The game against Chelsea on Saturday reminded us a little bit of the game we played against West Ham in the last game of last season, when we had to do well – we had to win it – in case Hull beat Manchester United at home.
It wasn´t a must win on Saturday, but we had taken only 2 points from the first six league games and we had lost our last four games in all competitions – so things were not good.
An understatement.
Steve McClaren – on the touchline on Saturday
But we got a great performance from the players and when we went 2-0 up after an hour we should have won the game – but we didn´t.
In the end we got one point which is better than suffering our 5th successive defeat.
The big positive was the great performance of fight and spirit from every single one of our players with some fine individual performances, and the team also played well together.
Steve McClaren often talks about that final game of last season – about the togetherness that was present, and he thought Saturday was similar.
The crowd and players were together – and that´s a powerful combination at St. James´ Park.
This is what Steve McClaren has said about the game:
“It’s difficult to know what to think after that, and then you have got to try to come back down and put it into some kind of perspective, and that’s what we must do.”
“Put it in perspective in terms of performance, in terms of reaction and in terms of what we have got.” “What you got was a collective togetherness, which we talked about a lot.”
“And that wasn’t just the players and the dressing room and the staff, that was the supporters because after this week, the supporters could have just waited and seen what was going to happen.”
“But they didn’t, they responded from the first whistle and that’s what’s unique about this football club, this set of fans, and the players responded and gave a performance which was more like what we want.”
“Attitude, character, organised, really disciplined and courage to play, and we played some good football.”
“In the end, we could have won it; in the end, we could have lost it.” “With five or six minutes to go, the momentum had swung and to hang on in there, yes, it was a good display.”
“But that’s the benchmark now, that’s the standard.”
Next up is a game at Manchester City next Saturday and we want to see the same kind of display at the Etihad whether we win, lose or draw that game.
There´s no excuses now.
Howay The Lads!!
Comments welcome.
15 comments so far
Our Toon
Sep 27, 2015 at 11:32 PM
Comment #1Wwsbrd
When cabaye played in our midfield he had a very good Tiote in there who could help win the ball back. If we had that type of Tiote now then wijinaldum would be in midfield with him playing the same role as cabaye did. The problem is Anita and Colback ain’t as good as Tiote was in that role back then.
Anyway I’m defo off now will reply to all in the morning have fun people
Our Toon
September 27, 2015
JB
In a struggling team Wijnaldum has already done more than cabaye who’s playing in a team which isn’t struggling yet. So why is the “proven” premier league player struggling or not outclassing the unproven premier league player?
As for the debate mourinho came out and said very few can play in Chelsea’s midfield from other teams in this league but he thinks wijinaldum could as he has all the attributes that would make him a success. Maybe mourinho doesn’t know what he’s talking about it either
JackButler
Sep 27, 2015 at 11:34 PM
Comment #2If we can put in the same kind of performance against City and Kompany is still missing we may have a chance of adding to their woe’s, as without Kompany they look a very different side
Our Toon
Sep 27, 2015 at 11:35 PM
Comment #3JB
For someone who’s excelling at palace you’d think he’d have more of an impact than he’s had, 1 goal from open play and a pen today. 1 assist if that hardly setting the league alight is he?
Wwsbrd – I’m not being ageist mate it makes a big difference when you’ve spent 2 years on the bench and at 30 try to kick start your career again.
will die for the toon army
Sep 27, 2015 at 11:36 PM
Comment #4Mcca will get these players playing again .
1. We have balance at the front. Perez and Mitrovic compliment each other.
2. At CM. Anita and Colback play well together . Wijnaldum jst didnt work out with either at
Wednesday Watford and Chelsea second half . Wijnaldum shld remember how to play Wing.
3. CB . Colo and Mbemba go good wen it comes to floor football . Put that ball in the air goals will
flow in . Mbemba needs a Strong tall CB next to him to complement him .
JackButler
Sep 27, 2015 at 11:37 PM
Comment #5Our toon
I’m not saying Winni is a poor player, I’m simp,y reserving judgment until he’s had enough time to settle and find his feet as this time last year everyone on here were drooling over the addition of Cabella and we all know how that one turned out. And the reality is that Winni has done very little so far, maybe because he’s playing for a struggli no side or maybe, just maybe it’s only because he’s only been here a few months.
Everyone needs a hero I guess
JackButler
Sep 27, 2015 at 11:38 PM
Comment #6Our toon
Oh so he hasn’t scored enough goals he must be struggling then, now I see
WWSBRD
Sep 27, 2015 at 11:41 PM
Comment #7Our Toon
ok ur welcome to ur view but I think u are very wrong (on a few points but am not going to go through them)
As for impact at the end of the season Gini would have a bigger impact with Cabs behind him than without
will die for the toon army
Sep 27, 2015 at 11:42 PM
Comment #8Am thinking if Mcca can bench Sissoko
WWSBRD
Sep 27, 2015 at 11:42 PM
Comment #9will die
Am still curious how McClaren has taken a risk on the players u listed
JackButler
Sep 27, 2015 at 11:44 PM
Comment #10Cabaye was and is a class player, I don’t like the way he left us but that does not detract from his talent and ability on the pitch and he’d walk back into our starting 11
will die for the toon army
Sep 27, 2015 at 11:46 PM
Comment #11Wijnaldum failed at No. 10. Looks like he needs space to accelerate before making his attacks.Thats he looks comfortable on the wing and deeper Midfield
JackButler
Sep 27, 2015 at 11:50 PM
Comment #12Will die
He hasn’t failed mate, he’s simply new to the league and needs time to adjust, bare in mind as a club we are struggling right now so for a new player to fit in, settle and show is true ability is asking a little much right now. He is a true No# 10 he just needs time
will die for the toon army
Sep 27, 2015 at 11:51 PM
Comment #13WWSBRD
He wld have replaced them but didnt. Decided to keep them. Coz I believe Carr was going to sell them.
WWSBRD
Sep 27, 2015 at 11:55 PM
Comment #14will die
The club couldnt shift them and McClaren has no more say in transfers than Pardew did by the looks of things
Taylor was never going anywhere he makes too much money here, Willo no one would meet the fee, Gouffran no one wanted at a level he would go to, Obertan is a good squad player, Marv and Rivi have been crocked (though Rivi was very unlikely to be shoved out the door after such a short time anyway when we have an issue with strikers as is) McClaren took no riskj on them hes just stuck with them
BeeGuy
Sep 28, 2015 at 12:43 AM
Comment #15So at the end of the game Ramieres comes up behind DeJong after he has passed the ball, and lays him out from behind. Vicious. Not even a word from anyone. If I were McClaren, I’d be sending a clip in to the FA and the TV channels, just to make them have to respond after the media sees it.
If DeJong had not been black jacked, maybe we take a real corner rather than kill off the game.