After the game on Saturday at the Liberty Stadium, it was disappointing to come away with a 2-0 defeat, but in truth we were very lucky to get away with that scoreline.
It could (should?) have been a much bigger defeat after Daryl Janmaat was sent off after 41 minutes for two yellows cards for fouls against the star of the game – Ecuadorian left-winger Jefferson Montero.
Daryl Janmaat chops down Montero – again
The game was too much like the games we had under John Carver, where the players seemed frustrated and undisciplined (and outplayed), and at least Daryl Janmaat on Saturday lost his head and once we were down to 10 men the game was essentially over.
And the other big negative on Saturday was that Moussa Sissoko had to come off at half time with a groin injury, and we are yet to know just how bad that injury is.
Moussa has looked very good in pre-season.
Steven Taylor came on in the second half and Chancel Mbemba, who was our Man of the Match, went to right back – and that could well be what happens when we play at Old Trafford on Saturday, in the early kick-off game.
This is what Steven has said today:
“We are trying hard to get our first win of the season and there is no shortage of confidence from the players.”
“We went to Swansea believing we could win the game and had a game plan to do it but unfortunately Swansea played better than us – we have to accept that and take it on the chin.”
“All we can do is move on and we have a massive week ahead of us, it is important we get down to the training ground, get grafting and look forward to the Manchester United game.”
“Old Trafford is a great place to play and hopefully it can inspire us to do something pretty special.”
It was the proverbial bad day at the office for Newcastle and before Daryl was sent off we did look like we were getting back into the game.
What Newcastle must show now is a lot more fortitude at Old Trafford on Saturday, and we’ll see if we can compete – which we didn’t do at the Liberty Stadium last Saturday.
Swansea were just too good for us.
What do you think?
Comments welcome.
148 comments so far
JAMSHA
Aug 18, 2015 at 1:28 PM
Comment #121gufo is decent ..good for backup
Bobbybee
Aug 18, 2015 at 1:32 PM
Comment #122Our toon, what makes you think that the protests made that much difference? Hear me out. Ashley is not my favourite person, as you can tell by my reference to him being a knacker, but in reality he did say he had a five year plan to stabilise the club financially. That five years wasn’t when he first arrived, I believe it was 2009 (?) when he made that statement. According to him, he’s done that now and that’s why he changed tack. As you rightly say, we are an advertisement for Sportsdirect.com, whether we like it or not – just as Arsenal are for Emirates, city etc. That’s modern football I’m afraid. Look how the PL treat us? Or Sky, I should add. Bournemouth, changed from 3 oclock to 12.45. That’s not for our benefit, it’s for sky. They run it now and we don’t matter to them. Or why would they make it so difficult to follow our team on such a monumental trek? Football isn’t what I grew up with anymore. It’s evolving all the time and not, I hasten to add, always for the better. Is it better than 10k crowds at SJP? You bet it is. Is it better than when fans went to games EXPECTING a ruck? Of course it is; you can go with the whole family now. Is the atmosphere better? Nowhere near sadly. I’d love to see safe standing in a designated singing section to whip up the atmosphere. Not for me, I can’t stand for 90 mins with my knackered legs, but for those I know would love it and to increase the atmosphere. How many who don’t go watch some sort of derivative of Sky? How much of that goes into Ashley’s pocket? More than what ST holders contribute, that’s for sure. The more money dominates football, the more greedy owners will be attracted. We’re far from being unique mate, this is happening nationwide.
jayphoto
Aug 18, 2015 at 1:33 PM
Comment #123Sunderland are proper doomed.
Surprised Advocaat took it on for a season. He could have left as a folklore legend and surely it was obvious to most that over the course of a season they are going to be found wanted. At his age I would have avoided the season of stress. Odd appointment aswell because Sunderland need someone to put the long term work in over 3,4,5 seasons. Advocaat is 68 next month….its hardly an age to be the long term solution. He’s only done more than 2 seasons at a club a couple of times in his whole career
Ibizatoon
Aug 18, 2015 at 1:36 PM
Comment #124BandB…We’ve been through this before. An optimistic opinion, even an early one, is simply being a good fan.
You’ve been told. If football makes you so miserable…just do something else!
All seems perfectly reasonable when it’s put that way, don’t you think?
So, Man U next. It’s just got to be a NUFC win. At least 4 goals for the Toon!
BandB
Aug 18, 2015 at 1:40 PM
Comment #125Bobbybee,
People had a right to protest if they wished and not to protest if they wished. No scabs. No traitors.
Protests came not just from the dirty stop-aways. Some of the loudest dissent came from the travelling support.
The idea that Ashley just laughs in the face of the fans and can’t be touched died the day he employed a crisis management consultant.
I don’t understand why people should want to CHOOSE to believe they are powerless.
BandB
Aug 18, 2015 at 1:42 PM
Comment #126I think we could beat Man Utd Ibiza.
terencelim
Aug 18, 2015 at 1:43 PM
Comment #127@Munster Mag, because you failed to look at the bigger picture.
Bobbybee
Aug 18, 2015 at 1:43 PM
Comment #128BandB, please, let it go. It was an opinion, not a statement. I do not make statements, for fear of sods law – it always comes back to bite you. 🙂 If you read it again, you will see at the bottom, ‘this is just one man’s opinion’. Let me rephrase it so nobody need get upset. I’ll reverse it and start with: in my humble opinion, we have enough to be safe and it is too early to be making sweeping statements such as ‘we’re doomed to relegation’. Is that better? I’m neither right or wrong, I’m simply expressing an opinion. No need to fall out over it. 🙂
Ibizatoon
Aug 18, 2015 at 1:45 PM
Comment #129I do seem to recall a pretty speedy club statement on their dealings with SD too, after the channel 4 doc last season.
To say Ashley doesn’t care is surely a dead argument these days.
People always have power, it’s just whether they want to or choose to use it.
BandB
Aug 18, 2015 at 1:45 PM
Comment #130Bobbybee.
I haven’t fallen out with you. I am debating politely. But I respect your wishes.
Mag52
Aug 18, 2015 at 1:48 PM
Comment #131Bobbybee.
He’s OURS.Quite right Bobbybee, and we have every right to be proud of a young player who seems to have talent to burn.
How long he remains ours though is a different question, once he gets an agent who sees the chance to make a bob or two, and always bearing in mind he has a club owner who’s not averse to turning a quick profit when the opportunity arises.
Once he breaks into the first team as a regular, I’ll, sadly, give him two years maximum as a NUFC player, as one of OURS.
Ibizatoon
Aug 18, 2015 at 1:49 PM
Comment #132Bobby Bee…I’ve not read the whole exchange, but if I may (even if I may not I’m jumping in…with 2 feet)…I don’t believe BandB was raising the issue of you not being allowed to have an opinion.
“It’s far too early to be making judgement yet. Two games into a season?” Followed by your own view on what you think might happen. It comes across a bit it’s far too early to be writing off the clubs work, so stop being negative about it.
I think the point stands it is early in the season and that everyone is entitled to their opinion. I would have thought that goes without saying mind.
BandB…Come on, “could”? Steve and Obertan back to haunt their old club. It’s written in the stars, albeit a few seasons late.
Our Toon
Aug 18, 2015 at 1:49 PM
Comment #133Bobby
What sky have in common with nufc and all the other companies you’ve mentioned is that they are nothing without there customer base. Ashley came on TV and didn’t say the 5 year plan has now come to an end and things will be different, he basically admitted that for 5 years we’ve had zero ambition.
Don’t forget January 2014 NUFC released a statement on behalf of MA saying he will not entertain any offers for the club until the end of the 2015/16 season. A club with disinterested supporters or supporters who are boycotting has a detrimental affect on both NUFC and Sports Direct. SD has shareholders to answer and being associated to a club or another business that has unhappy punters is not good for business nor is it going weald much money when it’s put on the market. If it was just about Ashley he wouldn’t give a toss about boycotts but it’s about more than that for him, SD, future value of club, revenue generated off field, affect on other partners etc etc.
Like all good businessmen MA has given NUFC a rebranding, I’ve said it before but it should read NUFC now under new management….but in reality when you look into it in more detail it becomes apparent that the face lift or rebranding is only at face value. Behind the scenes it’s still the penny pinching methods and signings of ND contract etc. The transfer fees have gone up slightly but so has tv revenue considerably.
Lee Charnley Bunga Party
Aug 18, 2015 at 1:49 PM
Comment #134Typical Newcastle Ashley finally opens the cheque book and the scouting and management then sign players that we dont need and neglect the key areas that need serious business !!
Ron Knee
Aug 18, 2015 at 1:54 PM
Comment #135LCBP
Irony is never far away from NUFC.
Jib
Aug 18, 2015 at 1:54 PM
Comment #136Mbemba wasn’t playing top tier until 20 21 23 25
Ha ha ha
DaraghL
Aug 18, 2015 at 1:56 PM
Comment #137Am I missing something here?
Cabella is left footed and can take free kicks (Mainly the crosses between keeper and defence which Wijnaldum has struggled with). This is a huge priority. He is a better player than Obertan who most of you have stated isn’t good enough, yet most people are stating this is not an area that requires strenghtening?
While I agree we still require strength in defence, that does not mean it is the only area required.
Also, before anyone says it I’m well aware of Aarons ability but he is only a kid and has been prone to injury. We need a first teamer for Left Mid.
Clarke_M
Aug 18, 2015 at 1:59 PM
Comment #138my line up for Man U would surely be:
KRUL
COLO
MBEMBE TAYLOR
ANITA HAIDARA
COLBACK
SISSOKO GINI
PEREZ
MITROVIC
We are defensive, and have enough height in the back if Fellani doesnt play, however we will also be quick on the break.. Colo doesnt need to use his speed (lack of) as he will be sweeper and will use his reading of the game more in that position. But knowing Newcastle, Obertan will probably start again.
LGFUAD21
Aug 18, 2015 at 2:01 PM
Comment #139Reality is that with Thauvin. Our spend will be £60m. That’s a hell of a lot that I think if it flops could make matters worse. Not only are we then having to rebuild our finances back up because the cash reserve will have gone. We’ll also have a sub par squad.
Thauvin can play either flank. So it ties in with the subtle things Mcclaren has said. He wants to build around sissoko and thinks he’s best central.
Despite people going on about the big TV deal. It’s not as clear cut as suddenly we have money. We can see in the fees for players this year that it has inflated money (sterling at £50m, benteke at £34, even wijnaldum at £15m. That’s more than you would’ve expected last year.)
Our Toon
Aug 18, 2015 at 2:02 PM
Comment #140Daragh
Cabella is left footed? No wonder he looked shite last season, carver and pardew asking hin to use his right foot the tools. Quick still time to pass the info onto the club before Toe-van joins.
All joking aside I agree he’s needed, we desperately need a deadball specialist. At the minute it’s Jack and Wij….They love hitting the 1st man
hibbit
Aug 18, 2015 at 2:03 PM
Comment #141mr tuff sorry mate but its you thats behind the minute mr carr joined the football board his remit changed he is now 1 of a 3 man panel in control of signings carr charnley moncur
Jib
Aug 18, 2015 at 2:04 PM
Comment #142Clarke
Sissoko may not be fit
DaraghL
Aug 18, 2015 at 2:05 PM
Comment #143Our Toon –
Apologies I was referring to Thauvin!!!
The Newcastle Armchair
Aug 18, 2015 at 2:05 PM
Comment #144DaraghL
Cabella is right footed.
Bobbybee
Aug 18, 2015 at 2:07 PM
Comment #145BandB, I have no gripe with the boycotters, unless they accuse me of being the problem. I’m a football fan ffs, not a politician. If I ever reach the stage where I’m no longer happy with my club, I’ll walk away. All I care about is the lads in the b&w shirts, not what’s happening in the boardroom. If you had accumulated the wealth Ashley has, would you let somebody else tell you how to spend it? If I owned the toon I’d run it my way. I’d want us to be the best in the land, second to none, but I’m a diehard fan, not a businessman. When I started to follow the lads in the sixties, do you think I thought: mmm, now there’s a team. I also love the way that Westwood the pirate strips the clubs assets on a yearly basis’. I never gave the owner a second thought. Now again, this is just an opinion, but I think we’ve turned a corner. Whey hey! I might be wrong, but the evidence is positive. It will take a while for my dislike of Ashley to dissipate, but if he continues his current level of investment over a period of time, I might even find it in my heart to forgive and forget – just not yet eh? I actually went to a few protests, but the numbers were dismal frankly. Pathetic might cover it better. It appears those willing to shout on blogs can’t even be bothered to turn up, despite plenty of forewarning. Anybody who wishes to boycott has my full
blessing, I just don’t believe it has any effect – again, my opinion, nothing more.
Ian Toon
Aug 18, 2015 at 2:16 PM
Comment #146Bobbybee- I don’t want to get into the whole “Ashley thing” as I just see it as potentially being divisive. Neither do I want to get into the fan/ supporter : watching on TV etc. On opinions clearly someone who watches as a supporter is better able to assess the qualities of an individual player, formations , tactics etc or managers/ coaches/ scouts would not have to be bother about travelling to a Stadium as they could simply watch it on TV etc. Hence I welcome your football related opinions as someone of obvious experience of following the toon.
Incidentally, from my experience don’t get sidelined into silly debates on such issues as opinions: judgement. In my opinion, your judgement of Armstrong is based upon having watched him on a number of ocassions and judging him to be a future PL star. It is also your opinion. In my opinion some opinions are worth more than others – Carr’s judgment having carried out his scouting of a player, is also a definitive view. You get every Tom, Dick and Harry stating an opinion most of whom haven’t seen him play. Likewise with players we’ve been linked with – still hoping that Macca’s comment about a signing that nobody has linked us with has legs.
Bobbybee
Aug 18, 2015 at 2:28 PM
Comment #147Our toon. On sunday, nearly 50k people turned up to support the toon, which considering it was bang in the middle of a holiday, when so many are still abroad, surprised me to be honest. I know you believe the boycotters are making a difference, but come on, 50k first game? I know you’ll say 50k people were wrong, but at least consider the option that maybe you’re wrong? Most fans are just that – fans. We don’t allow one man to spoil what we’ve done all our lives, we just want to watch football. Sometimes it’s proper shyte and we all mutter away, but sometimes it’s exhilarating and it’s those days – to me at least – that make following the toon enjoyable. Politics ? Schmollitics? Not really bothered. I pay my money to be entertained in the greatest game ever invented – EVER. Football’s my life mate. It’s what keeps me going when I’m in so much pain I could cry like a baby. I can never envisage the day that ONE MAN could ever prevent my enjoyment. Football is big money now and it will attract the greedy individual, but I personally won’t let that bother me. If we got demoted to the Conference – or whatever sponser it currently has – I’d still be there rattling around SJP supporting the lads. That’s my view on it mate, right or wrong, I don’t really care.
Munster Mag
Aug 18, 2015 at 4:35 PM
Comment #148LGFUAD, Sissoko central….i dont think he has the passing ability or tackling abaility to be honest. I guess if we play 5 across the middle her can play middle right. Steve certainly likes him. He sounded all sexed up when he said what a big unit Sissoko is ! 🙂