We were absolutely thrilled the way Gini Wijnaldum kept turning up to put the ball into the back of the net in yesterday’s game against Norwich City and the Dutch International scored four goals in the win and has six goals for us this season – and he’s the top scoring midfielder in European football at the moment.
But in our Man of the Match poll Moussa Sissoko got 14% of the vote to Gini’s 76% and when a player scores four – the first time since Alan Shearer did it when he was at Newcastle – you would probably expect him to get even more than that.
Gini Wijnaldum and Moussa Sissoko celebrate after first goal
Moussa put a wonderful defense-splitting ball through to the Dutchman
Former Newcastle coach Mark Lawrenson was at the game for the BBC and he made an astute observation on Match of the Day 2 which was on BBC One last night:
“It was really strange in many ways that Wijnaldum has scored the four goals in that game when quite honestly – this is going to sound nuts – he wasn’t in the game that much,”
“We’re looking at the game going ‘Sissoko this, Sissoko that’ and all of a sudden Wijnaldum has got four goals.”
We are very happy that a player who is not much in the game for us can score so many goals – long may it continue – Gini is born to score goals with all that skill he possesses – what a player.
Just think what may have happened if he had been in the game!
🙂
It was very good to see Moussa Sissoko play so well with three assists and he was certainly on form from the first whistle.
But one negative that he did correct in the second half was that he did not track back for both of Norwich’s two first half goals – and that’s why the wingers on both occasions had so much room to put the crosses in from which Norwich scored both their goals.
But Moussa was a lot better in the second half and in fact before the fourth goal he was back around the right back position and won the ball, then he did a one two and moved inside the Norwich half – there was seemingly no danger at all to Norwich.
But then the Frenchman put over a superb pass to Mitrovic and the Serbian gave a display of how to control the ball with your chest before he expertly slammed the ball into the back of the net.
Great skill from Aleksandar who is turning into a very good center forward for us.
This is some of what McClaren said after the game yesterday:
“It was great to see Gini get his rewards and Moussa Sissoko also showed what he can do.” “He wants to be a top four player and he will be if he performs like that.”
What and leave Newcastle?
Full credit goes to Sissoko for a very good game yesterday – he helped turn things around for us – now if we can only learn how to defend.
And next up is a game at the Stadium of Light – we must not lose our sixth time in a row against the Black Cats and a win would be absolutely terrific.
Comments welcome.
75 comments so far
firebug666
Oct 19, 2015 at 7:31 PM
Comment #41If our team comes out and tries next week we should claim the makem scalp.
Fat Sam will try to avoid playing football and lump it up field to his forwards hoping to out head our poor defence.
We have shown that we can counter attack and score goals now, but we need to close players down faster and take control of the games.
I’m going for an early prediction, and think we will win this one by 2 or 3 goals.
Hope Mitrovich can keep his cool though, we cannot afford to lose him.
will die for the toon army
Oct 19, 2015 at 7:31 PM
Comment #42I gave up on SDJ. I knew it was a loss on our side. SDJ looks too lazy to play in EPL. There is no way he can play with Sissoko, Perez and Wijandum. He cant counter attack.
Lindisfarne
Oct 19, 2015 at 7:32 PM
Comment #43Not been watching much of the rugby but have been keeping abreast of events through the radio. Was very much struck by one commentator who said used Australia (prior to yesterday) as an example of excellent adaptability, playing the opposition and focusing on the match. In each of their games they have had to play a different strategy to gain the advantage and win.
I thought it was a very valid point and whilst yesterdays result was marvelous and a great confidence boost for the players, the next match is likely to be completely different. Therefore it will not be a case of attempting to repeat the same performance, improvements can be made on what went well as much as what was less successful. The major issue is improving possession, both retaining and creating chances.
Massive_Toon
Oct 19, 2015 at 7:35 PM
Comment #44Croftus, I don’t particularly care what you do with little boys. But your post suggests your either blind or an idiot. Mbemba had a bad game? Made more tackles and interceptions than any defender on the pitch! Haidara great defensively? Not at all, tho I do believe he’s better than dummet. Saylor our best defender? Enough said on that. Colback one of our best CM? the guy can’t/won’t pass it forward. And toney, gillead, heardman knocking on 1st team door? Really? What have they done to deserve a mention at all? This may all be your opinion but what is it based on?
Lindisfarne
Oct 19, 2015 at 7:36 PM
Comment #45croftus5678
It makes me wonder if Laschelles can be any worse, or even having a back five and removing one of the DMs.
eg. Janmaat-Laschelle-Mbemba-Dummett-Haidara
Slank
Oct 19, 2015 at 7:39 PM
Comment #46Jail for Ashley
‘You never answered my question though, do you think it will be with us that McLaren was referring to ?’
In reality only McClaren and Sissoko know the answer to that. I doubt very much that the pair were thinking about Newcastle United when referring to a top four team.
Something has to go seriously wrong with those teams that occupy the first four positions in the Premiership whilst at the same time something quite dramatic needs to change in our fortunes before he reach the dizzy heights again.
Sliema
Oct 19, 2015 at 7:40 PM
Comment #47Personally think the sissoko comment was a bit of an error on SMs part. He just starts a sentence and it ends wherever it ends with that bloke sometimes.
Tbh he only said that if he performs well enough then he might earn a move to a top 4 club. In reality that is the case with any player on the planet. And it’s obvious that 90% of clubs will still sell anyone for the right price, we aren’t alone in that.
I think he wanted to use the only thing he can think of to encourage sissoko to be consistent and put in the effort required. He’s probably tried everything else by now. Sissoko is one ineffective lazy lump when he’s not in the mood remember.
croftus5678
Oct 19, 2015 at 7:40 PM
Comment #48@44 masive
well atleast your trying to talk football now !
try read what i posted again then untwist your words into what i actually put then i’m pretty sure you’ll answer your own questions without me even having to waste my time on commenting back.
Lindisfarne
Oct 19, 2015 at 7:41 PM
Comment #49@43
I thought it was a very valid point and whilst yesterdays result #NUFC against Norwich#….
will die for the toon army
Oct 19, 2015 at 7:42 PM
Comment #50Massive_Toon
Colback will always play no matter the change of any Head coach. Colback reminds of Carrick. Manure fans dont see his use but when he plays they look balanced. thats our COLBACK we look balanced wen he is in the team.
Lindisfarne
Oct 19, 2015 at 7:43 PM
Comment #51will die for the toon army
I wonder if SdJ has tried playing the Pirlo type role?
croftus5678
Oct 19, 2015 at 7:43 PM
Comment #52@45 lindis
no idea mate worth a try i suppose.
imo lescalles is far too raw for the prem but like you say if its him or colo who would be the best choice !
imo dummett should be a cb if he’s fit and ready as he did well when played there.
Massive_Toon
Oct 19, 2015 at 7:46 PM
Comment #53@croftus, sorry for the childish comment but just sounded like your opinion was based on preference as apose to fact. Don’t think your statement can be backed up with any factual references. Just thought it was nonsense what you said
Massive_Toon
Oct 19, 2015 at 7:50 PM
Comment #54will die for the toon army
I like colbacks commitment and determination but just feel he doesn’t offer enough to to the team going forward. Carrick can play a defense splitting pass, colback offers little if not nothing attack wise
Massive_Toon
Oct 19, 2015 at 7:54 PM
Comment #55Mister Tuff
I’m a toon fan, that’s all you need to know! Never posted for a long time, read this blog daily and get sick of bullsh@t comments so thought I would give my 2 cents
Tinman
Oct 19, 2015 at 7:56 PM
Comment #56What a game that was eh guys! Let’s forget about shipping two goals and Sissoko being too lazy to track back. Enjoy the win and the goals!! Last time we scored 6 anyone?
croftus5678
Oct 19, 2015 at 7:57 PM
Comment #57@54 massive
to defend colback http://www.whoscored.com/Players/69867/History/Jack-Colback
you can make your own mind up if those stats are good or bad but which of our other dm’s was you comparing him too ? i can only think of anita or tiote and colbacks stats going forward are far greater than either of those.
Mister Tuff
Oct 19, 2015 at 8:01 PM
Comment #58massive pleased to hear that – can’t be too careful these days.
Tinman
Oct 19, 2015 at 8:05 PM
Comment #59Post regarding this weekend for anyone interested! I don’t post all of my articles on here, so follow on Twitter @F_Newcastle to get every update. Another winning tip today. Looking for more guest writers, traffic is busier everyday, have your voice heard! http://forevernewcastle.com/toon-hit-canaries-for-six/
Tinman
Oct 19, 2015 at 8:05 PM
Comment #60Stoke penalty already. Will Mitrovic take ours? Did he take them for Ander? Anybody know
croftus5678
Oct 19, 2015 at 8:07 PM
Comment #61@60 tinman
i know wijnaldum used to take penalties no idea on mit though.
Massive_Toon
Oct 19, 2015 at 8:13 PM
Comment #62@croftus
Fair play, his attacking stats are better than Anita who is, I think his main competition as tiote is just a joke that should not play for us again. However I still don’t think he offers enough going forward for the ability he has. At Sunderland he looked to create and get involved going forward where as here he looks to just play it safe most of the time instead of being more adventurous
Tinman
Oct 19, 2015 at 8:16 PM
Comment #63Well I just checked it out, he got one penalty last season. We’ll just have to wait and see. I hope he takes them
dok - the horrid colonial
Oct 19, 2015 at 8:23 PM
Comment #64tinman,
think saylor will take ours :p
well, when he replaces colo this week, who is hurt before the derby… again….
jane
Oct 19, 2015 at 8:23 PM
Comment #65think Swans may find it hard to breakdown Stoke.
will die for the toon army
Oct 19, 2015 at 8:25 PM
Comment #66EPL can b unforgiving. Swansea started very well I thought they were going to challenge the Top 4.
will die for the toon army
Oct 19, 2015 at 8:29 PM
Comment #67Colbac rarely makes a back pass. He is forward thinking compared to Anita and Tiote????
NezzaNUFC
Oct 19, 2015 at 8:32 PM
Comment #68Croft, massive
Isn’t Colback formally role a DM?
Same with Toite and Anita, these 3 aren’t knowing to be attacking CM’s like Sissoko.
Which is why it bugs me as to why we sold Abied, similar role to Sissoko and a younger age who could of been a top player for us.
Tinman
Oct 19, 2015 at 8:35 PM
Comment #69Colback tends to spread it side ways to either one of the full backs. Something I don’t have a problem with. Thought we had holes in CM at times during Norwich game mind, playing 2 DM leaves us a bit open in between them and the strikers.
NezzaNUFC
Oct 19, 2015 at 8:39 PM
Comment #70Tinman
Aye mate, Colback needs an attacking CM beside him, maybe Winaldum?
Sissoko, Colback, Winaldum, Aarons
Could work.
NezzaNUFC
Oct 19, 2015 at 8:42 PM
Comment #71Could be a good 3’s a company on each flank.
Janmaat
Sissoko, Colback, on the right
Haidara
Winaldum, Haidara on the left
SUTTY1978
Oct 19, 2015 at 8:45 PM
Comment #72We’re playing a flat 442 so both midfielders have to offer something going forward and back. We just done really have anyone particularly capable of doing either, although Colback is probably the closest.
Actually prefer him playing in a 442 as he doesn’t try and do as much defensively. This may sound like a stupid comment but a lot of the large gaps in front of the CB’s are caused by him chasing round after the ball and leaving space. Sometimes less is more.
croftus5678
Oct 19, 2015 at 8:46 PM
Comment #73@68 nezza
i agree on abied i thought the lad had a lot of promise and a very good all round game ! i’d have kept him ahead of anita or tiote or even siem/marv as there was a lot more use for his game.
@69 tinman
i also agree.
a midfielder imo should be the heart of the team and involved in everything ! which is why i’m no fan of dm’s or acm’s as imo a cm should be able to do everything however i can see the use of a dm or an acm to some point if the players are exceptional at one or the other.
i’d personally rather have 3 cb’s than a dm nvm 2 dm’s and have 2-3 all round cm’s who can attack and defend.
welshgeordie9
Oct 19, 2015 at 8:47 PM
Comment #74This referee tonight is like some of the clowns on this blog.
Absolute joke.
will die for the toon army
Oct 19, 2015 at 8:52 PM
Comment #75Tinman that will never happen man.
1.Aarons hasnt yet shown us anything.
2. Haidara can never start ahead of Anita / Tiote
3. Janmatt will always b regarded as a RB.
My hope is that we get a proper winger in Thauvin or Aarons and drop one of those DMs and push Wijnaldum to CM.