22 year-old Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrovic produced the goods against Preston for the second tine in a short four days when he scored another brace, this time at Deepdale, to allow Newcastle to win a tightly contested game at Deepdale by a score of 2-1.
Newcastle were able to hold off a strong Preston surge in the final twenty minutes of the game to get all 3 very valuable points and we stay 3 points clear of Brighton and essentially 7 points ahead of 4th placed Huddersfield Town.
Aleksandar Mitrovic at end of the game yesterday acknowledging fans
And Mitro showed some self-control and maturity in the first half and throughout the game as the Preston defenders needled him in the first half.
But he didn’t take the bait but he did score two good second half goals. to show his class – another great game from the former Anderlecht and Partizan Belgrade striker.
Rafa will have a headache as to which striker to choose for our next game against Cardiff City next Saturday afternoon at home – between Dwight Gayle or Mitrovic.
Dwight was not available yesterday with a hamstring worry but it would be a pity if he loses his place to Mitro after already scoring 11 Championship goals this season.
It would also be a pity if Mitro is dropped because of his two outstanding performances in the last two games and he’s scored 4 goals too.
Over to you Rafa.
🙂
Mitro said this when asked if he thought he would start against Cardiff:
“The gaffer will choose.” “And if I am on the bench I will try to fight for my place.” “That’s all I can do.”
“I knew the game would be hard so I tried to stay focused.” “I knew I wouldn’t have a lot of chances so I stayed focused and when they come to me I scored.”
“I enjoy my relationship with the supporters a lot.” “I arrived here and I have a specific relationship with them.”
“It is always nice when they are singing your name and the feeling is amazing.” “I hope to give them goals and help them on the pitch.”
“We are winning games and when you win hard games and take three points the confidence, mentality and mood in the dressing room is always good.”
“We have to keep trying to work hard for every training session and stay top of the league.” “That is where we want to be at the end of the season.”
The Newcastle fans just love Mitro and chanted his name at the end of the game and the photo above is the 22 year-old acknowledging the terrific 56000 traveling fans at Deepdale yesterday.
They continue to do Newcastle proud.
Comments welcome.
93 comments so far
WWSBRD
Oct 30, 2016 at 8:00 PM
Comment #81beer
Aye tbf ur right Gamez was brought in for a reason which we haven’t seen yet so maybe he is to be a RB option for a few years
I did think Rafa liked Anita though he probably has that Keegan ruthless streak in him. It wouldn’t shock me if he was to leave or he was to get another contract though I don’t see much of a place for him in the squad
welshgeordie9
Oct 30, 2016 at 8:00 PM
Comment #82WWSBRD
Believe it or not i don’t actually like arguing, it’s tiring, boring and to be honest life’s to short.
welshgeordie9
Oct 30, 2016 at 8:02 PM
Comment #83Ron
Cheers mate, think we need more than luck though.
welshgeordie9
Oct 30, 2016 at 8:03 PM
Comment #84I’m off to watch the end of the formula one, back on after.
WWSBRD
Oct 30, 2016 at 8:06 PM
Comment #85welsh
Why come on a blog that is mainly discussion and debate? If we all agree what the point?
NewsNow might be a better place for u
Jail for Ashley
Oct 30, 2016 at 8:08 PM
Comment #86I’m afraid John Cravens’ News round would expect a bit much for him to take in.
beermonkey
Oct 30, 2016 at 8:09 PM
Comment #87ww
i know mbabu played left back for us but is he a rb or cb
could be gamez yedlin and in a year or 2 when ready one of the youngster time to come in when gamez leaves
we have a young rb cant think of his name
he is rated by some on here
WWSBRD
Oct 30, 2016 at 8:16 PM
Comment #88beer
Oh aye forgot about Mbabu hard to tell how Rafa rates him yet. Other RB is Sterry unless am mistaken? Looks to be a good player in the making and he’s rated highly within NUFC (similar story to Armstrong) again u could be right he may be a reason to let Anita leave
Jail for Ashley
Oct 30, 2016 at 8:20 PM
Comment #89WW…,
@71 have gone pro Ashley!!!!
Jail for Ashley
Oct 30, 2016 at 8:23 PM
Comment #90martoon,
I think it’s harsh to criticise people for talking about who they think will be sold or kept and why, this is what this place is for.
beermonkey
Oct 30, 2016 at 8:23 PM
Comment #91ww
yup whether in jan or the summer i the more i think about it i cant see a place for anita in the squad
atleast with rafa here kids will be sent out onloan and if there good enough he will give them there chance
that was prob one of the things ashley wouldnt move on is bringing in youth but atleast it will be done rafas way
mickybraham
Oct 30, 2016 at 8:31 PM
Comment #92Will be interesting to see how much rotation goes on during November. 3 League games and a cup game. No mid week games until Hull away.
I think we all have an idea of our strongest 11 but the next few games I think, will tell us what Rafa thinks it is.
On Lascelles – No idea if he would want to go to Chelsea. Chelsea aren’t in any European competition. Therefore, only speculation as to whether a switch would see him playing in Europe.
I would like the think the lad is young enough to invest time in Newcastle especially considering he’s been trusted, and rightly so, with the captaincy this season. On the other hand, I could see chelsea being a big enough draw. Definitely should be putting a minimum of 25m asking price on his head though. Talented, young and english is a gold mine.
Over the moon Mitro has taken his chance. Although i think gayle will be straight back in when fit. It’ll take more than two games for Mitro to convince Rafa that he’s the man to lead the line. Would love him to eventually make that a reality
Average_Contents
Oct 30, 2016 at 8:46 PM
Comment #93Jfa
I think it’s harsh to criticise people for talking about how the slug may and probably will mess up and why, this is what this place is for.