Newcastle manager Alan Pardew was pleased to see the Magpies get a favorable draw in the quarter finals of the Europa League earlier today, when we were drawn against Portuguese side Benfica, who finished second to Porto in the Primeira Liga last season.
Alan Pardew – on hearing the draw this morning
Just kidding
This is what Alan had to say on the Newcastle web-site after the draw:
“It’s a great draw for us.”"The Estádio da Luz is a great venue. I’ve been there and it’s a fantastic stadium.” “Importantly, we are at home in the second-leg and that will give us an advantage.”
“I’m sure we will have a full house for that. After what the stadium was like last night, I know it will be another brilliant atmosphere, and let’s hope we can bring a result back from Benfica in the first-leg.”
It’s a good draw for a number of reasons – there are stronger sides left in the competition, it’s not a long way to travel – like we had to travel to the Ukraine and Russia in the last two legs – and we play the second game at home.
We have to have a great chance of making it through to the last four.
But we suppose in in the next day – we’ll need to turn our attention to Wigan Athletic – because we need a win at the DW Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Howay The Lads!!
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212 responses so far ↓
1 jesperfuglsang - captain of the lemon crew // Mar 15, 2013 at 12:38 PM
Repost:
I like that draw!
…so IF we get to the Semi final the winner of which game will we face?
2 santonthenewmaldini // Mar 15, 2013 at 12:39 PM
After watching the game last night I honestly think that Anita could be converted to a winger he has everything a winger needs pace, movement and can cross a ball
He just gets out muscled in centre midfield that never happened to him at Ajax but this is because the football they play means no player has it for longer than 2 or 3 touches but in our team he would be a great flying winger plus he tracks back as well
3 Rainrix // Mar 15, 2013 at 12:39 PM
Whats pards doing getting us drawn against benfica? Bloody idiot, Pardew Out!
4 Carryingcoals // Mar 15, 2013 at 12:39 PM
repost
ibiza
Well yeah I fully understand that he’s a new young geordie striker. But still, young lads from newcastle with better reserve records have came and went. I mean it goes without saying that I hope he is prolific. He’s a more exciting type of player than Carroll for example.
sage
I too would have put him on ahead of obertan who shows distinct lack of effort. I felt campbell struggled a little on the left and would have liked a more authorative substitution being made.
I just thought he looked out of his depth, regardless of what job he was asked to do.
5 Rotonda heights // Mar 15, 2013 at 12:40 PM
Troy
Not just me, Munster bit too!!!
Have you thought of extending your talent professionally or has that ambition already been realised?
6 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Mar 15, 2013 at 12:41 PM
Ibizatoon – Back by popular demand // Mar 15, 2013 at 12:37 PM
.Jesper…I think there is another draw for the semis on the 12th April.
7 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Mar 15, 2013 at 12:41 PM
Ibizatoon – Back by popular demand // Mar 15, 2013 at 12:40 PM
Carrying…I get what you’re saying. Let’s get excited when we see him do it on the big stage. But still, anything to give the Geordies a boost after this season so far is good by me.
It was hard to find anything to smile about a couple of months ago.
8 jesperfuglsang - captain of the lemon crew // Mar 15, 2013 at 12:42 PM
Ibiza…how did you come up with that answer to quickly?
lol
…they you catch the game last night?
9 Transfer Sage // Mar 15, 2013 at 12:42 PM
ibiza
yeh it happens after these games are finished
10 jesperfuglsang - captain of the lemon crew // Mar 15, 2013 at 12:43 PM
*to = so
11 Carryingcoals // Mar 15, 2013 at 12:43 PM
ibiza
Yeah exactly, onwards and upwards!
12 jesperfuglsang - captain of the lemon crew // Mar 15, 2013 at 12:44 PM
It’s a good draw for us…probably the best we could have hoped for!
…there are no easy games anymore (I believe we can go all the way)
13 zico martin // Mar 15, 2013 at 12:46 PM
This is a really exciting match , it’s a proper euro draw and what we’ve all been waiting for —— can’t wait !
14 martoon // Mar 15, 2013 at 12:47 PM
Ibiza & Carryingcoals – I heard an interview this morning in which AP said he was saving Shola for extra time which of course we didn’t need.
15 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Mar 15, 2013 at 12:49 PM
Jesper…I just know my stuff
TS…Good to know you’re on the ball unlike wor Jesper.
Carrying…I do see him going out on loan next year as I expect new STs to arrive in the summer. He needs to be playing regularly.
16 Joe1987 // Mar 15, 2013 at 12:50 PM
Does anyone know th best places to get deals for flights and hotels for th away leg? Cheers
17 Toon_Jock // Mar 15, 2013 at 12:51 PM
what dates are these legs played on?
18 Toon_Jock // Mar 15, 2013 at 12:52 PM
http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/season=2013/matches/index.html
will be nice too see this once updated?!?!?
19 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Mar 15, 2013 at 12:52 PM
Joe…
http://www.skyscanner.net is usually good for flights.
Not so sure on hotels.
20 Toon_Jock // Mar 15, 2013 at 12:52 PM
and i’ve anwered my own question!
4th & 11th of April
21 Transfer Sage // Mar 15, 2013 at 12:53 PM
joe1987
Best thing I have found are comparison sites like:
travelsupermarket . com
expedia .com
etc etc…usually the cheapest ones.
also check budget airlines like easy jet and expedia and book flights there seperately….can get good deals sometimes.
22 Troy Stavers // Mar 15, 2013 at 12:53 PM
@Rotonda
I posted on the previous thread. I noted MM was likely squirming somewhere hoping we hadn’t noticed.
Well we did.
23 BK // Mar 15, 2013 at 12:53 PM
Little bit of data –
Benfica have conceded in 7 of their 9 home Europa ties this season, winning 5 of them 2-1.
They’ve won 4 and drawn 3 of their 9 away games(unbeaten in 3 games in France interestingly). Only teams to beat them are countrymen Braga and Liverpool who beat them 4-1.
Their league form is amazing but the Portuguese league is poor, all bar 3 or 4 teams in the top tier in Portugal would probably be Championship teams here.
So to summarise the key as I see it is to notch in the first leg in Lisbon. Then once we get them here play as we did last night – tight but with ambition. They did not react well to the Anfield atmosphere which will be at least equalled at SJP. The 12th man will be as important as ever.
I think we can go through!!!
24 DokToon // Mar 15, 2013 at 12:53 PM
april 4 away
april 11 home
25 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Mar 15, 2013 at 12:53 PM
Jock…Given the link you posted, do you now know the dates?
26 jayphoto // Mar 15, 2013 at 12:53 PM
Celtic did well against benfica using strong arm tactics and being physical! Very lightweight side, they may struggle with tiote, mym, sissoko, taylor and haidara! If im honest on recent form we are a team that benfica would hate to play, physical, compact with pace at the back! They tend to succeed more against teams that try to play more open
27 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Mar 15, 2013 at 12:54 PM
Jock….And you have already answered mine
28 WWYCD // Mar 15, 2013 at 12:55 PM
Brilliant, over the moon with that draw. Are we home first or second? I want another decider at St James!
29 Joe1987 // Mar 15, 2013 at 12:56 PM
Cheers lads
30 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Mar 15, 2013 at 12:56 PM
Yo…Second. You can’t always get what you want, but this time you have.
31 Transfer Sage // Mar 15, 2013 at 12:57 PM
BK
when did they get beat off liverpool?
32 Troy Stavers // Mar 15, 2013 at 12:59 PM
This blog moves as fast as Campbell. You half expect to post and find out that another thread has been up and running for 5 mins!:-)
I liked Campbell’s confidence last neet like. I was near pitchside and he was taunting Eto.
“Run run as fast you can, you can’t catch me I’m the Gingerhead lad!”
That took some balls like for a young lad running onto the pitch with superstars.
33 DokToon // Mar 15, 2013 at 1:00 PM
i hvent been this excited since the fa semi v manure… and i feel very good about this draw…
HWTL
34 Williamsonsuks // Mar 15, 2013 at 1:04 PM
flights to Lisbon on the 4th apr return on the 5th £70 per adult flying from liverpool with ryanair, not badbad.
35 jayphoto // Mar 15, 2013 at 1:06 PM
Was impressed that campbell was screaming for the ball since he came on! Not often an 18 year old is so vocal and eager to get on the ball
36 Williamsonsuks // Mar 15, 2013 at 1:06 PM
Stubid firefox app. Nightmare typing with android. Stock browser wont let me log in.
37 pawl250 // Mar 15, 2013 at 1:09 PM
LEE RYDER HAS JUST ANNOUNCED HATEM IS OUT FOR REMAINDER OF THIS YEAR!! LIKE 2013!! NEEDS OPERATION.
38 iggystinger // Mar 15, 2013 at 1:11 PM
Ben arfa needing an operation out for the season sickener like
39 jesperfuglsang - captain of the lemon crew // Mar 15, 2013 at 1:11 PM
Williamson…go Opera
40 martoon // Mar 15, 2013 at 1:12 PM
I went to a wedding in Lisbon last year and flew with the portuguese airline TAP – they have some pretty good prices but unfortunately don’t fly direct from Newcastle.
41 WWYCD // Mar 15, 2013 at 1:13 PM
Ibiza
Whey its all coming up WWYCD haha
42 jesperfuglsang - captain of the lemon crew // Mar 15, 2013 at 1:14 PM
pawl…must be some kind of operation since he’ll be out 9 month
…better go change my fft now (god I haven’t been in there for a long long time)
43 bollance // Mar 15, 2013 at 1:15 PM
With a 65k stadium they will need to offer us a minimum of 5% so over 3k away supporters allocation.
Think they will offer closer to 5k which will be no problem at all to fill..
Lisbon is a beutiful city, or so i have herd!
44 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Mar 15, 2013 at 1:16 PM
Arfa out for the rest of the season?
That answers the Marv question then. Really good chance to claim a starting spot now.
45 t00ntime // Mar 15, 2013 at 1:16 PM
Which idiot rushe hba back twice? Our medical staff are almost as bad as whoever plans our setpieces. (if its AP we need to bring in someone to help with the tactics, if its someone else fire him and bring a new guy in). Cabaye has half a chance against wigan? Reading between the lines, he shudnt play till the sunderland game but lets just throw him in and hope for the best.
46 BK // Mar 15, 2013 at 1:16 PM
Transfer Sage:
Forgot to remove “last Season” when went further back in Europa history to get a good feel against Europa level opposition. It’s actually the las three seasons worth of Benfica in Europa and the Liverpool game was 2011
47 BK // Mar 15, 2013 at 1:18 PM
Transfer Sage:
Don’t tell my gaffer about error cos work as a data analyst!!! Haha!!
48 jesperfuglsang - captain of the lemon crew // Mar 15, 2013 at 1:18 PM
The silver supremo said last night Benny might play against Wigan…Pardew out!
49 bollance // Mar 15, 2013 at 1:19 PM
We are going to have to do it without HBA. Great oportunity for Marveaux to stake a claim.
50 jesperfuglsang - captain of the lemon crew // Mar 15, 2013 at 1:20 PM
t00ntime…don’t open that can of worms (been there done that and it’s a long long struggle)
lol
51 bollance // Mar 15, 2013 at 1:20 PM
Ibiza
Great minds..
52 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Mar 15, 2013 at 1:21 PM
Bollance…Of course
53 jesperfuglsang - captain of the lemon crew // Mar 15, 2013 at 1:22 PM
bollance…did you forget the rest of that sentence? (maybe you are going slow like wor Ibiza
) lol
54 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Mar 15, 2013 at 1:22 PM
So…we can’t live in the past, time to move on. Wigan on Sunday!
Merson has us down for a 2-2 (but says he wouldn’t be surprised to see either team end up getting spanked either!?!)
Lawro has us down to lose 2-1.
Looks like 3 points to me then.
55 Williamsonsuks // Mar 15, 2013 at 1:23 PM
Jesper…. Tried opera but Adobe flash dont work. Adobe works great on firefox, custom rom 4.2.1 just the typing is a pain. Cheers anyway.
56 jesperfuglsang - captain of the lemon crew // Mar 15, 2013 at 1:23 PM
Wohuu
57 jesperfuglsang - captain of the lemon crew // Mar 15, 2013 at 1:24 PM
Williamson…no probs mate!
58 Toon-Barmy // Mar 15, 2013 at 1:25 PM
OFFICIAL: Ben Arfa out for the season
59 Tinman // Mar 15, 2013 at 1:26 PM
Great Game, Great Result, Great Night, Great Draw!
BAD TACTICS!
All credit to the lads last night, they performed well. Particulalry Marveaux and Taylor. But for 80 or so of those 90mins we never had anyone who was clearly assigned to LW. Think it was supposed to be Sissoko 1st half, Jonas 2nd half, Campbell 2nd half… Either way a lack of organisation nearly cost us, almost every single attack went down their RW because Haidara was exposed. Hopefully we will have Ben Arfa fit for the next game to restore some much needed balance.
Otherwise…. Woooooooooooooooohooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
60 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Mar 15, 2013 at 1:28 PM
Tinman…You obviously haven’t read the bad news then? No Benny.
61 Carryingcoals // Mar 15, 2013 at 1:30 PM
Can’t believe the news on Arfa. Sickener.
62 bollance // Mar 15, 2013 at 1:31 PM
New Pope supports San Lorenzo in Argentina.
Next season he may have a poster of Colo on his bedroom wall
63 geordieracer1980 // Mar 15, 2013 at 1:32 PM
Is anyone having a bet on Cheltenham today?
64 santonthenewmaldini // Mar 15, 2013 at 1:33 PM
Could really do with resting Cabaye at the weekend actually could really do with him not playing for France next week as well as him and Sissoko look shattered
Arfa out for the season?!?Gutting but if he needs the operation then so be it also means he wont get sold in the summer as well then as he will just be recovering and no team will risk his fitness for the fee we want
Now is the time for Marveux to start every game , give him a proper run in the team, make the ball go through him let him create the chances, put him in a position where he does not need to track back as much give him the confidence from the fans and the manager and he will succeed I have faith in him
Just dont play him on the left wing and not give him the ball and expect him to cover every blade of grass thats what Jonas is for its one of the reasons Marv goes missing he is a no10 , Attacking mid whatever you want to call it he should play in the middle!!!
He actually looked good on the right hand side him and Debuchy would be good but I like Jonas and Debs and Santon and Gouffran on the sides don’t have much choice now with Arfa out for the season!!
Was kind of hoping Arfa’s magic would help us in the final rounds of the Europa but if we are to win it we will have to do it the hard way!
65 bollance // Mar 15, 2013 at 1:34 PM
If Santon ran as fast back into defence as he does going forwards he would be one hell of a player. Biggest weakness to his game?
66 Tinman // Mar 15, 2013 at 1:35 PM
Kill me now!
67 Transfer Sage // Mar 15, 2013 at 1:35 PM
Bad news about ben arfa….hopefully others see this is as a chance to shine and stake their place in the team.
68 Williamsonsuks // Mar 15, 2013 at 1:35 PM
Love Benny but seems like a sick note. Would love a season with a fit Saylor and Benny. Saylor should be Captain imo, he wears his heart on his sleeve, knows how to get the fans singing. I thought it was great the way he riled up Stokes goalie, loved it! Wouldn’t have been happy if it was reversed to krul or elliot but loved it anyway. Dont want him to play for England. We dont have much luck with our players when they get called up for international duty. Shearer always came back injured. Obviously is Saylors dream but would hope it doesn’t happen.
69 bollance // Mar 15, 2013 at 1:39 PM
Transfer
Like Marveaux, lol!!
70 Transfer Sage // Mar 15, 2013 at 1:40 PM
“He needs an operation on his hamstring and he could miss the rest of the year,” Alan Pardew told reporters.
“It is terrible news. Hatem gives us the x factor and will be a big miss.”
Pardews quote. I hope he means rest of year as in season and not as in calender year.
71 ilovetoon8788 // Mar 15, 2013 at 1:43 PM
Arfa out. This is why he can never be a top players. He is just way too injury prone. We should cash in on him if possible. Doesn’t matter, whoever he joins, he will be on their treatment table more than on the pitch. Like for us.
72 bollance // Mar 15, 2013 at 1:43 PM
Not sure if this has anything to do with the injury but did anyone see the size of HBA’s thighs. Not tha anyone would be looking specifically but they are big.
If he has over worked his thighs it could lead to his hamstring going. Not a physio but seems logical?
73 DokToon // Mar 15, 2013 at 1:43 PM
think we will keep saylor thru summer window? i heard a rumor we may not…
74 jesperfuglsang - captain of the lemon crew // Mar 15, 2013 at 1:45 PM
Pardew out! lol
…well better safe and sorry this time around! (have been a bit of a hot and miss this one for AP)
75 jesperfuglsang - captain of the lemon crew // Mar 15, 2013 at 1:45 PM
*than
76 jesperfuglsang - captain of the lemon crew // Mar 15, 2013 at 1:47 PM
*hit
…not really hitting the right keys here
77 Carryingcoals // Mar 15, 2013 at 1:48 PM
dok
Course we will keep taylor. 100%
Ones to worry about are Cabaye and HBA. Cabaye influences the team more – he would be the biggest loss. HBA being injured might be a positive for us, less chance teams bid in summer.
78 Transfer Sage // Mar 15, 2013 at 1:48 PM
jesper
We all know you would risk HBA….as you say….get people back ASAP from hamstring injuries.
79 Williamsonsuks // Mar 15, 2013 at 1:48 PM
Jesper…. try firefox
80 surreytoon // Mar 15, 2013 at 1:50 PM
FFS! Hatem Ben Arfa – the new Kieran Dyer. I really hope that is not the case.
81 jesperfuglsang - captain of the lemon crew // Mar 15, 2013 at 1:51 PM
TS…you know me
Williamson..Ha ha!
82 TimKrulFan // Mar 15, 2013 at 1:51 PM
Gutted about Ben Arfa someone on the medical team needs to be sacked. Marv and either Campbell or obertan need game time so we have a winger ready for benfica guti can only play in the middle he was superb yesterday and I’m one of his critics.
83 Rainrix // Mar 15, 2013 at 1:52 PM
Sage,,, I assume he means the season. 8 months is cruciate ligament recovery time. Its easy to forget theres only 2 and a bit months left of this season. Hamstrings after surgery are usually 3-4 months
84 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Mar 15, 2013 at 1:52 PM
Pardew Out!
Arfa Out!
We’re doomed!
Personally, I blame Jesper for it all.
85 bollance // Mar 15, 2013 at 1:53 PM
Dok
Where would Taylor go which would be a step up?
I could not see a top 6 club going for him and next season i see us in that bracket.
Plus he is on £40k or more which prices him out of a move to a bottom half team, ecept one!
QPR?
86 bollance // Mar 15, 2013 at 1:53 PM
*except
87 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Mar 15, 2013 at 1:53 PM
Why on Earth would Taylor be leaving?
88 Spreadthetoon // Mar 15, 2013 at 1:55 PM
BBC have confirmed HBA out for remainder of the season. Cabaye also a non-starter for Wigan. On the +ve’s Shola’s back….hahahaha! LOL
Gonna have to wait till next season for the dream team!
89 JAMSHA // Mar 15, 2013 at 1:56 PM
arfa off to livefool den
90 bollance // Mar 15, 2013 at 1:57 PM
Timkrul
Guti is coming back to form. He is now being rested a bit more plus had a bit more guile to his play. When he was poor he was predictable and concequently lost possession too often
91 Williamsonsuks // Mar 15, 2013 at 1:57 PM
Perch should be penned in before Tiote, he gives a lot more and Tiote is to comfortable in knowing he’ll be in as soon as he’s fit or served his suspension. His bookings per games played is shocking the season. Do like him but a stint on the bench would give him time to consider all of his flaws, possibly.
92 Transfer Sage // Mar 15, 2013 at 1:58 PM
Well this means only one thing…..
Pardew must become player/manager
93 DokToon // Mar 15, 2013 at 1:58 PM
was just a rumor i heard from a friend, and wanted to confirm its false…
94 jesperfuglsang - captain of the lemon crew // Mar 15, 2013 at 1:59 PM
Don’t worry guys!
…Pardew will playhim next month! (Pardew takes a hard look a his medics and ask if they want to keep their job! and he asks can Benny play next month after a hamstring operation? The medics look at each other and mutter Yes of course El Capitano)
95 Transfer Sage // Mar 15, 2013 at 2:00 PM
bollance
big difference for me was jonas being in the middle…he had more options that the one or two he has out wide.
He hasn’t got his pace so can’t beat defenders as easily so in the middle he can just pass and close down…works well.
I think we have better wingers and better CM’s though….he is a useful squad player.
96 toonarmydownsouth // Mar 15, 2013 at 2:00 PM
Just got in and seen the draw……
GET IN!!! Benfica wow! Fantastic draw! Exactly what being in Europe is all about, fcuk Thursday night at bloody white hart lane Portugal baby!!!!!
Bad news on benny boy, but…… We seem to deal without having for most the time he’s been here so a blow yes, end of the world? Not really poor old hatem ben dyer!
97 DokToon // Mar 15, 2013 at 2:02 PM
i figured if anyone is ITK, its this blog
98 spitfire_ // Mar 15, 2013 at 2:02 PM
Q: Who bring your the “x factor” player, on plastic pitch and freezin temperatures in his first game from 3 months?
99 toonarmydownsouth // Mar 15, 2013 at 2:02 PM
Bollance
Agreed thought jonas had a cracking game last night
100 NUFC_LEAZES END // Mar 15, 2013 at 2:02 PM
Time to sell Ben arfa.
I know it’s not his fault, but it’s so frustrating having someone out for so long, and then when he comes back plays 60 minutes and is out for another couple of months.
It’s not on
101 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Mar 15, 2013 at 2:03 PM
Dok…That person is no friend of yours
Jesper…Might as well start him against Wigan then he can have the op afterwards.
102 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Mar 15, 2013 at 2:05 PM
I do wish people would stop jumping to conclusions with the Ben Arfa situation.
It’s all Pardews fault!
Benny is just like Dyer!
He’s being sold!
Come on lads, get a grip.
103 NUFC_LEAZES END // Mar 15, 2013 at 2:05 PM
I thought Jonas was good last night, and one thing last night what we needed was a bit of composure, and he brought that, and I love when he just dips his shoulders to mug off the opposition.
Surely his new position has got to be cm,cdm. Surely
104 Munster Mag // Mar 15, 2013 at 2:06 PM
Rotunda, I’m lost. What did I bite on? I said Lisbon was in the north, ish.
105 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Mar 15, 2013 at 2:07 PM
Leazes…Have been saying that about Jonas since last season. Under normal circumstances though, does he start in that position? No. But he is a great great great squad player to have around. Would be gutted if he went.
106 Transfer Sage // Mar 15, 2013 at 2:09 PM
Ibiza
Not jumping to conclusions….you may be in the wrong place if you want that haha.
107 MJCBurke // Mar 15, 2013 at 2:09 PM
Bad news about ben 10, he would be perfect right now playing in a team with confidence and unlocking defenses as teams sit back against us.
I would leave cabaye out if not fully fit against wigan, could move socks back or bring in anita/perch (might play them two above tiote if it was down to me). Anyway, isnt there an international break next week, hopefully could keep cabs at home then and let him rest before the final push
108 jesperfuglsang - captain of the lemon crew // Mar 15, 2013 at 2:10 PM
Ibiza…ha ha!
…it’s just a hamstring operation (I’ll vouch for him! He can play
) What’s a few more months anyway right?
109 toonarmydownsouth // Mar 15, 2013 at 2:10 PM
Ibiza
Lol tbf nearly 2 full seasons out injured does point to being a bit dyeresque mate! Hopefully surgery will sort the problem for good, seems strange that he’d have to have surgery for a tear so reckon this is a deep lying issue probably some old scar tissue they will remove, if that’s the case it’s got nout to do with a plastic pitch or the temperature, it was an injury waiting to happen!
110 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Mar 15, 2013 at 2:11 PM
TS..I know, I know. Just can’t believe how quick the mood changes – Well I can believe, but it still somewhat surprises me.
111 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Mar 15, 2013 at 2:12 PM
tads…Was one of those seasons from the leg break from a horrendous challenge?
Other than that, he had one problem which Pardew messed up
Jesper…Now are you vouching or advising? Not that Pardew will care
112 DokToon // Mar 15, 2013 at 2:13 PM
this just in… ben arfa sold to houston dynamos of mls, medical notwithstanding… also, MA guarantees lifetime contract if pards get europa win… lastly, doktoon has won the lottery, and is buying NUFC…
more rumors at ten…
lol…
113 Dagwoodz // Mar 15, 2013 at 2:16 PM
I think it was Funk who said it on here, hamstring injuries are a tricky thing. I would imagine that after the Fulham game some Dr.’s might have been on the fence to whether he required surgery or not, and the call was made to let him recover without. The problem with that is if it does not heal correctly and builds too much scar tissue up, the likelyhood of re-injury is higher. It’s unfortunate, but hopefully after the surgery they can fix the problem, (and hopefully not find anything else wrong), and HBA will be back at the start of next season fully fit and ready to go.
Personally, I’m on the fence as to whether we should sell him or not. He’s a great talent, but I would hate for him to come back next season and see him get injured again long term. I don’t think he’s a sick note…this is really the first injury. (I know, I know, the double leg break…but that was from a hard challenge from our favorite CDM, Nigel De Jong and not due to usage like a hamstring pull is). With him injured, I don’t think we’ll get any more than 7-8M for him. Would be nice to be able to look ahead and see if these injury problems are going to go away or get worse…would make the decision to sell him or not a heck of a lot easier.
It’s easy to say “shoulda, woulda, coulda” in this situation. But the club’s medical staff and management did what they thought were the best courses of action for the club, with the information that they had. Best thing to do from here is to get him in to the best hamstring Dr. there is, have the operation, and get him recovered and back on the pitch.
After he has this surgery though, and comes back and doesn’t have any more major medical problems, he’ll be a huge part of our success going forward.
114 Williamsonsuks // Mar 15, 2013 at 2:16 PM
Ibiza…. I agree about not letting Jonas go, great squad player. Though he’s got me frustated quite a lot this season. Dont think he is 90 min player. Ideal for coming on in the last 30 mins to keep possession and track back.
115 Rainrix // Mar 15, 2013 at 2:17 PM
Im guessing there was some underlying cause that needed sorting out for ben area. Similar to marv he had constant groin problems at Rennes. Once he got that injury here he was put under the knife and its been cleared up once and for all and he’s been fit all season.
I imagine its been the same with ben arfa this season. He must of been brought back twice assuming it had been cleared up only for it to reoccur. Then that signalled that he needs to go under the knife and sort it out once and for all.
116 jesperfuglsang - captain of the lemon crew // Mar 15, 2013 at 2:17 PM
Ibiza…take your pick (doesn’t matter
)
117 Transfer Sage // Mar 15, 2013 at 2:17 PM
tads
Yeh…if it is deep lying they are difficult to detect and not something tested for as it’s uncommon unless the problem reoccurs.
Hopefully it will be like marvoux where they do the surgery and clear up the problem, or at least make it less common.
118 NUFC_LEAZES END // Mar 15, 2013 at 2:19 PM
Summer outs
Obertan £2mil
Ben arfa £15-20 mil
Willo £3mil
Colo £5mil
Ins
Wijnaldum £6mil
Narsingh £7mil
Douglas free
Van dijk £2mil
Benteke £8mil ( if villa go down)
Lacina Traore £12mil ( if villa don’t go down)
All together cashley would have to folk out 10 mil at the most, and I think this would significantly improve our team
119 Obafan // Mar 15, 2013 at 2:19 PM
Benfica is a very tough draw, it is going to be very difficult to beat them. Especially with Cardozo being on top form. I would have preferred Kazan or Bazel. I hope we can get through tho’. The one advantage is that we have to go there in the first leg. We defend quite good the last couple of weeks (esp since Taylor and Mbiwa are playing alongside eachother).
120 jesperfuglsang - captain of the lemon crew // Mar 15, 2013 at 2:19 PM
Rainrix…will you stop guessing and imagine things (you are embarrassing yourself) lol
121 IrishToon009 // Mar 15, 2013 at 2:20 PM
Hey guys, looking at going to Portugal for the game, what would the chances be of getting tickets?
122 jesperfuglsang - captain of the lemon crew // Mar 15, 2013 at 2:21 PM
Ibiza…just had a quick look at my ffl team and that’s no easy fix
…have been niglecting that for a while (but Benny is off and so is Krul
)
Probably should have done that a while ago lol
123 toonarmydownsouth // Mar 15, 2013 at 2:21 PM
Ibiza
Aye signed him in jan, lost for that season after 4 games (?)
Missed him for the first half or just over the next season, obviously recovery etc.
And has missed a large chunk of this season
So out of 2 and half seasons less than a season of football, not saying he’s a sick note at all but think we’re putting him on a pedestal to much for a player who looks great but has had little influence over the last 2 and a half years imo, so what I’m saying mate is yeah gutting to lose him but we will cope without as we have had to do many times, for me that’s where the dyer comparison comes from, great player when available, but when he’s not we always cope
124 jesperfuglsang - captain of the lemon crew // Mar 15, 2013 at 2:21 PM
*neglecting
125 Rainrix // Mar 15, 2013 at 2:22 PM
Jesper…. Guessing? Aren’t we all essentially guessing? HBA could’ve easily been hit in the hamstrings by a dude with a sledgehammer. Truth is we don’t know. Essentially I’m saying lets not start blaming every man and his dog and just get on with it
126 NUFC_LEAZES END // Mar 15, 2013 at 2:23 PM
@ibiza
Yeah I’ve read some of your stuff about Jonas .
He’s not good on the wings anymore because he’s lost hos confidence to go past players and his final ball in the box is 90% of the times poor.
But his main qualities are
He works very hard for the team.
He’s great at helping the defence out
He seems very composed on the ball when he’s just sitting in the centre of the pitch.
And let’s be fair to the lad, he does have good ball control in tight situations.
127 Rotonda heights // Mar 15, 2013 at 2:24 PM
Munster
I don’t think you ever mentioned Lisbon, just vaguely west coast. Admit it mate it’s best to get it over with and admit Troy got us.
128 Tinman // Mar 15, 2013 at 2:27 PM
Personally think everyone who says sell is wrong about Ben Arfa. He will only be a big miss in Europe, where we are missing Gouffran, however we dont have much to play for in the prem. He is going to have surgery and all pre season to get fit carefully and properly. I beleive he will play a lot more games next season.
129 toonLYF // Mar 15, 2013 at 2:28 PM
dagwoodz…good words mate, totally agree.
130 Diggedydaws // Mar 15, 2013 at 2:30 PM
Not exactly insightful info but the cook from my rig is Benfica daft and a season ticket holder to boot and I’ve just had a txt from him saying he doesn’t fancy their chances against us, he’s sat and watched the last few toon games with me offshore and is rightly worried…IMO.
131 Tommyy // Mar 15, 2013 at 2:35 PM
The issue is, he’ll have played 47 games in 3 years. It’s not good enough regardless of how outstanding he can be. Like I said the other day, I think it’s a case of when he is replaced and not if (relative to injury prone players).
132 Transfer Sage // Mar 15, 2013 at 2:43 PM
Well with ben arfa we need to see what happens next year.
The first injury was a freak leg break, can not account for that.
The hamstring injury seems to have some underlying problem so hopefully this surgery will cure the cause of the hamstring problems and he will be able to stay fit.
133 toonarmydownsouth // Mar 15, 2013 at 2:44 PM
Sage
Completely mate scar tissue is very hard to detect, it could even have something to do with the muscle re healing/fusing to the none after the break, assuming its the same leg of course!
Just throwing this out there as a purely 100% hypothetical, but if we were to sign cover/replacement for benny obviously it would be an exciting winger same/similar age, now I know this lad failed at arsenal as a CF, but has anyone watched much of sociedad this season?
Carlos Vela, he has looked absolutely cracking little player for them looks a brand new player out wide
134 Jail for Ashley // Mar 15, 2013 at 2:45 PM
Tommy, you wrote a good post the other day about HBA, I’d written a similar post a couple of days previously (not as well written as yours) and somebody wanted me crucified and somebody else wanted to have me jailed.
135 toonarmydownsouth // Mar 15, 2013 at 2:48 PM
JFA
Remember that post mate, have to say thought it was pretty well balanced to be fair just because you don’t rate a player as highly as others doesn’t mean you don’t have a point!
136 Rainrix // Mar 15, 2013 at 2:52 PM
We’ve needed a new winger for a while anyway. As it is with newcastle our starters goofy and HBA are great, our backups are average. Good thing is theres an abundance of wingers on the market
so im sure carr has some names in mind.
137 toonLYF // Mar 15, 2013 at 2:53 PM
Ben Arfa has actually played 47 times in just under two years, which isn’t actually alarming. He snapped his f-ing leg man what do you’s expect ffs? Bunch of moaning, whining morons.
138 Transfer Sage // Mar 15, 2013 at 2:55 PM
JFA
I got a lot of stick for a post about HBA too.
I just think he has bags of talent but doesn’t apply it anywhere near as well as he can. He is a player which should have the same level of goals as mata and hazard but hasn’t.
Even during his time in big teams in france he never excelled to the level he is capable of.
I still love the guy and he is brilliant to watch but beating people is only good if there is something regular on the end of it.
139 Rotonda heights // Mar 15, 2013 at 2:58 PM
sage
benny’s won 5 league titles in france with 2 different clubs. how much does he have to excel. i know it’s funny when pardew describes himself as a winner, but benny really is.
140 Rotonda heights // Mar 15, 2013 at 3:00 PM
having said that maybe, just maybe marv can be our door opener from now on.
141 Rotonda heights // Mar 15, 2013 at 3:01 PM
surprised ed hasn’t done an article on it yet
142 Big Pappa Cissé // Mar 15, 2013 at 3:06 PM
Gutted about Benny
. I just wish we could have him fit for a full season. Is that to much to ask
143 DokToon // Mar 15, 2013 at 3:07 PM
big pappa, youre a newcastle fan, of course it is
144 Transfer Sage // Mar 15, 2013 at 3:10 PM
rotonda
I don’t mean trophies I mean personal milestones…goals, assists, player of the month/year etc, international caps.
I think he is one of the most talented players I have seen, reminds me of Zidane the way eh goes round people, its very graceful and elegant.
He has the talent to get 10-15 goals a season and equal amounts of assists. Not just that from what I see his final ball could more dangerous and clinical.
I dont want people thinking I dont rate him…just he has yet to fully realise his potential. His time with us as been hampered by injuries and just as he gets running again he gets hurt so hopefully this operation will clear up the hamstring issue and he will kick on for a full season.
I think early days his attitude held him back, now its his fitness. Hopefully he can overcome this….Van Persie was a genuine talent but never become the world class player he is now until 26/27 so he could still turn out to be a class act.
145 Mister Tuff // Mar 15, 2013 at 3:12 PM
Did anybody see our new tactical answer last night tour our woeful goals return from corners. When I first saw what they were doing I thought to myself “what the hell are they up to”. Firstly the taller players ran around a little in an attempt to lose their markers then just as the corner was about to be taken, our players all lined up, single file, clutching their teammates waists as if they were about to do the Conga.
Needless to say the Conga did not work.
Conga out!
146 lesh // Mar 15, 2013 at 3:13 PM
I’m sure that one or some of our ever alert commentators will have mentioned this but Louise Taylor reported in the Guardian that Simpson was seen driving away from SJP in an apparent huff before kick off after seemingly discovering that’ Santon would be playing RB.
Life’s such a bitch!
147 catchy in norway // Mar 15, 2013 at 3:15 PM
firsrtly
great result but anyone thinking this is a great draw is mad
great if it means we play a big team, but mad if you think this is a aesy game,,
the game was poor, super goal, but over all we had no shape at all, and if taylor did not have the game he did , i feel we would have been looking a a heavy loss,
did cisse have any support last night ????? i know cambell came on, but he spentmost of his time in MF,, he is a striker, and should have been up along side of cisse
no wingers unless someone wanted to drift out there
jonas, his best game for a while,, but still nothing from him other than running
148 Munster Mag // Mar 15, 2013 at 3:15 PM
Rotunda, I wasnt had mate!! He asked where they play and i gave rough directions to Lisbon , which is mid way up, on west side. Im no dumbo!!
149 Munster Mag // Mar 15, 2013 at 3:17 PM
Rotunda, Marv will have to be our door opener. We lack creativity big time, even more so now. Can someone address Catchy who was there. Because my reading of it ( via this blog ) was that we were pretty useless last night ???
150 Jail for Ashley // Mar 15, 2013 at 3:19 PM
ToonLYF,
What an excellent answer to an otherwise controversial debate,”moaning, whining, morons”.Your contibution to this blog is second to none.
151 Transfer Sage // Mar 15, 2013 at 3:20 PM
catchy
I think we were a little deep, sissoko didn’t support cisse as well and we struggled to get the ball into him in any meaningful way. It was difficult.
It was important to make sure we didn’t leave ourselves open so not a bad display in my eyes…lets face it, were anzhi creating chances for fun? limited to one shot on target so nothing special.
If there defenders hadn’t played as well we might have scored more, so saying taylor saved us is obvious, he is a defender and that’s his job.
I think benfica aren’t as good as spurs or chelsea but are better than basel and fenerbache…so its a medium level draw for me but nice that its a big club.
We have to beat a very good team at some point so might as well do it next.
152 WWYCD // Mar 15, 2013 at 3:24 PM
Harsh as it sounds we haven’t missed HBA all that much and since Jan I haven’t missed him in the team. Hope he comes back fitter and stronger (and sooner if he works hard at it)
Selling him is over the top though calm urselfs eh we aren’t at a flea market he’s still a very good player on his day and he will get fit again probably after a fat camp
Overall though we are into the quarter finals of Europa and we get to bring Benfica to St James today is a celebratory day
153 catchy in norway // Mar 15, 2013 at 3:25 PM
Munster Mag
1 min before full time i went to bed,, i coud not watch extra time, it was that bad,,
we held onto the ball
never had runners from MF, first thought was alway defend,
both santon and hidara tried to give width, but got cought out up the pitch to often leaving taylor and YMV exposed
cabaye, trying to launch hollywood balls, i rrreally like cabaye as a playe, but his range of passing is very poor, short passes and quick passes, he is great,, long balls, set pieces, very poor,, glad marv was taking them last night
154 Jail for Ashley // Mar 15, 2013 at 3:29 PM
Ok, Benfica are running away with the Portugese league but there are only really four teams in that division that anybody has heard of, Celtic didn’t lose over there without the support of Celtic park so I think we have every chance of getting a result out of this tie, would just love to get Spurs in the semi’s with a hamstrung Gareth Bale.
155 WWYCD // Mar 15, 2013 at 3:29 PM
In order to win u have to beat a good team can’t all be ‘easy’, if we can’t beat our opponents we don’t deserve to win simple as that really…I’d rather take out a fancied team and cement our place in the competition or go out having a pop at them atleast better than taking the easy route so am over the moon with Benfica
156 catchy in norway // Mar 15, 2013 at 3:32 PM
Transfer Sage
i think they had the better chances over 90 mins, with more shots from in and around the box,
i think we looked good at holding onto the ball, but never looked like hurting them,,
they had 10 men for the last 30 mins and still looked more of a threat,,
like you say , we sat deep , to deep when you think that they did have 10 men, at this point pardew should have been forcing them back, but no , cisse was all alone, campbell came on around 7o mins,, but played more in MF than up front
on benfica,, what they have is a winning mentality, ours is try and sneak a goal and just hold on
157 DokToon // Mar 15, 2013 at 3:34 PM
i believe the term is “luck of the draw”… they draw our opponent, we knock them out of the competition, and on to the next one…
oh catchy, what was the result last night, did we lose? if one didnt know, by reading your negative post, youd think we got hammered by them,… lighten up, its a good day today…
158 catchy in norway // Mar 15, 2013 at 3:40 PM
DokToon
OC we won,, but i would like the guy to to be a bit more attack minded
this is poor football we watch,, which will result in poor results again
we have a great team/ squad,, our squad is more than just joans or obertan
159 q8igeordie // Mar 15, 2013 at 3:40 PM
Catchy… cabaye is one of the best passers in the premier league…
160 q8igeordie // Mar 15, 2013 at 3:41 PM
Cathcy … obertan did not play .. jonas only played because cabaye got injured … seriously .. get a grip man
161 toonLYF // Mar 15, 2013 at 3:42 PM
JFA…
don’t know if that was sarcastic or not, but my point is…
Why can’t people take the good with the bad? It’s as if some fans, are fans for the sole purpose of maximizing any form of negativity possible.
We have a player injured, who has been injured only twice, really since joining Newcastle. One being an awful leg break, the other this hamstring problem. Yet some fans are letting this cancel out all the good that is at the club at the moment.
Anhi were set up superbly in both legs and were as tough as they come to break down, we gave a decent account for ourselves, admittedly could’ve been better. Alot of posters seem to be under the mentality that we’ve played poorly unless we dominate a match scoring numerous goals. We done enough, just enough; which is an occuring theme in Pardews career i understand, but whilst it’s working, and grinding out the results, what’s there to complain about. Our form has picked up, and we’re pretty much out of the relegation battle, we’re beating teams from all over europe, and things are looking really good. Pardew is learning too. He has never had this many quality players at his disposal and has very little European experience. Give them a chance man, things are going pretty well when you step back and take a look.
162 toonarmydownsouth // Mar 15, 2013 at 3:43 PM
Catchy
Can’t speak for everyone, but I mean great as in what an exciting game to look forward to, that’s what europe’s all about playing the best teams from the continent!
Not an easy game by any means but not as hard as you make it sound Celtic were very impressive against them, they certainly didn’t like the physical aspect of the game!
And for anzhi thought they done well in the first half but they weren’t great mate, only registered 1 shot on target too
163 t00ntime // Mar 15, 2013 at 3:43 PM
@lesh i dont believe that. Simmo probably did drive away, cause he had nothing to do in the game. But i cant see him of being really p1ssed about it. He knows his days are numberd
164 Tsunki // Mar 15, 2013 at 3:44 PM
Catchy – in your criticisms of tactics/pardew/players etc I never see any mitigating credit given to the opposition. Whether we play norwich, chelsea or an unknown quantity like Anzhi your negative view is consistently disregarding of the strengths and tactics of the other side. That’s why I find it hard to give it credibilty when you pull the team and the coaching apart game after game.
165 DokToon // Mar 15, 2013 at 3:45 PM
catchy, i agree, i loathe when we take a lead and turtle up defensively…but ill take a win like that over a loss anyday
i think with our transfers, and getting healthy, we need to gel, and every game is precisely that, takes a bit to tighten up as a team… but i know for a fact that were playing much better than we were several months ago …
now wheres your local? ill send a pint over to you, cheer up
166 Charlie in the Gallowgate // Mar 15, 2013 at 3:45 PM
Europe to me is a different ball game to the premiership.
Fans have got to have a bit of patience. Teams tend to let you have the ball until the last third then they put a defensive shield up which you have to break down.
And Newcastle played like a European team last night
For all of outplaying us last night in the middle of the park to me they did not look a threat in front of goal.
I think Elliot had one shot to save and the Free kick that came of the bar post.
Also I felt Cisse was to isolated last night up front on his own
167 MUTINYbyLEMONS // Mar 15, 2013 at 3:49 PM
Ben Arfa is out for rest of the season
168 MUTINYbyLEMONS // Mar 15, 2013 at 3:49 PM
http://www.teamtalk.com/premier-league/8568070/Newcastle-midfielder-Hatem-Ben-Arfa-ruled-out-for-rest-of-the-season
169 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Mar 15, 2013 at 3:49 PM
Catchy…Don’t listen to Dok, he always promises beer. At least Pardew gives us excuses, Dok just offers and never delivers.
170 q8igeordie // Mar 15, 2013 at 3:52 PM
Newcastle are 16 1 to win the europa
171 Jail for Ashley // Mar 15, 2013 at 3:53 PM
Ton LYF,
Was a bit sarky, just think you have more to your posts than calling people morons, it seems to be a word bandied round on here when some people don’t agree with another post, this is a blog, there will always be differing opinions, if somebody puts together a decent post that offers their point of view, just because you don’t agree with it does not make that person a moron which actually means having a person with mild mental retardation and having a mental age of between 7-12, there are definitely a couple of posters on here that fit in to that category, but not everyone that disagrees with you.
172 Rozzy // Mar 15, 2013 at 3:53 PM
BAD NEWS
http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11678/8568070/Newcastle-midfielder-Hatem-Ben-Arfa-ruled-out-for-rest-of-the-season
173 Tsunki // Mar 15, 2013 at 3:55 PM
I think HBA’s problem is a lingering effect of the leg break. Something is still not right there and his insistence on being rehab’d at the magical Clairefontaine I think has been grudgingly indulged and now the club may have put its foot down on how this is fixed. They weren’t happy with his fitness when he came back and I reckon it was partly due to him trying to nurse his injury. I think wanting to play has made the player take risks not the club.
174 catchy in norway // Mar 15, 2013 at 3:56 PM
Tsunki
no you find it hard because its me,, and i totally get that,,
imo opinion, we dont have tactics as a team in our own right,, we dont ever seem to play counter attack/wing play, we always seem to worry about how the other team is playing and try to combat that,, and this is the same v all the teams,,
now why is it that around xmas, we went at it against man u ars and nearly pulled off wins, scoring goals, with our second best players,, our team is better now than then , yet we still worry about how the othe team is set up,,
why can we never go out with the mentality of they hae to worry about our strengths,
and q8igeordie
i know who played,, but if you check other games we have played both of these still got more games than marv,, marv has proved that he has something to offer, them 2 dont, marv goes missing, but at least when he gets the ball he CAN create things,,
175 toonLYF // Mar 15, 2013 at 3:58 PM
Ton LYF…
you calling me fat?
MORON!
nah, i get your point, but i just think regarding the Ben Arfa topic, people are jumping this gun by calling him injury prone, and wanting him sold on. I personally struggle to consider him injury prone, he has been awfully unlucky, and is physically in very good shape. I really think this is player we will get huge rewards by persevering further with. This surgery he is undergoing was seemingly inevitable anything, and alot of players require a similar procedure at some point in their careers. I have every faith that he will come back pre-season is fine shape, and i will look forward to his contribution next season. If he were to get injured alot in the 13/14 campaign, then yes, that is probably about the right time to consider selling him on; but right now, just seems like a poor idea to me, thus a poor discussion.
176 catchy in norway // Mar 15, 2013 at 3:59 PM
DOKTOON
my local
http://www.sinnesfjellstue.no/
ibiza,, lets see lol
177 toonLYF // Mar 15, 2013 at 3:59 PM
excuse the typos, predictive text.
178 toonLYF // Mar 15, 2013 at 4:01 PM
catchy…
looks like f-ing paradise!
179 tequilamag // Mar 15, 2013 at 4:02 PM
Catchy the time around Xmas you mention was when we were losing every week. 7,3 against Arsenal…. I would our current clean sheets with a narrow win every time.
Your anti Pardew rhetoric just seems even more desperate these days when performances and results are on the up.
180 catchy in norway // Mar 15, 2013 at 4:02 PM
toonlyf
where i live is very nice,,
right behind that place is the ski center,, 3 km from my house,
181 Jail for Ashley // Mar 15, 2013 at 4:03 PM
Catchy, yet another night of woe for you since the new arrivals, thats only twice in ten games now when you have been truly happy, but I do sympathise, can you imagine the fast flowing football last night had Bruce, MoN or Nigel Adkins been in charge.
182 DokToon // Mar 15, 2013 at 4:03 PM
if i contact them, do i say, id like to buy a beer for catchy? is that what they call you in that paradise?
183 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Mar 15, 2013 at 4:04 PM
Does everyone else maybe it’s time to drop the whole Pardew prefers Obertan to Marveaux thing? Last year you could argue that was the case (however one joined us fit, the other joined injured If i’m not mistaken).
Anyway, this season (all domestic comp – not EL).
Player——–>Starts—–>Subs—>Total
Marv———>8———–>12—–>20
Obertan——>5———–>9——>14
Whether starting or as a sub it would seem marv ranks higher in the pecking order.
If you want to talk about Jonas, please do continue as yes, he’s played loads
184 catchy in norway // Mar 15, 2013 at 4:05 PM
tequilamag
i think you got it all wrong
he went all out attack against teams he would normally lose to, and all out defend against teams we should hammer,,
im sure even you see that,,
goals are like points, we dont score enough
185 DokToon // Mar 15, 2013 at 4:05 PM
ibiza, odds are i will get to st james before you do… so there! sad really, since you know where i live, and its no small venture for me… if you meet me there, ill buy first round, i already told you…
186 catchy in norway // Mar 15, 2013 at 4:07 PM
DokToon
naa , they call me lee, no nicknames here
when im home ,, i go the the shakespear in deckham
187 Jail for Ashley // Mar 15, 2013 at 4:07 PM
Toon LYF,,
Well said, ( except the MORON bit).
188 tequilamag // Mar 15, 2013 at 4:09 PM
,Catchy no I don`t see that at all. Pardew picked the teams he did in the first half of the season based on who was available, sometimes the squad simply was not good enough. Since the new arrivals he has more cards to play with and has consistently got results. 7 more years of misery for you mate.
189 catchy in norway // Mar 15, 2013 at 4:10 PM
Ibizatoon
i think you will find that obertan has been injured more this season than last
and jonas,, yeh lol,, why is he still no 1 on the team sheet ?
home time
have a great weekend everyone
even you jail
for the record,, i rate pardew in the ssaame group of managers as those 2 ,, utter crap,, worse than crap,,
190 catchy in norway // Mar 15, 2013 at 4:11 PM
tequilamag
you better start wearing ear protection my friend
191 WWYCD // Mar 15, 2013 at 4:13 PM
JfA
Are u being a sarcy devil to everyone? Were u able to attend last night?
192 q8igeordie // Mar 15, 2013 at 4:13 PM
Obertan played less than marv … did you read that part catchy
193 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Mar 15, 2013 at 4:13 PM
Dok… Yet here you are offering to send beer to other posters locals
Catchy…Wasn’t Marv injured this season as well? Seem to remember people throwing an article around where he said he’s now fit but Pardew wouldn’t play him…
On Jonas…Pardew just doesn’t want to disappoint you mate. Have a lovely weekend.
194 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Mar 15, 2013 at 4:16 PM
Interestingly…Both Ba and Williamson are still in the top 10 players for starts this season.
195 Dagwoodz // Mar 15, 2013 at 4:17 PM
Catchy,
Pardew is not the kind of coach to try to stick to one style of play. He’s most diffinitively shown that he’s more of a pragmatic than an idealist.
Would it be nice if we were constantly attacking, playing fluid one touch passes? If the end product was there, sure. The problem with having a team like that is this: It is very difficult to play the same way against every team and get consistent results.
I think Pardew got his tactics pretty spot on. Was it perfect? No. But he knew that Anzhi were a counter-attacking side, and because any score by them forces us to score two, he HAD to play a little more cautious. The only real critique I have of how we were set up was that earlier in the game we were dropping back too deep, and allowing them to push on.
Pardew is always going to set his team up to try and counter what the tendencies of the other team are. In many respects, this is very smart. It can be unattractive at times, of course…and teams will occasionally have a blinder of a game and it’s not going to matter what you do or how you play. It’s that team’s day.
Ignoring how the other team is going to most likely set up is IMHO, foolish. There are very few teams that have the luxury of being able to do this. (Barca…maybe Bayern, Real…) Our team, while vastly improved over what we were playing with in December, is not at that level yet.
I would love for us to play tikki takka footie. But I would prefer that we play winning footie more. If it’s an ugly, grind it out win, great. Sometimes that’s what it takes.
(still can’t stand the Allardyce and Pulis method of hoof it to the big guys in the middle…awful.)
196 WWYCD // Mar 15, 2013 at 4:18 PM
Ibiza
Obertan got injured on the pitch Marv was injured when Pards shanked him big difference! Wake up man! How many times must I tell u of Pardews cruelty!
197 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Mar 15, 2013 at 4:20 PM
Yo…Ahh yes, how could I forget?
198 DokToon // Mar 15, 2013 at 4:22 PM
ibiza, pardon me for being an ignorant american, but where exactly is ibiza? i am thinking spain for some reason…
and unlike most of my countrymen, i love soccer (as it is called here)…. hey , why is it my day to get picked on anyway?
199 q8igeordie // Mar 15, 2013 at 4:24 PM
I would have prefered chelsea or basel over benfica as I consider lazio and benfica the best teams in europa .. but as some people say we have to beat the best in order to win it
200 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Mar 15, 2013 at 4:25 PM
Dok…Isn’t the ignorant already implied with American? Sorry, cheap shot, I’m better than that (well, no, I’m not really
).
Picking on you? I’m just lashing out as you seem to be favouring catchy. Just a little hurt
Ibiza is part of the Balearic Islands off the coast of Spain.
201 WWYCD // Mar 15, 2013 at 4:26 PM
Ibiza
Haha I just don’t know. I mean last night Pardew did everything in his power to get us to lose but he was damned by Marv and Cisse refusing to play ball!
Dok
I don’t know what this soccer stuff is
U don’t want to be picked on call it by its God given name, football mate
202 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Mar 15, 2013 at 4:29 PM
Yo…Clearly why Pardew favours Obertan…he knows he wont be playing in any balls like that. Marveaux going and ruining it all for Pardew…don’t expect to see him play again this season and I’d imagine Cisse will be back on the wing…what’s he doing scoring again!?!?
203 WWYCD // Mar 15, 2013 at 4:33 PM
Ibiza
Well if Cisses on a ‘no goal bonus’ would explain why he battered the hoardings after scoring was furios his instinct over ruled his brain haha
And tbf he was floating around all over the place last night before Sissoko joined him central
204 IITianToon // Mar 15, 2013 at 4:34 PM
WTF Hatem out for season
205 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Mar 15, 2013 at 4:36 PM
Yo…That does explain it. Certainly wasn’t the joy at winning the game in the dying second.
Dok…Just to be clear, I am joking. Don’t run away. We can talk soccer all you like
206 Dagwoodz // Mar 15, 2013 at 4:37 PM
Dok,
Ibiza is similar to South Padre in that it’s a haven for spring breakers…
how’s the scenery out there this year Ibiza?
207 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Mar 15, 2013 at 4:39 PM
Dag….Similar in a sense, except it’s like spring break June – Sept.
Scenery is lovely. Almond blossoms almost out, blue skies, few clouds. Just need the tourists back now.
208 WWYCD // Mar 15, 2013 at 4:39 PM
Ibiza
and stop calling it soccer its football u use ur foot and u kick a ball
All the pieces are falling into place now!
Don’t know where socks come into it!
209 Tsunki // Mar 15, 2013 at 4:40 PM
HBA out for the rest of the season. In other news, Atlantis sank, Stalin is dead and we landed on the moon.
I think this puts paid to the idea of Hatem moving for another season. Right now I doubt we could raise his bus fare let alone 10-15m as some have bandied about.
210 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Mar 15, 2013 at 4:43 PM
Yo…It’s good to have someone sensible about to discuss what’s really going on. Some on here are just clueless!
Talking of sensible…How you doing Tsunki?
211 WWYCD // Mar 15, 2013 at 4:45 PM
Ibiza
Sensible? Not since u joined the bloke mate…I used to be a very serious poster on here not so much anymore haha
212 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Mar 15, 2013 at 4:48 PM
Yo….You were the voice of reason! King of the blog if I remember correctly (and I do). We’ll call it a coincidence that your reputation has been in decline since I arrived…not sure I could live with the guilt otherwise.
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