The Newcastle defense so far this season has been very strong and it’s an area of the team that Rafa has improved and is now much stronger than it’s been for at least the last four seasons.
In those four seasons in the Premier League we conceded a massive 255 goals, but Graham Carr kept bringing in wingers rather than significantly strengthening the defense.
Captain Jamaal Lascelles in action for Newcastle
Love the green boots
In the last four seasons going back from last season we conceded 65, 63, 59 and a massive 68 goals in the 2012-2013 season – the most we have ever conceded in the Premier League.
Rafa Benitez has changed all that and has strengthened a number of weak areas in the team and that should have been done years ago at Newcastle.
It was only common sense Rafa showed when he brought in defenders like Ciaran Clark, Grant Hanley, DeAndre Yedlin, Jesus Gamez and Achraf Lazaar.
He also put Vurnon Anita at right back and the Dutch International looks a real class player in that position.
It wasn’t exactly rocket science to realize a huge weakness in the Newcastle side last season under Steve McClaren was our defense.
At the center of that defense is captain Jamaal Lascelles and after a shaky start in early August, Jamaal is now improving his game and at the end of the season the 22 year-old could be a top center-back and he’s certainly looking the part.
Jamaal has also shown terrific leadership skills both on and off the field.
He was asked about the club’s defensive record and this is what he said:
“As a centre-half, that’s my job – keeping clean sheets. Collectively, as a team, everyone’s playing their part.”
“Karl Darlow was unbelievable against Barnsley. He made some great catches and saves. The boys are working hard as a unit. We all know our roles.”
“Before the game, we knew it was going to be tough.” “Barnsley on a Tuesday night is not an easy place to come.” “The style of football they played is quite difficult.”
“It was difficult break them down.” “In fairness to them, we didn’t really create much. Our talent and hard work came through at the end.”
“It’s always nice when the strikers are banging them in like that.” “At the same time, he’s getting great deliveries from midfield – everyone’s playing a part.”
“Dwight’s up there to do that and he’s doing his job. He’s got to keep his feet on the floor and keep working hard.”
We probably need to keep a clean sheet tomorrow against Ipswich Town if we are to get our 5th win in a row and then we play Preston North-End on Tuesday night at home in the 4th round of the EFL Cup.
Games are coming thick and fast after the International break.
Comments welcome.
71 comments so far
Ibizatoon
Oct 21, 2016 at 12:00 PM
Comment #41Essex…I thought only Firebug had won a game (5 points) so far?
Clinath…Don’t you just hate it when that happens!
JamesToon
Oct 21, 2016 at 12:00 PM
Comment #42Essex
Just don’t want the 2 other full backs to get restless about not being played, we have great depth and quality don’t want to have unhappy lads. Would love to see Yedlin and Lazaar bombing down the flanks at some point
Essex Geordie Bill
Oct 21, 2016 at 12:00 PM
Comment #43The Heed lost 🙁 so we won’t see them at St James park in the third round. (us winning of course but what a pay day that would have been for them)
Or beating Sundaland at theirs.
WWSBRD
Oct 21, 2016 at 12:02 PM
Comment #44Essex
Not sure it’d be compromising his defence by bringing in better players mate
Essex Geordie Bill
Oct 21, 2016 at 12:03 PM
Comment #45Ibiza
So only 1 correct, wonder what the odds might be from a bookie.
Essex Geordie Bill
Oct 21, 2016 at 12:05 PM
Comment #46WWBRSD
Comment 44
That’s an argument you need to take up with Rafa. 🙂
Ibizatoon
Oct 21, 2016 at 12:06 PM
Comment #47Firebug…I just presumed you were smug, as I probably would be 🙂
So who is challenging your throne? Just say the word, no questions asked…
Yo…Are any of our FB’s that tall? I appreciate Anita definitely isn’t, but as far as allowing the taller CB’s to deal with the threat and then needing a responsible outlet, surely Anita at RB allows that?
Personally I don’t mind either way, just think that Rafa trusts Anita defensively, which I think will be a big factor going in to this game, where I get the feeling the margins will be fine and possible only 1 goal in it.
Ibizatoon
Oct 21, 2016 at 12:08 PM
Comment #48Essex….Apparently there have been 2 correct calls, not 1.
Good job I’m not tasked with keeping track of this one. There would be anarchy! Well, more anarchy.
JamesToon
Oct 21, 2016 at 12:09 PM
Comment #49STAT
Ipswich have the worst pass accuracy in the championship, and in their last game they only completed 169 passes, that’s one pass every 37 seconds
WWSBRD
Oct 21, 2016 at 12:11 PM
Comment #50Essex
Not sure I do mate by the end of the season I don’t see any reason Dummett or Anita will be starting fullbacks
firebug666
Oct 21, 2016 at 12:15 PM
Comment #51Ibiza
Can’t name names, just in case I get it wrong, but if I were you I would keep my eye on that toontaff2.
toontaff2 // Oct 17, 2016 at 5:12 PM
On that note, Rafa’s Barnsley Bingo:
Darlow, OH! Always believe in………
Anita Lascalles Clark Dummett
Ritchie Shelvey Hayden Gouffy
Diame
Gayle
Mag52
Oct 21, 2016 at 12:15 PM
Comment #52Jail,
You will know, of course, that some defenders are versatile enough to play as a full back and in the centre.
Mbemba and Dummett spring to mind.
WWSBRD
Oct 21, 2016 at 12:16 PM
Comment #53Ibiza
Dummett is tall…can’t really head the ball but he’s tall. As for Anita he can but not as well as Yedlin
Ipswich don’t score mate we really don’t need to be set up defensively they won’t come to attack and am not sure why Anita is better than Yedlin defensively?
Jail for Ashley
Oct 21, 2016 at 12:16 PM
Comment #54Who was the other correct call, no one claimed it.
firebug666
Oct 21, 2016 at 12:19 PM
Comment #55Jail
See post 51 marra, He did repost it after the teams were announced. Seems all above board mate.
Ibizatoon
Oct 21, 2016 at 12:20 PM
Comment #56Firebug…I’ll be sure to send him a nice bunch of flowers. Wink wink, nudge nudge.
Toontaff…In case it’s not clear, it’s just a joke. Don’t worry about that knock on the door 🙂
Yo…I’m not actually applying what I would do, just what I think Rafa will do. He seems to favour Anita for his defensive attributes is all. I liked the look of Yedlin when I’ve seen him. They don’t score many goals, but they also don’t concede too many (They’ve conceded less than us, but have scored many less), which is why I think Rafa will be somewhat cautious.
Ibizatoon
Oct 21, 2016 at 12:28 PM
Comment #57Looks good for ToonTaff.
http://www.bbc.com/sport/football/37615018
firebug666
Oct 21, 2016 at 12:28 PM
Comment #58Ibiza
Lillys? 😀
On the right I would prefer Yedlin, over Anita every day, Yedlin has pace, and more height, and he doesn’t need as much cover as Anita.
Jail for Ashley
Oct 21, 2016 at 12:35 PM
Comment #59Fair play to toon taffeta I’ll add his five points, ffs that was another ten out of eleven for me again had Mitro in for Diame.
Ibizatoon
Oct 21, 2016 at 12:36 PM
Comment #60Firebug…Sounds good to me, although I’m not sure why Anita, who’d be more of a traditional RB, would need more cover than a modern full back who bombs up and down, surely he needs more cover?
hibbit
Oct 21, 2016 at 12:37 PM
Comment #61james
have you seen Lazaar play ?
not saying he wont come good but what ive seen of him he’s still a good way off the first team
Ibizatoon
Oct 21, 2016 at 12:37 PM
Comment #62Jail…Are you starting to wish you had allowed points for teams that were close?
The admin would be a nightmare mind.
expatmag
Oct 21, 2016 at 12:37 PM
Comment #63JFA
Not meaning to be funny but last night, I was watching an old Clint Eastwood western which reminded me of you. It was called “Hang em high” but in your case, I suppose it would be Hang them low…….lol
Essex Geordie Bill
Oct 21, 2016 at 12:51 PM
Comment #64JFA
I hope you’ve got a thick skin and a lot of patience cos it looks as though your op is going to be the cause of many attempts at humour.
Jail for Ashley
Oct 21, 2016 at 12:57 PM
Comment #65EGB,
I have done more of my fair share of mickey taking on here and find beer monkies references to me being a fat, slobber ing labrador highly amusing. Or was it me that said that.
Tbh
Jail for Ashley
Oct 21, 2016 at 1:01 PM
Comment #66though, the myth that it is a very painful op stem from the olden days when anaesthetics weren’t as good and the wrong advice given on recuperation, like dentistry the fear of it in the past filters through. Plenty of rest, codeine and an ice pack and I’m right as rain.
Jail for Ashley
Oct 21, 2016 at 1:04 PM
Comment #67Ibiza,
I never got to check toon Taff’s because I was on the bus to Barnsley. It would be an absolute nightmare checking for tens, nines etc. If it’s not broken don’t fix it.
Jib
Oct 21, 2016 at 1:08 PM
Comment #68Ibizatoon // Oct 21, 2016 at 10:40 AM
It’s an emotional ride in the main part , for we Newcastle fans .
Ha ha ha
It pretty much has to be if you’ve never been to a live game !!!!
😀
Jail for Ashley
Oct 21, 2016 at 1:14 PM
Comment #69Jib,
I think you’re a big girls blouse!
Belfast
Oct 21, 2016 at 1:17 PM
Comment #70I heard Jib got his done without the anaesthetic. Then he done an hour in the swimming pool before jogging home in his speedos in the worst winter on record.
Any truth in that Jib ?
Belfast
Oct 21, 2016 at 1:19 PM
Comment #71Sounds like something i’d do myself.