With Tony Pulis leaving Stoke City yesterday, there has been some topical discussion of what Stoke does best – playing the long ball – but when you look at which team attempted most long passes last season, there could be a surprise..
Alan Pardew – has Newcastle top of the long ball league
Stoke are only half way in the league table in 10th pace, and yes, you guessed it, Newcastle are at the top with most long passes attempted last season.
This is one reason why there is some discontent growing with Alan Pardew as manager, and it’s not like we don’t have flair players like Ben Arfa, Sylvain Marveaux, Yoan Gouffran and Papiss Cisse and the like, but of course they were out injured a lot last season.
Fulham and Wigan are the next in the table, and at the bottom there’s Manchester City and Arsenal but 3rd bottom are QPR – who were relegated – and that;s a bit of a surprise.
Here’s the list of long passes attempted last season in the Premier League by each team:
Newcastle 2,283
Fulham 2,131
Wigan 2,047
Everton 2,042
Liverpool 2,041
Tottenham 2,028
Swansea 2,024
Chelsea 2,003
Norwich 1,995
Stoke 1,989
Man United 1,968
Sunderland 1,952
West Ham 1,901
Aston Villa 1,893
West Brom 1,889
Reading 1,855
Southampton 1,826
QPR 1,800
Arsenal 1,755
Man City 1,611
Hopefully the way Newcastle are going to play the game will also have been discussed today in the meeting with owner Mike Ashley – and we should monitor where we are in this league to ensure we are playing good football – and we cut out this hoofing the ball into the penalty box – so to speak.
One of the reasons Sam Allardyce was fired in January, 2008 was for the way he had Newcastle playing – which was too defensively and without any flair at all – and too much of the long ball.
What do you think?
Note – one of our readers Laszlo Csanyi – magpies86@gmail.com – started his own website on Newcastle in Hungary a few years ago – and he is looking for somebody who lives in Newcastle and could provide the website a weekly or monthly article. Laszlo says the Hungarian fans would love to read something from a fan who lives in Newcastle, and he would do the translation – If you are interested please contact Laszlo at magpies86@gmail.com – thanks.
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123 comments so far
yo-yo
May 22, 2013 at 8:21 PM
Comment #41Rotonda
cheer up it might never happen 🙂
yo-yo
May 22, 2013 at 8:22 PM
Comment #42NIT
Where did that one come from ?
jimiley
May 22, 2013 at 8:22 PM
Comment #43At last we have won something.
Keep the faith in Alan and bIg Mike. They have an 8 year plan and I am sure they will succeed. They did not reckon on a few Cisse last minute goals or crucially, QPR gifting us two goals. They have another six goes at it. Think about it.
Harley
May 22, 2013 at 8:22 PM
Comment #44Those figures mean nothing. I’m not saying we play good football but just going off those stats doesn’t mean a thing.
jimiley
May 22, 2013 at 8:23 PM
Comment #45Harley,
It means we play rubbish.
Le Belfast 007
May 22, 2013 at 8:25 PM
Comment #46Think Stoke could be a very good bet for relegation next season. Especially if their new manager comes in and actually tries to play football.
bosamuelson
May 22, 2013 at 8:26 PM
Comment #47@13
have a look here about long pass and long ball, there is a difference these stats do not take into consideration the difference between the two.
I think there would be a whole lot of difference when taken into consideration.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22342118
Big Pappa Cissé
May 22, 2013 at 8:26 PM
Comment #48That stat and the fact we have Players like Marveaux, HBA, Cabaye, Anita, Collocini, M’biwa & Sissoko tells you everything you need to know about Pardew and his tactical knowledge.
The guy is a bum and needs to be replaced. It took him a year to realise Marveaux was talented and can create goals, only to play Gutierrez over him the majority of the time. And as for Anita, he must have been caught at it with Pardew’s missus or he isn’t willing to go the extra mile like Jonas or Tiote (If you know what I’m saying 🙂 ) .
And anyone that thinks Carroll coming back won’t encourage hoofball. We played the most long balls in the league without AC in the team, you think if he comes back Pardew will suddenly change his ways now we have an easier long ball option ? . Wake up and smell the coffee.
northernirishtoon
May 22, 2013 at 8:27 PM
Comment #49Yo-yo
From that Indy fcuker on twitter
He’s praying on us vulnerable nufc fans big time. Playing us like fiddles
toonarmydownsouth
May 22, 2013 at 8:28 PM
Comment #50AMEOBI
He’s basically just saying that he is a decision will be made by Friday lunchtime
northernirishtoon
May 22, 2013 at 8:29 PM
Comment #51Big pappa
Don’t think anyone is saying that
We are going to play it if pards is here no matter what. So if we are going to play hoofball we need to be buying the players that are going to make us effective at doing it cos at the minute we are useless at it
yo-yo
May 22, 2013 at 8:31 PM
Comment #52NIT
Especially corners 🙁
jimiley
May 22, 2013 at 8:32 PM
Comment #53What has Pardew to do to get the sack? Shoot the Queen??
5th top to 5th bottom in a year. Record home defeats, record defensive record, lost half our games, have not scored from a corner for nearly TWO YEARS (training is going well then), play long ball football, scoring a goal a game…… The list goes on and on.
I get it. We need stability. Well we have a crap manager and that means we will continue to have a crap team. I would rather have a good manager and have stability.
Even Stoke have got rid of Pulis and we are even thinking of keeping this clown. Unbelievable.
We do not want to be in the Europa League (Pardews own words), we play reserves in the Cups to ensure Premiership survival. So what are we trying to achieve? Easy. Anything between 4th bottom and 6th. God forbid we got 4th by some miracle because tight wad would have to lay out the dosh. He aint getting any more of my cash. A wee club in the north east. No ambition. Alex F was right again.
Le Belfast 007
May 22, 2013 at 8:33 PM
Comment #54Think Carroll will go to the club who offers the most wages. Plus he seems to be sucking Nolan off, so probably nailed on he’s off to west ham.
low fell mag
May 22, 2013 at 8:34 PM
Comment #55A little concerned as to who the bookies have favourie to replace Pardew if he is to be handed his P45′.
Lee clark would be a sideways step , the wally with the brolly would be a backward step and the man i would like ,Rafa is evens favourite for Monaco position.
Hate to say it ,if the bookies are correct it looks like a catch 22.
Spotlight Kid
May 22, 2013 at 8:37 PM
Comment #56The single most depressing aspect of football this season (even more then long balls) is the way bloody statistics are trotted out on the most irrelevant things. I even find the term ‘assist’ to vaguely unsettling in a USofA type way. It’s now supposed to entertaining ffs.
Football is a team game, the scorer has benefited from a team effort. Did the second last person to touch the ball before the scorer have a half assist…etc, etc? Football has been taken over by dotcom bozos who couldn’t kick a ball between two bloody jumpers, yet think we all should know when was the last time RVP tied his shoelaces, and how long said laces stay fastened on average.
Look above and discover what a successful season QPR had, 3rd bottom of the ‘ball of shame’ league – but rock bottom of the real thing.
Leave stats to Wisden cricket buffs, this is footy so just play the f***** game to win, man!
northernirishtoon
May 22, 2013 at 8:37 PM
Comment #57Yo-yo
I just think we have to be realistic and try a d do what’s best for the team
If pards stays then we should be buying players that are going to suit his style and no more Anita’s etc
So the likes of Carroll (bar the fact that he is so injury prone) probably fits that style perfectly
low fell mag
May 22, 2013 at 8:38 PM
Comment #58Sorry my mistake Rafa is evens favourite fort the PSG job
Le Belfast 007
May 22, 2013 at 8:39 PM
Comment #59This stability lark is the biggest bullshit ever. You could probably count the stable clubs on one hand ffs.
Jesus Christ look at Chelsea.
Even the Mackems. If they had of went down the stability road with O’neil they would of been relegated.
Andymax
May 22, 2013 at 8:40 PM
Comment #60Nice site for rumors etc.
http://indykaila.com/
kevymartins
May 22, 2013 at 8:40 PM
Comment #61@Spotlight just as the league table stats dont lie you can’t denie it…We have been complaining all season Pardews tactics are sh*t all he does is play hoofball and well wouldn’t you know we are top of the long ball list… Pardrew has just said to the team every week just go out there everyone go into the box while rob takes the fk’s from 60 yards out.
brklyngeordie
May 22, 2013 at 8:43 PM
Comment #62Not Pro-Pards or anything but i am confused by people who blame the product on the pitch completely on Pards
I agree that his line-ups are questionable as well as substitutes but when players make decisions with ball at feet or runs that they do/dont make or lack of accuracy on pass or shot how is that his fault? Or when they get injured or lack of fitness?
Idk exactly what the problem is or what needs to be done but players need to take responsibility for there product on pitch if they have any guts
Would any of u still keep him if we finish top 8 next year?
perchy4england
May 22, 2013 at 8:46 PM
Comment #63A mix of player lack of form/pardew’s horrible tactics have cost us this season. Looking forward to next season when the new signings are bedded in, reckon debuchy could be one of the best right backs in the league.
kevymartins
May 22, 2013 at 8:49 PM
Comment #64@Brklyngeordie Those players are on 50k a week. Alot more comes into play that just go out there and play football.I had the stadium tour a while ago and you should have seen the tactics boards in the players dressing room.
Big Pappa Cissé
May 22, 2013 at 8:51 PM
Comment #65@ brklyngeordie
At the end of the day m8 Pardew has final say on what he wants the players to do. It is such a simple fix as well, all he has to do is to tell either Krul , Willo or Collo to pass out from the back instead of clubbing the ball downfield for it to be given back to the opposition 80% of the time.
He obviously doesn’t mind us doing it as nothing has changed in the whole time he has been here. Either that or he is too stubborn (or stupid) to change. Same with corners, knocking it long to Stevie Taylor long just doesn’t work. If you think the players just do that naturally rather than being instructed to than you are kidding yourself.
brklyngeordie
May 22, 2013 at 8:56 PM
Comment #66As for the corners u lot believe that comes down to him? Quality and desire is required how can he give them that?
fergies left foot
May 22, 2013 at 8:56 PM
Comment #67can’t take anymore of the “anita is too weak for the pl”. yes he gets shrugged of the ball sometimes but always puts a foot in! he could have been a revelation this season, look at leon britton against swansea. flashes of pure iniesta-esque brilliance. just think what laudrup could do with a trio of anita-cabaye-marveux. it’s just too sophisticated for pardew. fact. thought anita made a good impact last sunday
Novocastrian66
May 22, 2013 at 8:56 PM
Comment #68Stability is all well and good as long as the incumbent manager is any good. If they’re rubbish they’ve got to go. How long do you stick with a manager?
woodsee
May 22, 2013 at 9:02 PM
Comment #69Everybody keeps saying Carroll wants to come back,except Carroll
Big Pappa Cissé
May 22, 2013 at 9:04 PM
Comment #70@ fergies left foot
Exactly m8. Try telling that to:
Cazorla,Wilshire,Mata,Silva,Hazard,Oscar,Dyer.
Its just an excuse, and not a very good one at that.
toonarmydownsouth
May 22, 2013 at 9:04 PM
Comment #71Woodsee
Exactly mate, never even once
Abu Qatada - more popular in Europe (and lasted longer) than Pardew
May 22, 2013 at 9:06 PM
Comment #72Sick of hearing all the complaints and miserable people waiting on Pardew being rightfully sacked so I went looking for something to cheer me up! Came across these quote some I’ve heard before but still raise a smile. Whats the best/funniest qoute you’ve heard please no Pardew quotes he’s taking over peoples lives!
25. Phil Neville – The Brazilians were South American, and the Ukranians will be more European.
24. Lawrie McMenemy – When you are 4-0 up you should never lose 7-1.
23. Terry Venables – If history repeats itself, I should think we can expect the same thing.
22. Ian Rush – I couldn’t settle in Italy, it was like living in a foreign country.
21. Barry Venison – I always used to put my right boot on first, and then obviously my right sock.
20. Ruud Gullit – We must have had 99 per cent of the match. It was the other three per cent that cost us.
19. Paul Gascoigne – I’ve had 14 bookings this season – 8 of which were my fault, but 7 of which were disputable.
18. Glenn Hoddle – When a player gets to 30, so does his body.
17. Bryan Robson – It wasn’t going to be our day on the night.
16. David Coleman – If that had gone in, it would have been a goal.
15. Alan Green – It was the game that put the Everton ship back on the road.
14. Ugo Ehiogu – I’m as happy as I can be – but I have been happier.
13. Kevin Keegan – Argentina won’t be at Euro 2000 because they’re from South America.
12. Alan Ball – I don’t believe in luck… but I do believe you need it.
11. Mark Viduka – I would not be bothered if we lost every game as long as we won the league.
10. Tom Ferrie – Dumbarton player Steve McCahill has limped off with a badly cut forehead.
9. Vinnie Jones – Winning doesn’t really matter as long as you win.
8. Stuart Pearce – I can see the carrot at the end of the tunnel.
7. Peter Jones – Sporting Lisbon in their green and white hoops, looking like a team of zebras.
6. Jonathan Woodgate – Leeds is a great club and it’s been my home for years, even though I live in Middlesbrough.
5. Ron Atkinson – Well, Clive, it’s all about the two M’s – movement and positioning.
4. Metro Radio – Julian Dicks is everywhere. It’s like they’ve got eleven Dicks on the field.
3. Mark Draper – I’d like to play for an Italian club, like Barcelona.
2. David Beckham – I definitely want Brooklyn to be christened, but I don’t know into what religion yet.
1. Ron Greenwood – Playing with wingers is more effective against European sides like Brazil, than English sides like Wales.
Hobs
May 22, 2013 at 9:06 PM
Comment #73I hate the way we play. We retain posession in our own half, but as soon as the ball is in the opponents half it’s long against Cisse. All the defence has to do is fall back, and our threat is eliminized.
Why are we playing 4-2-3-1 with no technical amc? Our wingers are either too high up when we defend, and too deep when we play long balls to Cisse.
We’re unable to retain posession in the opposite half. We don’t counter attack any more. Jonas holds up the ball until the opponent have organized their defence.
When we score it’s either a one man acheivement or a mistake by the opponent. There is so much negativity about our play, I could go on for ever.
The worst thing is that the players actually seem to try to play well. Last time when we got relegated it looked more like eveyone had given up. Now it seems they’re trying hard for something that just doesn’t work.
We have good players of international ability now. But I think we need to upgrade the manager.
kevymartins
May 22, 2013 at 9:06 PM
Comment #74@Fergies LF Anita was putting balls through ”ARSENALS” defense like a knife going through butter.
fergies left foot
May 22, 2013 at 9:07 PM
Comment #75sorry, against wigan that is
Big Pappa Cissé
May 22, 2013 at 9:09 PM
Comment #76@ woodsee
Tell me about it. The guy has already jumped ship once and never actually been quoted as saying he wants to come back to Newcastle.
“But he is from Gateshead and loves the Toon”
In reality – He is already shacked up with Nolan in London and can fall off as many bar stools as he likes for all I care. Good player but worth nowhere near £15 million, let alone 35.
kevymartins
May 22, 2013 at 9:13 PM
Comment #77@Fergies left foot the reason for the ”ARSENAL” is there defense has been solid ever since the swapped out vermallen for metersacker to pair up with koscielny and for the we man to come off the bench and put through balls open them up like a can of beans well…
Ravensd
May 22, 2013 at 9:14 PM
Comment #78to be fair it would be stupid for Carroll to issue a come get me plea, as it would be a spit in the face of hammers fans, so much better to have ‘sources’ hint at the idea than to potentially alienate yourself from your backup team’s fans
Goodfella
May 22, 2013 at 9:15 PM
Comment #79@72
Love the garza quote
Goodfella
May 22, 2013 at 9:16 PM
Comment #80Garza= gazza 🙂