The partnership between Steven Taylor and Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa already looks a good one, and this partnership has been forced on manager Alan Pardew with the back injury to captain Fab Coloccini, and we suppose the Argentine is still back at home in Argentina right now, although last week Pardew said he would be back this week..
Steven Taylor – in great form right now
Mapou and Steven have played well together for Newcastle, and are starting to form a good partnership at the back for the Magpies, and we just have to hope that Steven can keep fit through the end of the season – and nest season too, after a few years where serious injuries have impeded his playing time for the club.
Steven put in a magnificent performance for Newcastle against Anzhi on Thursday night, and in that first half he blocked a number of shots, and he always puts his body on the line, as he stops the ball with anything he can get in the way of the ball (except his hands).
This is what Mapou said about his new center-back partner:
“He is a bit crazy.” “Steven literally puts his body on the line. He does absolutely everything, gives his all to try and win the ball back.” “It is fantastic and an example to the rest of us. He is a funny guy but also a great player.”
The attentions are turning to Wigan for tomorrow’s game, and the Lancashire club are 9 points behind Newcastle in 18th place, with a game in hand, so the last thing we want tomorrow is a defeat, after doing so great in our last few games.
But at his press conference yesterday, Alan Pardew had some bad news about Ben Arfa, and the Frenchman needs surgery on his groin, and will be out for the rest of the season.
Yohan Cabaye seems to be touch and go for tomorrow, but it wouldn’t surprise us if he starts the game.
We must go all out for the points tomorrow at the DW Stadium, and a win will see us to continue to climb that league table.
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4 comments so far
Graeme
Mar 16, 2013 at 9:08 AM
Comment #1We will do well to take all 3 points – Martinez always has his team up for games against us. Tomorrow will be no exception, given they are in the bottom 3 and its now time for their regular last minute escape routine lol
SuperShearer
Mar 16, 2013 at 9:12 AM
Comment #2More and more Taylor is coming out as a bit of a character for The Toon. Since returning from injury there has rarely been a game he hasn’t made me laugh.
Whoarya.com
Mar 16, 2013 at 9:15 AM
Comment #3Taylor is nailed on for an England call up but we need him and the lads to bury Wigan first.
We will win this 2 1
WWYCD
Mar 16, 2013 at 9:19 AM
Comment #4People were very confident of a win over Anzi yet the mood feels pessimistic against Wigan? Wigan are a constant bottom 5 team, they pass fairly well but have very little in cutting edge, managers is overrated and their level of player quality isnt great
As for out CB partnership when/if Colo comes back fit he could struggle to get in the team which isnt a bad thing rally