Steve McClaren was not pleased that Massadio Haidara was sent off after 65 minutes – when the tackle wasn’t that bad – and after all it’s a pre-season friendly.
That’s two 1-0 wins in our first three pre-season games, but the results don’t mean much – except when you win.
🙂
We did have luck on our side and Sacramento Republic looked a good side who played some good football right from the first whistle.
Georginio Wijnaldum in action last night – played for 20 minutes
This is what McClaren told the Chronicle after the game:
“It’s a pre-season friendly.” “There was no malice in the challenge, he wasn’t looking at the man he was looking at the ball.”
“It looked bad because he clashed with the opponent.” “It was a rash challenge and a rash red card.”
“It was disappointing but it made our boys work harder in the last 20 minutes.” “I thought Sacramento were very good.”
“We watched the game against Sunderland and thought: ‘This won’t be an easy game’.”
“They had good ability, they played good football and the coach has done a great job to play how they do.”
“We had difficulties in the first half. We were too deep and had no tempo.” “We were decent on the ball in the second half and pressed a little better and got the goal.”
“We had ten men after an unbelievable decision. But we kept the ball well.”
That’s a good summary from Steve, and we thought the lads did well when they went down to 10 men, and played some possession football.
You cannot accuse our lads of not fighting for the ball, and there’s good evidence the team spirit is getting back to where it should be after least season’s disaster.
Rolando Aarons again looked sprightly when he came on for those last 20 minutes and Wijnaldum tasted his first action for Newcastle.
Newcastle ares till trying to get some rhythm in their game – which is not unusual for pre-season.
In case you didn’t know – just by chance – Sunderland were beaten 1-0 at Bonney Field earlier this week and played in front of a half empty stadium.
You can watch the whole game with American commentary.
Comments welcome.
51 comments so far
Lee Charnley Bunga Party
Jul 19, 2015 at 10:20 AM
Comment #1Its going to take Mclaren a while to get the team playing the way he needs to it took Pochettino about 3 months to get Southampton fully adapted to his pressing style and that was during the season when the players will be fit !
On the same note Spurs never really adapted until he started playing the youngsters the senior “stars” never bought into it which I feel we may get a bit of that with Cisse and Sissoko who sometimes look like they cant be bothered you cant do that in a pressing team !
Obertan , Gouffran , Sissoko , Tiote , Colo and Cisse are our experienced core and they are the ones that let us down and cant be bothered a lot of the time their attitudes are going to have to change or need shipped out , Williamson and Taylor are poor technically but they do give 100% every time they are on the pitch !
A mixture of Dutch , Spanish and English players would be the best combination for hard work ethic and passing ability
rowly
Jul 19, 2015 at 10:26 AM
Comment #2Krul
Janmaat mbemba abdennour haidara
Sissoko wijnaldum
Xaqiri de Jong cabella
Mitrovic
???
Slank
Jul 19, 2015 at 10:26 AM
Comment #3check the toastie
I agree with you that De Jong looks off the pace and Perez deserves a place but surely what De Jong needs is as much game time as possible and as such will need to start every pre-season game even if it means Perez doesn’t get as much time on the pitch. The big question is how much game time ?
The way the midfield is shaping up now it looks like Colback, Anita and Wijnaldum.
Lilongwe Geordie
Jul 19, 2015 at 10:27 AM
Comment #4Cestria,
He will play Anita over Tiote I think. Tiote wasn’t a key member of McClaren’s Twente side. He was more often than not a sub. I think McClaren would be happy to sell Tiote to free up funds and a squad spot if someone came in for him.
Anita suits how McClaren wants them to play, and he is the only midfielder with the intelligence to know how to cover our full backs when they push on. That is going to be key as our full backs seem our best option for providing width on both flanks. Abeid could possibly come in and play that role, but I doubt the defensive positioning comes to him as naturally as it does Anita.
cyprus
Jul 19, 2015 at 10:29 AM
Comment #5Hard to comment after a friendly and so soon. We were relatively comfortable, throughout, though we aren’t getting enough attacking chances.
It appears that Anita, Colback, Siss, SDJ, will be important this year. Anita was very comfortable, as was Colback. Siss will be taking inititative going forward. SDJ seems a clever player, though not sure he’s fit enough to play full games.
Aarons was impressive, and Perez must somewhow fitted in permanently, along with Mitro.
The team needs work, but early days, was ok. No idea how bad (or good) Sacramento is…
Lilongwe Geordie
Jul 19, 2015 at 10:29 AM
Comment #6Slank,
I’d like to see Perez get game time on the right side. Leave Sissoko out and play Perez, Cisse (Mitro???), and Aarons as the attacking trio with De Jong slotting in behind.
If Mitro ever signs, the idea of him, Aarons, Perez and Arma after a few years of good development is pretty exciting and offers something of everything going forward.
Rotonda heights
Jul 19, 2015 at 10:30 AM
Comment #7would much rather pay 15M for abdennour than austin. so refreshing that we really do seem to be going for quality now.
Mitrovic, m’bemba and abdennour would be insane and when was the last time anyone priorotised our defence for change!
sparky55
Jul 19, 2015 at 10:31 AM
Comment #8Maclaren is already making his mark…we’re playing possession football which is why players like Anita will be so much better and will play more under Maclaren
Hiadara looks good, Janmaat is a solid as you can get, our central defenders are pants but we all know that, SDJ, Arrons look very good, can’t see Tiote or Sissoko staying…just don’t see where they sit in Maclarens system, Winjy is class, and the rest will simply improve under better coaching…so all in all I’m confident we can threaten 7th
Lilongwe Geordie
Jul 19, 2015 at 10:32 AM
Comment #9On Adbennour, I’d like one or the other from him and Mbemba. Both are international starters and while it isn’t an issue this season, the following year they will both be off to the AFCON for 4-6weeks.
ShirebrookToon
Jul 19, 2015 at 10:32 AM
Comment #10Lilongwe totally agree on Anita
Slank
Jul 19, 2015 at 10:35 AM
Comment #11Lil
I’m hoping that the penny has dropped for Anita in that he now knows that the performance during the last game of last season has to be his benchmark for this season.
The only challenge to him is if McClaren favours De Jong in midfield alongside Colback (who could be captain) and Wijnaldum.
I agree that Anita looks the type of player that McClaren favours. Neat and tidy on the ball, Good passer of the ball. Rarely wastes a pass. And covers a lot of ground and is not afraid to get stuck in, especially for a little chap.
Lilongwe Geordie
Jul 19, 2015 at 10:39 AM
Comment #12Slank,
Neither Colback or De Jong can do the role Anita performs though. I think Colback is more under threat then Anita in the system McClaren has been using so far in pre season.
Still, it provides a good problem for McClaren, and to have more players that fit the system gives us greater options when players are off form.
Slank
Jul 19, 2015 at 10:42 AM
Comment #13Lil @ 6
I can see us cashing in on selling Sissoko with Perez effortlessly slotting into the right wing.
Perez has more ability than Sissoko. Sissoko is good at running at people but Perez has the greater close ball control and is more adept at taking on opponents.
JDdubai
Jul 19, 2015 at 10:43 AM
Comment #14Think Aarons-Mitrovic-Perez needs to be the front 3 for Soton.
Hopefully with SDJ and Wijnaldum we have a goal threat from midfield for once also.
Would be happy with either/both Abdennour and Mbemba although in a dram world Id take Shawcross as captain, never happen mind.
And if Shaqiri is for sale then i cant believe we dont go in for him, especially as our pursuit of Thauvin shows we are actively looking for a wide player. 12m from stoke was accepted wasnt it? Offer Sissoko and 5m, give him Sissoko’s ages plus 30k on top.
god im dreaming again…
LewSpi v2.0
Jul 19, 2015 at 10:44 AM
Comment #15Lil @12
Completely agree
Lilongwe Geordie
Jul 19, 2015 at 10:44 AM
Comment #16Nothing to do with us, but I’d be very disappointed to see Patrick Roberts leave Fulham for Man City. He would be far better off remaining at Fulham, or moving to a club who can give him more game time if Fulham need to sell.
cyprus
Jul 19, 2015 at 10:47 AM
Comment #17Sissoko bashing so early? ;0)
I think he will be pivotal to this team’s CL challenge. Along with the CF.
optimistic prime
Jul 19, 2015 at 10:47 AM
Comment #18Plenty of Sunday league tactics from Sacramento, few elbows flying.
Haven’t read the blog yet due to watching the match this morning but did anyone notice the toon players all had something down there tops?
Around the collar at back they all had something mobile phone size there, gps tracker or heart rate monitor?
Shame Hyadra went off as I’d like to have seen Aaron’s further foward with Perez.
Not bad for pre season.
Slank
Jul 19, 2015 at 10:48 AM
Comment #19Lil @ 12
Here I differ with you.
I think Colback is nearer to the role that Anita plays (and is good at) than De Jong.
At the moment De Jong doesn’t appear to have the stamina that both Colback and Anita have and need for their roles.
I can envisage three in midfield as Colback, Wijnaldum and Anita.
Lilongwe Geordie
Jul 19, 2015 at 10:48 AM
Comment #20Slank,
I don’t see Sissoko fitting in. He looked like a fish out of water for most of last nights game, and the one he thing he occasionally offered us last season, his driving runs from midfield, will be replaced by Wijnaldum who has far more ability to use the ball once getting forward.
If he did go I’d expect a wide forward – Berahinho – or an out and out winger to be bought. He shouldn’t be sold without a player arriving who can push for a starting spot.
BandB
Jul 19, 2015 at 10:50 AM
Comment #21Mitrovic, Perez and possibly Aarons supported by Wijnaldum are the players to pull defenders about and unlock defences with pass and move football.
I do wish we had Ben Arfa still.
So much of what he played with after Ba left was players like Gouffran and Cisse standing about like statues.
Perez had a breakthrough season. He is a player.
I’d like to think Aarons now has a breakthrough season too.
WLtoon
Jul 19, 2015 at 10:50 AM
Comment #22I dont think De Jong will be quite good enough but ive seen enough of Anita lately to have him in the starting line up for Southampton.
Our game now is all about posession and he is a good passer.
I think our focus now tho should be 2 CBs,so with that, how close are we to signing Mbembe?
magpiesi
Jul 19, 2015 at 10:50 AM
Comment #23I think we need a cb with premiership expierance to slot in with a new cb from another league.
Collo isn’t going to be ready s o season fitness wise,
Willo/Taylor the expieranced guys who could play but expect one at least to be gone by end of the window.
I think he will have someone in mind rumours it’s Tomkins of whu but we will have to wait a few weeks into the season to see who doesn’t get games for thier teams.
Ron Vlaar is another but he needs to be brought in now to get match fit.
Lilongwe Geordie
Jul 19, 2015 at 10:52 AM
Comment #24Slank,
Sorry, I think you misunderstood me. I don’t think either Colback or De Jong can play the role Anita does. I think Colback is more of the driving force in the trio at the minute, which I see being the role Wijnaldum is more likely to cover in this side.
So I’d see it as Anita shielding the back line and allowing the full backs to push on, with Wijnaldum and De Jong in midfield but with De Jong operating in the more advanced role.
It would have been far easier if I’d just said Wijnaldum comes in for Colback…..
BandB
Jul 19, 2015 at 10:55 AM
Comment #25I would prefer Sissoko, De Jong and Colback not to be automatic starters.
While by no means rubbish, they smack to me of players bought for a style of play for which the time has passed.
WWSBRD
Jul 19, 2015 at 10:58 AM
Comment #26magpiesi
I don’t think Vlaar’s match fitness would be an issue he’s out injured until next year mate
Lilongwe Geordie
Jul 19, 2015 at 10:58 AM
Comment #27BandB,
I disagree on De Jong. I think he would be quite comfortable playing in the style McClaren seems to be implementing. It is similar to the style he played in at Ajax.
Not sure for Colback, I still think he could be a decent squad player, and can do a job in our midfield, but he should never be viewed as an automatic first choice. It is a damning indictment of our squad last season that he was head and shoulders above the rest of our midfield.
hibbit
Jul 19, 2015 at 11:00 AM
Comment #28WL toon for the first time in years our MF has player to suit ever game and your dismissing them
optimistic prime
Jul 19, 2015 at 11:02 AM
Comment #29The commentary was cracking, those to have a future with channel 5..
Great save by Woodward eh Goodman sorry Woodman, lol
Cracking finish from their defender also, Dunne would have been proud with that one.
WWSBRD
Jul 19, 2015 at 11:03 AM
Comment #30BandB
Bit harsh on de Jong no? He came from Ajax and barely played for us so never got into any rhythm of how we played under Pards and Carver
It was meant to be quite the coup when we signed him, I wouldn’t be shocked (if he stays fit that is) if he became a big player for us
BandB
Jul 19, 2015 at 11:04 AM
Comment #31Lil
True….I’m thinking of the unfit lump I’ve seen so far.
Clearly he needs to get fit and pick up his pace, and there’s time for that.
How do you see Cabella fitting in to a first choice eleven?
Slank
Jul 19, 2015 at 11:04 AM
Comment #32hibbit @ 28
I think you must have misread / misunderstood what WLtoon said.
I agree with WLtoon in that, as it stands today and granted things might change, De Jong may not be good enough for he Southampton game but Anita will.
Mr Funk
Jul 19, 2015 at 11:07 AM
Comment #33Has anyone read the review of the game on nufc.com. They are not happy at all – generally saying it was dross and boring football
BandB
Jul 19, 2015 at 11:08 AM
Comment #34I’ve read it.
They don’t seem convinced, do they?
Slank
Jul 19, 2015 at 11:10 AM
Comment #35BandB @ 31
Sadly, I don’t know where Cabella would fit in when fit.
In the pecking order of effectiveness I would say he is behind Aarons, Perez and Sissoko. He is almost certainly ahead of Goufran and Obertan but that isn’t saying much !
Lilongwe Geordie
Jul 19, 2015 at 11:13 AM
Comment #36BandB,
Yeah, De Jong needs to prove his fitness and get up to speed. Hopefully he will, as he could become a very important player for us. Clever, can pick a pass and get goals. Exactly what we missed in the attacking midfield role last season.
No idea with Cabella, he is out until mid September according to something I read last week. Not sure how accurate that is, but if that is the case then he could really struggle. He wasn’t on speed with the Prem last year, and really needed a good pre season to be ready for this year.
If Aarons and /or De Jong stays fit then he surely is just a back up for now, which will mean he continues to struggle to adapt. I think he is replaceable, but I doubt he will go as it will leave too much rebuilding work for this window.
optimistic prime
Jul 19, 2015 at 11:13 AM
Comment #37I’ve always been a fan if Anita just thought our style of play never suited him.
I’d expect us to play a flexible 4231 which van turn into a 4411 or 433
———-Anita—–Windi—-
Perez——SDJ———Aaron’s
————–Mitrovic———
I see us setting up like that depending on new editions, maybe Sissoko on one wing. Depends who we get in, that would be my starters.
magpiesi
Jul 19, 2015 at 11:14 AM
Comment #38For a winger I wouldn’t mind Kevin Mirrales from Everton he’s fast can play left or right has a free kick and scores goals. Could get him for 8-12 m, spurs were linked with him last season but they couldn’t off load Lamela,Dembele,or Townsend.
LewSpi v2.0
Jul 19, 2015 at 11:15 AM
Comment #39Lil
You’re doing all my posting here for me, agree with your views on the midfield entirely.
—————-Krul—————-
Janmaat—-CB–CB—-Haidara
—————Anita—————-
——-De Jong—Wijnaldum—-
——Perez–Mitrovic–Aarons–
With de Jong more of an attacking role, Wijnaldum box to box, and Anita the link between defence and midfield.
optimistic prime
Jul 19, 2015 at 11:16 AM
Comment #40I thought SDJ had stayed over summer to work on his fitness like Aaron’s.