Newcastle drew this game 0-0, but Geordie fans will be asking how Yoan Gouffran didn’t score from four yards out two minutes into injury time, as a beautiful cross come shot from Sammy Ameobi came off the inside of the far post, to the Frenchmen, but he somehow managed to to poke the ball over the bar from one yard out – an unbelievable late miss by Newcastle that could have brough us a very welocme 3 points.
Ben Arfa in action this afternoon
That will be the big talking point in this game which went through a dismal first half with both sides trying to get into the game, but the second half was better, with Moussa Sissoko, Vurnon Anita and Ben Arfa being Newcastle three best players.
And then when Sammy Ameobi was introduced in the second half, he provided some skill and movement down the left wing, and made some excellent moves, including the late cross which should have been converted by substitute Gouffran.
West Ham also had their chances to win this game, as left winger Matt Jarvis seemed to have the beating of Newcastle right back Mathieu Debuchy, and it seems the Frenchman is exposed by any winger with speed – that’s not good.
Ben Arfa tried hard to create something for the Newcastle team, and both Moussa Sissoko and Vurnon Anita had good games in central midfield for the Magpies today, with Sissoko making some great surging runs.
So we suppose Yohan Cabaye wasn’t missed – but what’s going on with this guy – that he doesn’t play in the first two games of the season?
We thought that was his job. 🙁
And we suppose a 0-0 draw gave Alan Pardew a few things to take out of the game that were positive – but Newcastle were no threat at all up front, and we must get some striker(s) in during this last week of the transfer window.
Vurnon Anita – had solid game today
And Newcastle could also have lost this game after 89 minutes then former transfer target Modibo Maiga had the ball in the back of the net, but he was ruled offside by the linesman’s assistant – that was close.
It was a decent second half display by Newcastle, after a lackluster first half display by both sides, but this game could have gone either way, and we’re sure West Ham fans thought they should have won the game near the end too.
But with Yoan Gouffran getting the best chance of the match with just one minute to go in added time, we missed out on two points today, and also missed out on the confidence a lucky win could have given the team.
But on the other hand a 0-0 draw gives us a clean sheet – and a point, and at least it wasn’t another defeat – that was the good news today.
Teams:
Newcastle United (4-4-2): Tim Krul; Mathieu Debuchy, Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa, Fabricio Coloccini (c), Davide Santon; Hatem Ben Arfa, Vurnon Anita, Moussa Sissoko, Sylvain Marveaux (Sammy Ameobi 66); Shola Ameobi, Papiss Cisse (Yoan Gouffran 72)
Subs not used: Rob Elliot, Paul Dummett, Dan Gosling, Gael Bigirimana, Haris Vuckic
West Ham (4-2-3-1): Jussi Jaaskelainen; Guy Demel, James Collins, Winston Reid, Joey O’Brien; Mark Noble, Mohamed Diame (Ravel Morrison 75); Matt Jarvis, Kevin Nolan (c), Stewart Downing (Joe Cole 64); Modibo Maiga
Subs not used: Adrian, Razvan Rat, James Tomkins, Alou Diarra, Ricardo Vaz Te
Referee: Phil Dowd
Comments welcome.
56 comments so far
89Norcal
Aug 24, 2013 at 5:04 PM
Comment #1MOTM is obviously Shola
NUFCarter
Aug 24, 2013 at 5:05 PM
Comment #2Buckluck
Agreed. its history that is all. a top 5 finish under this regime is impossible.
nufc_eire
Aug 24, 2013 at 5:05 PM
Comment #3Statisticians Opta: 14 – Newcastle had 14 shots off target without any on target today, something no other Premier League team has done in the past eight seasons. Wayward.
Slank
Aug 24, 2013 at 5:05 PM
Comment #4Report
Was Anita and Sissoko pairing as good, worse or better than Tiote and Cabaye, although if the latter is off it may seem a pointless question.
Your Views ?
Wiz
Aug 24, 2013 at 5:05 PM
Comment #5You can’t blame Gouffran. You might as well blame Sammy for hitting the post. I blame Ashley. He is a tiresome slob and an autistic bastard.
nufc1984
Aug 24, 2013 at 5:05 PM
Comment #6And the records just keep getting broken!!
Apparently no other side in PL has ever had 14 shots on goal and none on target. Well done pards, another unwanted record. Its like they make them for us to break them!!
Toon Tang
Aug 24, 2013 at 5:05 PM
Comment #7was the sitter not offside?
Thump
Aug 24, 2013 at 5:06 PM
Comment #8Collins had the game of his life tonight. Easily man of the match.
hugotoon
Aug 24, 2013 at 5:06 PM
Comment #9Shola Ameobi would struggle to make the Gateshead XI, how does he have a footballing contract?!
Thump
Aug 24, 2013 at 5:06 PM
Comment #10@Toon Tang: Nope. He was played on.
Spuggy
Aug 24, 2013 at 5:06 PM
Comment #11Difficult chance for goofy, came quick and higher than you’d like – was a reaction strike if anything.
Drop Cisse when a striker is brought in (yes im in hope) and play with Remy, then use Cisse as a sub until he finds his feet again, or we can get quality delivery into the box.
daztoon
Aug 24, 2013 at 5:06 PM
Comment #12@slank
I thought Anita and Sissoko looked far better and move the ball so much quicker than the static Cabs and Tiote
gorgonzola ( former Pecorino former to gorgonzola)
Aug 24, 2013 at 5:07 PM
Comment #13a bit unfair in my eyes…. he did not expect it at all….but a miss none the less..
Pardew out Ashley out JFK out…..
truly woeful two games 0 goals 0 shots on target….second game…
NUFCarter
Aug 24, 2013 at 5:07 PM
Comment #14Ameobi absolutely bullied West Hams defence, he was like a breath of fresh air all match.
kevymartins
Aug 24, 2013 at 5:07 PM
Comment #15What has this asshole said after the match? ”I thought we played exceptionally well especially shola ameobi”
Wiz
Aug 24, 2013 at 5:07 PM
Comment #16Slank … neither Anita nor Sissoko can be played in their best positions for as long as the competition is so poor. And in any event neither Anita nor Sissoko is the best player in the position they consider their best. Anita is ludicrously overrated, and Sissoko is a very good player who is not being properly coached.
Spuggy
Aug 24, 2013 at 5:07 PM
Comment #17Anita and Sissoko holding, and Cabaye in front (if he returns).
xfer
Aug 24, 2013 at 5:07 PM
Comment #18Someone please point out to AP we have 16 attempts (10 must be from long range), 0 shots on target!!!
At home, against West Ham, we have to do alot better.
We cant even pass the football. Wheres the pass and move AP promised in pre-season. What i’m seeing is us passing, defenders moving, not us.
wolfshead@toon
Aug 24, 2013 at 5:08 PM
Comment #19turkish
yes they will depressing isnt it
gorgonzola ( former Pecorino former to gorgonzola)
Aug 24, 2013 at 5:09 PM
Comment #20only positive for me today was that Anita and Cissoko where far more dynamic and pressuring than a slower Cabaye and an even slower Tiote…
I still cant believe Pardew is not sacked…. I just cant…
Goodfella
Aug 24, 2013 at 5:09 PM
Comment #21Alladyce
Toon1978
Aug 24, 2013 at 5:09 PM
Comment #2260 million sky money. Where is it Pards? Have the balls to ask Ashley or walk you coward!
Wiz
Aug 24, 2013 at 5:09 PM
Comment #23Kinnear not present today. Neither was Ashley. I wonder if they are discussing urgently needed new signings? I wonder if they are both pissed?
hugotoon
Aug 24, 2013 at 5:09 PM
Comment #2414 – Please say you’re being sarcastic…
gorgonzola ( former Pecorino former to gorgonzola)
Aug 24, 2013 at 5:09 PM
Comment #25kevymartins
you have GOT to be joking?
Ruddy Marveaux-lous
Aug 24, 2013 at 5:10 PM
Comment #26Must say I had the pleasure of not having been subjected to the abysmal performance that by all accounts, was rolled out today.
How did Anita and Marveaux play? Well enough to keep Tiote and Jonas out of the team?
wolfshead@toon
Aug 24, 2013 at 5:10 PM
Comment #27slank
would the rest of the team be happy if cabs came back if he doesnt get sold
89Norcal
Aug 24, 2013 at 5:10 PM
Comment #28@Rotonda
He can be insufferable in the post match interviews. I’ll give his hate brigade THAT at least.
@JP
Not what I’m saying at all man. As usual, people are twisting words and fabricating things on this blog!
I’m just saying if we’re talking about THIS game, Shola did more than most the team. But no one wants to hear that because it would mean he’s a guaranteed starter next week.
I’ve criticized Shola as much as most here, but I’ll give him a bit of credit. Cisse is obviously better but can never get a decent pass.
Ketsbaia9
Aug 24, 2013 at 5:10 PM
Comment #29Thought Anita was awesome today. Marveaux should never have gone off. We’re never going to score with him not on the pitch. We still need 6 new players.
Goodfella
Aug 24, 2013 at 5:10 PM
Comment #30Sorry
Alladyce gutted they didn’t get the three points they deserved.
bobby mango
Aug 24, 2013 at 5:11 PM
Comment #31Spuggy – completely agree. Said this throughout last season when we had Ba. Cisse should’ve been an impact sub in big matches and started in the cups, until he found form.
Last season Pardew kept playing him wide right, destroying him. Since we sold Ba we’ve had no alternative but to play him, yet he offers nothing except being a poacher.
Was at the Fulham game today. Was dubious whether Bent would be a good signing for us, answer is he offers so much more than Cisse. He movement and pace aren’t as good but he can retain possession with a simple pass. He’s not great but better than what we have.
arkbuster
Aug 24, 2013 at 5:11 PM
Comment #32should have subbed cisse first marveux was making some good passes, with the bit of extra pace gouffran brought might have seen a goal
Jamiemac
Aug 24, 2013 at 5:11 PM
Comment #33My team is cabs doesn’t leave (4-3-3)
Krul
Santon-MBiwa-Colo-Dummett
Sissoko-Anita
Cabs
Benny-Remy-New LW
Transfer Sage
Aug 24, 2013 at 5:11 PM
Comment #34I think we were ok today. Neither side did enough to win it, only two good chances, Nolan and Gouffran. Both missed so 0-0 sums it up.
We still struggled to create and I think HBA was too impatient with shooting too often. We need the pace of remy in the side and another option up top as both shola an cisse look off the pace currently, both taking top much time and struggling to control it.
I genuinely believe with a striker and winger (ideally a new CB to push today’s pairing) we could really move up a level. Not champs league but look like a safe top ten side and maybe even challenge for 7th.
I have seen enough today for me to say I’m happier with pardew, he’s obviously not perfect but to me it looks like he is trying to evolve a bit and learn to get the assig going better.
nufcursed
Aug 24, 2013 at 5:12 PM
Comment #35sissoko wasn’t that good he struggles with the pace of the prem and isn’t technically very good!
for me the players that played well today (and should be in next game’s line-up)
gouffran
santon
anita
maybe marveaux as well
all the rest were very mediocre at best
debuchy is too slow
colo: reasonable game
mbiwa: as well
sissoko: reasonable but will struggle against better teams
ben arfa: not effective at all, though he threatens, which other players don’t
sammy: same as HBA
shola: absolutely useless!
cissé: needs to practise technique, passing, controlling, vision,…
so lots of work to do!
Wiz
Aug 24, 2013 at 5:12 PM
Comment #36Spuggy … neither Anita nor Sissoko can tackle. How could either of them be a DM? Tiote and Sissoko should be in the middle, with Sissoko going up and down, linking play with Ben Arfa, playing behind Shola and Cisse. I would play Ferguson on the wing.
boater
Aug 24, 2013 at 5:12 PM
Comment #37Cisse and Shola didn’t have one solitary chance today between them- that’s not a problem with the finishing, but the supply line brainiacs.
Shola won his headers, put a couple players through – more contribution than Cisse. Ben Arfa huffed and puffed but failed to whip a ball in despite 10 opportunities from wide positions. Anita tidy but lacks presence, Marveaux the same. Sissoko is the makeweight here – offers little, but that could change.
Santon played well – as did Sammi. We were purposeful down the left in the last 25 minutes.
colwell
Aug 24, 2013 at 5:12 PM
Comment #38We have now gone 5 prem games without a goal, that is the signs of a team who will no doubt be fighting relegation.
NUFCarter
Aug 24, 2013 at 5:13 PM
Comment #39Positives.,,,
Clean sheet
Defence played well at most times.
Patient on the ball for once (until final third)
Negatives…
16 shots 0 on target
Shite in the final third
Poor decisions
Ameobi is horse shite
Pardew made poor substitutes yet again.
Cisse was where???
Frustrating display all round.
papattack
Aug 24, 2013 at 5:13 PM
Comment #40KETS
now tell me how amazing marveaux is and that he should be starting every week after that performance.
on the bright side anita showed hes decent with sissoko in midfield. tatcically though we were terrible, we desperately need wingers and another striker.
benny looks like a number 10 or a wide player in 4-3-3 formation. so jealous watching west ham with jarvis. he’s the type of player we need.