep 27, 2012 at 8:38 AM
We’re faced with a catch 22 situation . The priority for us is to finish as high as possible in the League with a Champions League place the ultimate objective. For the time being the League Cup is not very high in the list of priorities. You may not agree with this but at least try to understand that for the foreseeable future this will be the focus of thinking. I am young enough to be patient and enjoy the growth and
progress being made from the grass roots. In Pardew I trust.
67 LGFUAD21 // Sep 27, 2012 at 8:38 AM
Colo-Sus
Ibiza
How nice it is to have you back on here. It’s nice to talk with someone who actually watched the game instead of being on here.
I dont agree with you guys 100% but you post with a balanced opinion made with your head not you emotions.
68 Ian Toon // Sep 27, 2012 at 8:42 AM
Ibiza- good morning brave warrior. I know the blog is in safe hands. See your already firing on all cylinders. The influence of South Shields !!!
69 WesJameson // Sep 27, 2012 at 8:44 AM
Slightly gutted to be honest, but one of the best performances i have seen in a long while, we actually tried to play football, not hoofball for a change
Tavenier, looked really promising at times
Gosling had a really decent game
Tiote, at times looked class
Colo, looked a little off, but decent performance
Bigi, what a little gem of a player, stood out more than Man Us young prospects
Marveux needs games, but did look class at times
Cisse where has that Cisse been, welcome back lad…class!!
Perchinio solid as usual
Ferguson, lacks a little stamina and strength, but pace he has, and looks a very good crosser of the ball
Williamson, however…found myself screaming at him, again, more than anyone else…decent squad player, but a weak link in our defence
All in all, really more positives than negatives from this game, great performance lads
70 jawballsaswallwell // Sep 27, 2012 at 8:45 AM
What’s the point of playing Vuckic in the hole when the first team doesn’t play that way. Isn’t he simply being played as the makeshift 4th striker we failed to bring in. Hardly seems fair on him, or Adam Campbell for that matter? Isn’t Vuckic’s natural position the Cabs role, he certainly seems more suited to the middle of the park.
71 Ian Toon // Sep 27, 2012 at 8:47 AM
Ibiza – with the confirmation above that you really are back by popular
demand you must feel as elated as Tavernier does this morning. One thing I want to clarify is what has happened to Abeid??
Enjoy your day .
72 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Sep 27, 2012 at 8:48 AM
LGF….Thanks mate. I too enjoy your balances views on things NUFC. It is silly to think thousands of fans will agree on much, but at the end of the day, as long as people try and keep some perspective, I have time for them. Seems a logical way to approach life, but hey, what do we know?
Ian….It’s easy to be brave online – Not sure how i’d line up against an angry Geordie in person like
Friday night is south shields night – game on 
73 Colo-Sus // Sep 27, 2012 at 9:11 AM
LGFUAD21
thanks dude
previous post: Manchester United 2 – Newcastle 1 – All The Goals – Video
next post: Alan Pardew – I Thought We Were Terrific