In the first 21 games of this season we either won or lost games – that was until we drew 1-1 at Aston Villa and they equalized in the last minute of that game at Villa Park.
However in the last eight games we have three draws and five wins, so if we cannot win games at least we are picking up a point although against QPR they again equalized through an own goal in the last minute of that game at St. James’ Park.
But in the draws at Norwich and at home to Bristol City we came back in the second half after being behind at half time – so that was good.
Rafa Benitez – thinks team is maturing
That shows our lads can fight back and come from behind – something that was completely foreign to us under Steve McClaren last season.
When we went behind not only did we not bother coming back, we often gave up the ghost.
Rafa Benitez believes his players are maturing and he’s pleased we can now pick up draws rather than just suffering defeats when we cannot win.
We have seven defeats in thew league this season and if we had shown more maturity in the earlier part of the season we wouldn’t have lost so many games.
This is what Rafa has said today as reported in the Chronicle:
“They could be maturing, yes.” “Earlier this season I was more complaining about how we were not able to draw games, not just we were drawing and then conceding.”
“It’s not just about reacting when you go behind, it’s about keeping the score when you are in the lead.” “I think that we are learning and that, little by little, we are getting this experience.”
“It’s important to have a good run not losing games.”
“Sometimes that’s just for the confidence, even if you lose two points, but for the confidence it can make a big difference if you draw.”
“Even if you are playing well and losing, then this kind of situation can be quite bad.”
“But now we have more experience, we are more mature and we can manage better the end of the games.”
“Norwich was the example, where we had to react and do well in the second half.”
“At half-time of the Bristol City game, the message was: ‘Have confidence in ourselves, we are doing well.’”
“Normally you should carry on trying to do the right things; don’t play with anxiety.”
“Still it is something we need to manage better, but we are reacting well in more games now than we were before.”
The good news is that we have won a lot of games – 23 in 34 game sin the Championship – a 68% win rate.
If we can make that 24 today at John Smith’s Stadium against the Terriers we will be flying.
But we would then have to win at Reading on Tuesday night too.
🙂
Howay The Lads!!
Comments welcome.
68 comments so far
TyneMouth
Mar 4, 2017 at 1:49 PM
Comment #41Bentley! Benitez even…
jane
Mar 4, 2017 at 1:49 PM
Comment #42need this..
“Video assistant referees will review “match-changing” situations before informing the on-field official.”
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39157887
WWSBRD
Mar 4, 2017 at 1:50 PM
Comment #43Essex
Haha no I didnt know what u were disagreeing with?
Mister Tuff
Mar 4, 2017 at 1:59 PM
Comment #44ww – yes you did it’s quite clear!
WWSBRD
Mar 4, 2017 at 2:00 PM
Comment #45Tuff
THe chairman having a pop at him? He did didnt he? Am lost here
Essex Geordie Bill
Mar 4, 2017 at 2:02 PM
Comment #46Mr Tuff
No it wasn’t!
WWSBRD
Mar 4, 2017 at 2:02 PM
Comment #47Jesus wept this ref is making a complete hash of this game
WWSBRD
Mar 4, 2017 at 2:03 PM
Comment #48http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/henri-saivet-flopped-newcastle-now-12459360
Here president having a pop at him
Hail Wor Ashley
Mar 4, 2017 at 2:12 PM
Comment #49Can see Brighton dropping points against Forest, they’ll be rocked by our late winner, Huddersfield breathing down their necks, perennial choker tag.
If they do, will make our match all the more spicy.
A win today and I can’t see us failing to finish in a top 2 spot.
HUUUUUUUUUUUUGE!
Mister Tuff
Mar 4, 2017 at 2:13 PM
Comment #50My Rafe bingo shout
Darlow
Yedlin Clarke Lascelles Dummet
Colback Shelvey
Ritchie Diame Atsu
Mitrovich
3 – 1 to the Toon.
Mister Tuff
Mar 4, 2017 at 2:14 PM
Comment #51ww – we are having a joke about arguments – Monty Python – link above – quite funny.
WWSBRD
Mar 4, 2017 at 2:22 PM
Comment #52Tuff
Ah….if I could flip u both the bird I would haha
I had no idea what was going on
BarcelonaMag
Mar 4, 2017 at 2:28 PM
Comment #53Ancient C and WWSBRD.
Thanks very much for the tip about soccer streams. Just watched the end of Man U v Bournemouth. Excellent quality. You’ve just made my Saturday!
Essex Geordie Bill
Mar 4, 2017 at 2:31 PM
Comment #54WW sorry mate, just thought a bit of levity was needed.
Speaking of which the falling over routine by the Bournemouth player towards the end of that game was pure Tayloresque.
JackBall
Mar 4, 2017 at 2:32 PM
Comment #55That is a good site for links, was just searching through them. Makes me wonder why I pay.
Essex Geordie Bill
Mar 4, 2017 at 2:34 PM
Comment #562 Hours and 56 minutes to kick off. Tension is building.
Legolas
Mar 4, 2017 at 2:35 PM
Comment #57Rafa Bingo lineup.
Darlow
Yedlin Lascelles Clark Dummett
Shelvey Colback
Ritchie Diame Atsu
Murphy
HWTL
On a side note can’t wait to see Haye smash Bellew tonight.
Bobbybee
Mar 4, 2017 at 2:37 PM
Comment #58That was brilliant from Bournemouth. We, like I say, not sure about the kick, whether it was deliberate or part of the stumble, but either way the ref didn’t give it. So either he saw it as a stumble, or just didn’t see it. Only he knows that. But, he definitely saw the elbow and that was deliberate. By the rules it’s straight red. It’s not even open to debate really. Being super lenient it’s at least a yellow, but imo it deserved red. Took aim and whack! 🙂 Was the penalty harsh, being so close? Either way he saved it, so no matter. Great defensive display though. Loved every second of it. Then again, I just love football! 🙂 I watch every game on the box regardless of who it is 🙂 Can’t wait for tonight’s game matey. I would even take a draw, but fancy us to catch them on the break myself. They do play a very open game. If Gayle starts or comes on later, I can see him getting chances. Either way, should be a spectacle well worth watching.
Essex Geordie Bill
Mar 4, 2017 at 2:38 PM
Comment #59Legolas
That seems to be the team we are all picking, could be a lot of winners on the bingo tonight.
Bobbybee
Mar 4, 2017 at 2:42 PM
Comment #60Bloody thing. WW, not We. 🙂 Be nice for my super 6 to come up today. Nearly fifty points clear in our own little league, so winning the money there I reckon. In the top 2.5k worldwide as well, which I’m pretty chuffed with. A few more good weeks and who knows? 🙂
Essex Geordie Bill
Mar 4, 2017 at 2:42 PM
Comment #61Jack I think a lot of people are wary of links and streams because of the potential infectious nature of a lot of them.
That’s one reason I reluctantly pay towards the Murdoch super yacht fund.
WWSBRD
Mar 4, 2017 at 2:43 PM
Comment #62Barca
No bother mate if u have acestream theres a website which obviously I know nothing about but if u were to look up footballstreamings.com I have heard they have very good solid streams through that
Essex
No bother mate I was just completely lost haha
Hail Wor Ashley
Mar 4, 2017 at 2:45 PM
Comment #63Doubt Mitro will start.
Can’t be trusted when it’s crunch time.
Bobbybee
Mar 4, 2017 at 2:46 PM
Comment #64Bill, you missed the seconds on that countdown mate! 🙂
JackBall
Mar 4, 2017 at 2:47 PM
Comment #65Agreed on both fronts. I am actually happy to pay for the content. Wish I had to the option to buy all games, up to a reasonable amount. Hate when radio is the only option.
WWSBRD
Mar 4, 2017 at 2:47 PM
Comment #66Bobby
Haha the angle Carra and Henry are talking about is the one I saw mate and to me that looks like he knows where Zlatans head is
And Carragher has a point about Mings reaction isnt that of surprise. Id be surprise if both dont get banned like but tbf if someone stamps on ur head and nothing happens that will happen
JackBall
Mar 4, 2017 at 2:51 PM
Comment #67They both seem fine with the matter. Let it go. I always found the three game ban a bit harsh. Now a stomp on a head would merit three games, but are we sure it was intentional. If not – 3 games?
jane
Mar 4, 2017 at 2:57 PM
Comment #68did Alan Shearer mean to do this..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C49R_yc8zp8