Steve McClaren’s own professionalism and that of his top coaching staff seems to be starting to rub off on the Newcastle players, and essentially the second team played well last night in beating a gallant Northampton Town side 4-1 at St. James’ Park.
Florian Thauvin after scoring first goal last night
There were some good performances all over the field, but Florian Thauvin on his starting debut scored after just thee minutes and then provided the crosses for the other three goals – so his crossing ability is already paying off for Newcastle.
He was outstanding and got a standing ovation when he left the field after 65 minutes with Newcastle 4-1 up.
This is what a delighted Steve McClaren said after the game starting with Florian:
“I thought he was very good.” “He had 20 minutes at Old Trafford but he showed his quality on the night, and he has been terrific in training.”
“You never know what to expect but we have seen a lot of him and he has great ability.” “The key thing is he can score and assist and that is going to be a big asset for us.”
“I thought attacking-wise we looked more of a threat than we have done in previous games.” “The squad is coming together very nicely.”
“It was good to see Ayoze up front with Papiss Cisse being ill.” “It was good as I have never seen him there before.”
“The movement of the front four was great, you always want them to be a threat.” “There was good link up from Siem de Jong and great penetration from Ayoze.”
“Rolando’s pace also caused them problems.” “I was pleased with our attacking side.”
Newcastle have drawn Sheffield Wednesday at home in the next round of the League Cup, so there’s an opportunity for us to advance in that next tie.
Moussa Sissoko is also back in full training and should be available for the game at home to Arsenal on Saturday.
After a good performance from a number of Newcastle players last night, McClaren will have selection problems for Saturday.
That’s exactly what we want to see.
Comments welcome.
58 comments so far
RonVanDam
Aug 26, 2015 at 12:45 AM
Comment #1Well any player that gets Mike Williamson to score, deserves MOM
Our Toon
Aug 26, 2015 at 12:53 AM
Comment #2Well well well, Thauvin has just surpassed Cabella’s entire contribution to a season in just his 1st start!!
AncientC
Aug 26, 2015 at 12:57 AM
Comment #3McClaren’s first win comes against lower league opposition, time to break out the bubbly.
After surviving against the Saints, being beaten by the Swans, and getting spanked by Man Utd with a legit goal ruled out… we are still quite a ways away from competing.
I am not expecting anything from the Arsenal game, they are a side that play football.. it could take McClaren months to get our side anywhere near a level that could compete for possession on the same pitch as an Arsenal side… that is being optimistic.
RonVanDam
Aug 26, 2015 at 1:08 AM
Comment #4AncientC
Don’t have too be too hard on SM. Players have to get used to his philosophy and style of playing after being pardewed for 4 years.
Yes it will take a while, every positive result breathes life into system that SM is trying to implement. Signs are there, we are already playing better football then i’ve witnessed in years. We hardly won comfortably under AP like we did today. Be a little optimistic 🙂
PUMMELLER
Aug 26, 2015 at 1:14 AM
Comment #5Ancient you miserable tw@t
joseph123
Aug 26, 2015 at 1:32 AM
Comment #6What is with people on here being so depressing about newcastle?? Yes it was a victory that we should have won comfortably anyway but we’re still allowed to praise the performance.
On another note, I do think obertan has looked alright (nothing special) so far but feel like Thauvin has to start against Arsenal. He might be the spark we need to get something out the game
Bobbybee
Aug 26, 2015 at 1:39 AM
Comment #7Pummeller, any idea what the C stands for? 😉
I was there tonight and find it difficult to find many negatives. Yes, lower league side, but we have bitter experience as to how such games can go belly up. Beat what’s in front of you. Some very nice one touch football to enjoy and clearly Thauvin will provide Mitrovic with plenty of ammo. There was a feeling of barely suppressed excitement buzzing around the ground, knowing it was only Northampton, but enjoying the football served up and looking forward to Arsenal with a little less trepidation than usual! 🙂 A good time to play them for sure and Thauvin feeding Mitrovic in that shaky central defence could bring rewards. Liverpool
gave us a guide. Credit where it’s due, a very professional job tonight and nice to see Willo sign off with a goal. Thauvin couldn’t have placed that ball for De Jong any better, what a free kick. A sign of things to come I reckon. 🙂
sfbay_toon
Aug 26, 2015 at 1:48 AM
Comment #8joseph123 @ 6
Agreed on Thauvin. According to SM, he’s been good in practice, and today should seal the deal — he’ll be on the left wing.
I think the front 6 in 4-2-3-1 for Gunners tie will be
=====Colback=====Anita======
===Sissoko===Gini===Thauvin===
===========Mitrovic=========
Sissoko is on a short leash – maybe 45 minutes with Perez off the bench. Great subs for all attackers:
de Jong for Gini
Perez for Sissoko
Aarons for Thauvin
Cisse/Perez for Mitrovic
and Tiote is decent backup for Colback/Anita
Still not decided on back 4.
Must haves: Mmemba (RB or CB), Colo (CB), Krul.
Up-in-air so far: Taylor, Janmaat, Haidara – pick 2 of 3, or 2 of 4 when Dummett comes back.
I like us against Arsenal — after LFC match they’re thin at the back. Our attack should be able to feast on them, even though we should give up 2-3 goals.
lesh
Aug 26, 2015 at 1:49 AM
Comment #9Papis Cisse ‘ill’ was he?
Mmmm, could it be a case of ‘Offsoonitis’?
Our Toon
Aug 26, 2015 at 2:01 AM
Comment #10Colback and Anita doesn’t work, we need to find an alternative to this, preferably colback dropped. A strong defensive midfielder is required, one who’s a presence and strong to sit in next to Anita. Obertan shouldn’t be starting now, he should be behind Aarons and Perez as back up to the back ups.
Don’t care who the opposition were today it was still a good win, and the performance of some players was a joy to behold, more importantly fringe players got minutes today which was very important
Bobbybee
Aug 26, 2015 at 2:02 AM
Comment #11Lesh, with Perez getting better every game, we might not miss him as much as first thought. Perez is a better all round footballer than Cisse and we won’t be relying on Cisse as much as in the past, because goals are going in from virtually every position now. Personally I’m happy to see Perez move up the pecking order to replace Cisse, because he’s part of the future, and the sooner we see the back end of the past, the better.
Bobbybee
Aug 26, 2015 at 2:22 AM
Comment #12One thing’s for sure – the future looks a lot brighter than it did this time last season. And it’s looking to get better. With so many young quality players in the squad, this time next season will look even better. With two windows between now and next season, along with a promise of further investment, things are definitely looking up. Our young players with a dollop of experience behind them and Arma and Woody coming back off loan, chomping at the bit for first team football, we’re going to have a cracking young team, nicely mixed with experience from De Jong, Wijnaldum and Collo. Nice to dream innit? 🙂
scottoon
Aug 26, 2015 at 3:17 AM
Comment #13We certainly need to take the positives where we can. I have been happy enough so far just getting home draws. That hasn’t happened much in the last couple of years…..omen?
There is no doubt we have added quality, and the fact that Thauvin showed so well is a bonus as many on here, myself included, were skeptical of him. But we do so desperately need to add some depth to our defence. We can praise Collo or Staylor for their fortitude at OT but we need a commanding presence back there and not next year when Collo retires to the coaching staff…..we need the succession plan in place now.
Brummie
Aug 26, 2015 at 3:35 AM
Comment #14______________KRUL_______________
__JAMMAT___MBEMBA__COLO__HADIRA___
___________ANITA_______COLBACK____________
___SISSOKO___WINALDO ____THAUVIN______
________________MITROVIC____________________
SUBS:
ELIOT
TAYLOR
AARONS
PEREZ
DE JONG
Obertan
soap
Aug 26, 2015 at 3:56 AM
Comment #15match highlights – all goals
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndwXdkRSw4c
Derek
Aug 26, 2015 at 4:20 AM
Comment #16Thanks for the link soap,
Looks like we finally have a decent set piece taker in Thauvin. Excellent performance from him by the looks of those highlights
Blofal
Aug 26, 2015 at 5:31 AM
Comment #17I wouldn’t be surprised if Colback gets dropped. Wijnaldum can play the “double six” and get forward leaving Anita to drop back CDM.
Perez really has made a name for himself now as a CAM. That is where he played most in Spain. Its the first time in a long time that when trying to select a team you have potential first team players like Aarons and De Jong on the bench.
———————Krul
Janmaat – Mbemba – Coloccini – Haidara
———Wijnaldum—Anita
Sissoko———–Perez———Thauvin
——————Mitrovic
jesperfuglsang - capt'n awesome of the lemon crew
Aug 26, 2015 at 6:00 AM
Comment #18We come through injury free which is important!
…these games are not just important to win, how we win them is of the essences. It gives the players a ego boost especially those who can decide a game on their own.
I love these kind of games. If SM can find the balance in these two Cups without playing two sets of teams (but mix it up a bit) then I think they can turn out to be just what we need 🙂
TheToonKing
Aug 26, 2015 at 6:03 AM
Comment #19jesus that Tiote handball was pathetic….that guy has to be the dumbest player ever..
expatmag
Aug 26, 2015 at 6:16 AM
Comment #20McLaren us assembling a very good squad. If the likes if Lascelles, Satka and Good can progress, we have excellent options at the back.
I am starting to understand thus 3 transfer window plan.
Keep the players we have. Loan out the kids for experience and spend the january 2016 and next summer windows strengthening where necessary with quality young players.
By the time season 2017 cone round, we could have a squad capable of top 4.
Then I woke up……lol
JDdubai
Aug 26, 2015 at 6:19 AM
Comment #21Think right now this is the strongest squad of 18 players we have had for a while, where we arent counting young kids who may/may not be good enough.
For Arsenal:
Krul
Mbemba-Taylor-Colo-Haidara
Anita-Colback
Sissoko-Wini-Thauvin
Mitrovic
Id make Janmaat sweat on getting his place back, think we looked a lot stronger at the back with Mbemba at RB.
Also with Arsenal missing Koscielny and possibly Mertesacker we could have a threat at set pieces with Thauvin taking them and Saylor, Mbemba, Mitrovic and Colo in there.
Still have Perez, SDJ, Aarons, Cisse, Tiote, Dummett, Janmaat, on the bench…..like I said best squad of 18 proven players we have had for a while as those 7 would arguably have been starters last season for us.
Ron Knee
Aug 26, 2015 at 6:19 AM
Comment #22So there were cameras at the ground but no way to watch it live. Annoying.
nut meg
Aug 26, 2015 at 6:21 AM
Comment #23A good result and a decent performance by the sound of things.No injuries and a good workout,another step to full match fitness. I’m interested in how Lacelles played last night….. can anyone there last night give a opinion on him please.
Ron Knee
Aug 26, 2015 at 6:34 AM
Comment #24nut mug
Comment from The Chronic’s live blog: “Like the look of Jamaal Lascelles. Composed on the ball, wins it in the air. Does the basics well. Very promising.”
Ron Knee
Aug 26, 2015 at 6:34 AM
Comment #25I meant ‘nut meg’!!!
Lilongwe Geordie
Aug 26, 2015 at 6:44 AM
Comment #26Firstly, Sav, from a few threads back – yes, Mbemba plays most of his international matches as a defensive midfielder, so has played there before.
Good result, good to see Thauvin getting on the scoresheet and creating as well. Can’t remember when I last saw such a landslide for MoM.
Only Northampton, but you can only beat what is in front of you. Plus great draw next round, up against a traditionally big club at home.
How were Perez and SDJ? Was SDJ looking anywhere near fit enough yet? Perez got good reviews on here after the last game, did he do enough yesterday to not be dropped?
Hopefully a few players have provided food for thought there and others realise pressure is on for places.
The overrated Frenchman
Aug 26, 2015 at 6:53 AM
Comment #27Obertan and Colback are the players I’d be happy to see squeezed out of the starting eleven. I think they both try hard but I just don’t see either of them as being really valuable.
nut meg
Aug 26, 2015 at 6:53 AM
Comment #28Ron
Ha ha, cheers for that Ron, you could well be right the first time.
LGFUAD21
Aug 26, 2015 at 7:01 AM
Comment #29Ok guys it was lower tier competition but the win gives confidence.
Momentum is vital to team success.
Results like this, Man U and if we can get something out of Arsenal give the team confidence and belief which can be harnessed.
Even if you are a cynic at least thauvin and de Jong got good run outs. Thauvins also clearly coped with the physicality of lower leagues.
Lilongwe Geordie
Aug 26, 2015 at 7:02 AM
Comment #30Just watched the goals, 3 assists for Thauvin, 2 from set plays. Very promising. Plus a wonderful ball from De Jong in the build up to Janmaat’s goal.
davis_toons
Aug 26, 2015 at 7:16 AM
Comment #31https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndwXdkRSw4c
Newcastle 4-1 Northampton Highlights
Charlie in the Gallowgate
Aug 26, 2015 at 7:24 AM
Comment #32There last night…
What a farce getting in at the Gallowgate End – I was one of the lucky ones who was in at the start.
Queue’s were miles long snaking down onto the road with poeple trying to purchase tickets/pick up tickets pay at gates
Thousands would of missed the first three goals
As for the game pretty easy in the end … BUT we were not that good and will have to play a lot better at the weekend as we will get thumped.
Players: Thauvin MOM by a mile – linked up well with Jamaatt – all our attacks came down the right
other players who played well – Jamaatt. Di Jong, Goufran and Perez
after that :
Darlow and Lascellas – sorry not up to Premiership standard – slow and ponderous in their decision making.
Darlow’s distribution worse than Krul’s.
Tiote – poor wants to many touches on the ball turns into trouble.
Williamson did OK but distribution poor.
Aarons not at his best
Hiadara did all right coming forward – asleep at the back.
Subs; colback took control of the game when he came on.
Mitrovich – Oh Mitrovich Calm down as you are not going to be on the pitch long.
Toney: looks a good prospect
Toonfan8
Aug 26, 2015 at 7:27 AM
Comment #33Thauvin looks great, his set pieces and he set up for Perez with right foot also, so he is not that predictable as someone here mentioned…looks great with bags of potential in him, surely GC had to see something in him. De Jong, Ayoze Perez, Aarons are great options on the bench too, but I think Ayoze should start games now, he has great movement and is very comfortable on the ball…we should play like this
mbemba,s.taylor,collocini,haidara
……..anita…………colback………….
thauvin….wijnaldum…….perez
…………….mitrovic…………………
……………………………………………
then in the second half bring fresh players like Sissoko, Aarons and De Jong to destroy Arsenal….
southafricantoon
Aug 26, 2015 at 7:29 AM
Comment #34Personally I think sisoko should play next to Anita or colback….. A bit like yaya toure….
hibbit
Aug 26, 2015 at 7:31 AM
Comment #35i dont want to be a party pooper but they were poor having said that i enjoyed the game thauvin was man of the match if thats how he plays in the prem we got a bargain ……if we can keep de jong fit what an intelligent play he is his movement of the ball always gave us an option …..on the crowed 27k you have to remember its still holiday time in the uk and more then half were kids more noise from them then any prem game …all in all a very good night Mc needed that win no lets build on it
welshgeordie9
Aug 26, 2015 at 7:38 AM
Comment #36southafricantoon
I was thinking that about sissoko, if we can get tiote back to his best those two sitting in front of the defence would be awesome.
hibbit
Aug 26, 2015 at 7:41 AM
Comment #37welshgeordie……tiote is a long way from his best on last nights performance
the broons
Aug 26, 2015 at 7:42 AM
Comment #38Yep once everyone is fit I generally think if we want our strongest possible team it looks like this;
Krul
Janmaat Mbemba Coloccini Haidaira
Anita Sissoko
Thauvin Wijnaldum Perez
Mitrovic
Subs; Darlow, Taylor, Dummet, Colback, De Jong, Aarons, Cisse
Now that is a strong team with a fairly strong bench to back aswell. And that is allowing players like Tiote and gouffran to go. However with both starting last night you still feel that maybe Mcclaren sees them both featuring for him again in the future unless hes trying to put them in the shop window.
welshgeordie9
Aug 26, 2015 at 7:43 AM
Comment #39Regarding thauvin, i said that the other day against Man Utd that he could be our best signing, there’s something about him when he runs and dribbles past people like Laurent Robert, wouldn’t be surprised if he scores from 30 yards on Saturday.
welshgeordie9
Aug 26, 2015 at 7:44 AM
Comment #40hibbit
Yeah I know, would be nice though.