Newcastle did just exactly what we all hoped for and what was required of them this afternoon when they put in a good organized performance and were better than winless West Ham and trotted out good 3-0 winners.
Joselu scored after 36 minutes to put Newcastle ahead at the break and it was an excellent team goal. as West Ham
West Ham were dispossessed in midfield and Mikel Merino strode forward with the ball and put a great ball through to Atsu on the left wing and Christian crossed the ball into the middle and Joselu beat two West Ham defenders to the ball to score his first goal for the club.
A great way to open his account at the club.
Early in the second half, it was great play from Clark that saved Newcastle after Rob Elliot had saved from Aaron Cresswell.and Clark cleared off the line from Javier Hernandez as the Mexican followed up with his shot – a crucial play by Ciaran who had another good game for Newcastle.
Ciaran cleared off the line from Javier Hernandez as the Mexican followed up with his shot – a crucial play by Ciaran who had another good game for Newcastle.
Ciaran Clark scores vital second goal for Newcastle
Matt Ritchie had another outstanding game for us – what a buy this lad has been for Newcastle – and he forced England goalkeeper Joe Hart after some good play from Spaniard Ayoze Perez.
After 72 minutes Joselu was replaced by Aleksandar Mitrovic and he put in an excellent and cultured performance up front and he got a great round of applause from the appreciative Geordie crowd.
The goal will also give him all the confidence in the world going forward.
After 73 minutes Ciaran Clark put Newcastle 2-0 and it was the vital second goal for Newcastle and excellent play again from Matt Ritchie as he got his cross over and Ciaran headed home.
And then Aleksandar Mitrovic scored his second goal in two games for Newcastle as he took the ball around goalkeeper Joe Hart after 87 minutes to put the score at 3-0 and a really great win from the lads.
Newcastle looked a well-coached side and they obviously prepared thoroughly for this game to do the basics. and we were better than West Ham and looked very solid at the back and it will give the lads a lot of confidence with our first clean sheet of the season.
We were better than West Ham today and looked very solid at the back and it will give the lads loads of confidence with our first clean sheet of the season.
Rafa will have seen positives all around the field this afternoon, and although we don’t have star players in the side, Rafa has shown today how he can get the very best out of players and out of the team.
Rafa is Newcastle United.
Mike Ashley, please get some good players in for him before Thursday night.
It’s just one performance we know, but it means the next two weeks will be a lot better and the next five days could be very exciting for the fans if we can get some good players in.
Howay The Lads!!
Newcastle: Elliot; Manquillo, Lascelles, Mbemba, Clark; Hayden (Diame, 82), Merino; Ritchie (Murphy 88), Perez, Atsu; Joselu (Mitrovic, 72).
Subs not used: Woodman, Gamez, Saivet, Aarons.
West Ham: Hart; Zabaleta, Collins, Ogbonna, Cresswell; Noble (Kouyate, 71), Rice (Lanzini, 46); Antonio, Fernandes, Ayew (Sakho, 70); Hernandez.
Subs not used: Adrian, Fonte, Obiang, Masuaku.
Goals: Joselu 36, Clark 73, Mitrovic 87
Comments welcome.
30 comments so far
Tsunki
Aug 26, 2017 at 5:30 PM
Comment #1Aye Ed Mitro took the “Baal” around Harty like…
😀
EllaGuru
Aug 26, 2017 at 5:31 PM
Comment #2Merino was great today with Hayden. Ritchie is by far and away our best player! He is some workhorse.
That was a good win against an aweful West Ham. I am glad we took our chances and put them away
TrustSean
Aug 26, 2017 at 5:32 PM
Comment #3Wohoo! First win of the season. Completely deserved. So pleased with the team, they all worked hard and performed incredibly when it was most needed. Clark, all-round genius at the back – basically scored us two goals with that save on the line as well. Ritchie, an inspiration for the entire team, that work ethic, combined with the quality he provides is just fantastic.
And Merino.. what can I say, Shelvey who? Would play Merino any day in the form he’s in. Absolutely fantastic stuff from him today, especially second half. Controlled the midfield, had them looking like fools frequently, and some of those passes were just as good as anything Shelvey could send! Probably my MOTM!
Joselu also put in a very good shift, way better than Gayle has been so far this season- and looks like we might need it after the crap Mitro pulled.. Did well after he came on, but that’s probably gonna have him out for two-three games.. And I’m one of those who defend him – would play him over Gayle any day, and he’s been very good lately in terms of not being an idiot like that..
All in all, a fantastic game, and I’m absolutely delighted! Swansea game can’t come fast enough! HWTL!!
Pottsclock
Aug 26, 2017 at 5:32 PM
Comment #4I don’t want to lose Mbemba from our club. He’s shown real commitment when needed and has stood up to be counted. He’s also good enough which is the point. Comfortable win for us with still some big areas for improvement – I would be very worried as a West Ham fan. Perez was disappointing again and we obviously need better RB cover than we have. But plenty positives.
TrustSean
Aug 26, 2017 at 5:34 PM
Comment #5Repost:
Wohoo! First win of the season. Completely deserved. So pleased with the team, they all worked hard and performed incredibly when it was most needed. Clark, all-round genius at the back – basically scored us two goals with that save on the line as well. Ritchie, an inspiration for the entire team, that work ethic, combined with the quality he provides is just fantastic.
And Merino.. what can I say, Shelvey who? Would play Merino any day in the form he’s in. Absolutely fantastic stuff from him today, especially second half. Controlled the midfield, had them looking like fools frequently, and some of those passes were just as good as anything Shelvey could send! Probably my MOTM!
Joselu also put in a very good shift, way better than Gayle has been so far this season- and looks like we might need it after the crap Mitro pulled.. Did well after he came on, but that’s probably gonna have him out for two-three games.. And I’m one of those who defend him – would play him over Gayle any day, and he’s been very good lately in terms of not being an idiot like that..
All in all, a fantastic game, and I’m absolutely delighted! Swansea game can’t come fast enough! HWTL!!
Bambams
Aug 26, 2017 at 5:37 PM
Comment #6Cracking write up Ed and I am sure this result cheered you up no end.
Keep fighting the good fight mate.
Harrison’s Army
TrustSean
Aug 26, 2017 at 5:38 PM
Comment #7I’ll say this about West Ham though. They remind me of a team that’s bought Mark Viduka, Michael Owen and Geremi thinking this will provide quality and experience, when really it only provides overpaid moneymakers on their last contract before retirement. They’re lacking enthusiasm, passion and effort in their play once they go down by a goal – which players like Merino and Ritchie took full advantage of today, which I obviously have no problem with whatsoever!
Bambams
Aug 26, 2017 at 5:38 PM
Comment #8Must be game of the day at 2030hrs on Sky
Jail for Ashley
Aug 26, 2017 at 5:40 PM
Comment #9Put that in ya pipe and smoke it Munster. Great day out!
EllaGuru
Aug 26, 2017 at 5:41 PM
Comment #10Ritchie my MOTM. The lad was everywhere. He is the kind of player who gives everything every week, and is also very productive.
curmon
Aug 26, 2017 at 5:42 PM
Comment #11Merino, what a find, great passing skills especially as he keeps the ball on the ground and passes to feet, which Shelvey rarely does, he is an aerial passer, together these guys will be awesome. Still not convinced by Perez !!!!
EllaGuru
Aug 26, 2017 at 5:45 PM
Comment #12Perez was definitely our poorest player today. I really did not think Atsu had that pull back in him. He still is very wasteful, but that was an excellent assist
SPRINGY
Aug 26, 2017 at 5:48 PM
Comment #13Was a little worried about mbemba early in the first half as west ham seemed to target him,but he adjusted his game and eventually took control of that position on the pitch,so well done…and he seemed to be mote adventurous goin forward…good game today.
magspuggy
Aug 26, 2017 at 5:52 PM
Comment #14Mom clark. Saved one scored one. Mitro showed both sides of himself with the barge then the goal. Merino great game a couple of faults but overall done well. Perez im quite harsh with him tbh but he tried his heart out today fair play to the lad.
Three nil could easy have been five. Much better from the lads glad to have the points hwtl.
Average_Contents
Aug 26, 2017 at 5:52 PM
Comment #15What a result. Get in lads!
Much needed and by the sounds of it, fully deserved.
Jail for Ashley
Aug 26, 2017 at 5:54 PM
Comment #16I thought Mitro got the second crowd chanting his name straight after.
cyprus
Aug 26, 2017 at 5:54 PM
Comment #17Voted for Clark but could have pressed these buttons too:
E.g. Ritchie, Joselu, Heyden, Merino, Atsu, Mbemba,, Mitrovic and more.
Very good all-round performance
cyprus
Aug 26, 2017 at 5:55 PM
Comment #18Forgot Perez. Outstanding too.
Rotonda heights
Aug 26, 2017 at 5:55 PM
Comment #19pottsclock
perez disappointing?????????? Not sure which game you were watching, I thought it’s the best he’s played in a long time
manxpie
Aug 26, 2017 at 5:56 PM
Comment #20Mitro last 10 prem apps
5 goals 2 assists not bad for someone who can’t hit a barn door
Tenbytoon
Aug 26, 2017 at 5:57 PM
Comment #21Every week perez offers little to nothing, but still gets picked, just don’t get it. Anyway something abit more positive great win today chuffed to bits, now on to the big fight tonight HWTL!!!
manxpie
Aug 26, 2017 at 5:57 PM
Comment #22Perez was terrible 1st half couldn’t control it slow with the pass easily brushed of it total opposite 2nd half
ronaldo aarons
Aug 26, 2017 at 5:58 PM
Comment #23Would like to see this team given a go, don’t want gayle, shelvey to just walk back in the team. Only bring players in if a player doesn’t perform. Even dummett and Lejuene should work to get back in.
archaeomag
Aug 26, 2017 at 6:08 PM
Comment #24Richie for me – just on work rate, liked Merino – some great passes to feet.
Bianconeri
Aug 26, 2017 at 6:09 PM
Comment #25It seems to me that some people who don’t like a certain player hammer them every week.Like that dick head that went on about Coloccini.It was the only time he posted to call him.Some days players have bad games,that’s life,but to call them just to let us know YOU don’t like them gets irritating.
If they pull the shirt on and put a shift in then they deserve respect,they don’t go out to play badly (usually)
Great result today and every one made a contribution,even Elliot
Chancel be a fine thing
Aug 26, 2017 at 6:09 PM
Comment #26Good to have a happy football day. Think we look so much better with Merino in the side; always looking to get the ball forward which means there’s space for passes and runners as the opposition’s defence organise. Shelvey’s first move is usually sideways or backwards as he slows play up looking for the hollywood pass. If it’s straight over the top for a runner to be in on goal then fantastic, but too often it’s floated to a winger and by the time it’s under control the opposition defence is set. I like some others on here would like to see him tried further forward.
On Manquillo, I think he looks goodish on the ball, but his off the ball positioning and choices leave a lot to be desireded. But in his defence, he often gets left with difficult decisions, as Ritchie quite often moves inside, or has taken a corner on the other side, leavining Manquillo outnumbered. Not excusing him though. And before I get a hammering, I am not slating Ritchie, thought he had a great game today; just wish (like with most players) he would pass instead of shoot. So many times I see an outside the box shot taken when a simple pass has someone on goal (talking in general there).
jasper
Aug 26, 2017 at 6:12 PM
Comment #27To beat Charlie to it….
Elliott. Did ok. Kicking variable but fix pick out Joselu with some accuracy at times. WH played high so rarely had chance to roll it out. Saved what shots and crosses came his way.
Manquillo. As everyone says fine going forward. But persistedly out of position. I could have sworn that on more than one occasion the WH midfield just banged the ball without looking in the direction of our right corner flag sure in the knowledge that he would have gone AWOL.
Lascalles. No complaints. One of those games where a player does nothing remarkable either good or bad.
Clark. Looks to lead defence and has the ability to be dangerous at set pieces.
Mbemba. Let Antonio get yo the byline once, then tied him up. Moved up with ball when space in front of him. Good game.
Hayden. Put in a lot of distance. Would like to see the stats. Real effort.
Merino. Great game. Much better than Forest where he got caught in possession too often. Really stared to boss things. However what I really noticed was the huge number of headers he won when being challenged.
Ritchie. Another tremendous effort. Harried to make first goal and assist on second.
Atsu. Unselfish pass to Joselu. But he got no change out of Zabeletta, didn’t get past him once out of 6-7 attempts. Crosses and passes into box poor as well. I was disappointed with him.
Perez. Chased a lot and closed opponents down but tried to dribble out of trouble and lost the ball much too often. Failed to anticipate Joselu’s flicks. I would have much preferred if he had been subbed rather than Joselu.
Joselu. Great game. Frequently beat Collins in the air. Good spins and movement behind defenders. Ball stuck to him unlike Gayle….
Subs
Mitro. Hope he didn’t do anything stupid, whatever it was was off the ball and I was looking elsewhere. But picked up where Joselu left off and took his goal very calmly.
Diame. Not on long, did ok.
Murphy. Hardly got a touch but twice was in scoring positions but no pass came from Atsu and another.
cyprus
Aug 26, 2017 at 6:17 PM
Comment #28I’m not too demanding of my team. Just want to see it spank other teams 😉
Think we did that.
mfw13
Aug 26, 2017 at 6:34 PM
Comment #29We have plenty of “good” players….not sure why there is an obsession about bring more “good” players in.
The main areas where we could use some improvement are:
Attacking midfield….Perez seems to run around a lot without ever making much impact. We need a real #10.
Left back….I’m not convinced that either Dummett or MBemba will be good enough against better opposition. Mbemba was good going forward today, but was easily beaten twice on the byline by Antonio leading to dangerous crosses into the box. Manquillo seems to wander too much and get caught out of position….but at least we have Yedlin to challenge him for the RB spot.
Lastly, I’m not convinced that Elliott is good enough. He had one difficult shot at him today, punched directly to the center of the box, rather than to the side, and was lucky that Clark was able to clear Chicarito’s follow-up off the line. Almost cost us a goal, and his distribution was lacking as well. Not sure why we loaned out Sels and Krul can’t even get a squad number. Both are better than Elliot, IMHO.
U.S Magpie
Aug 26, 2017 at 7:41 PM
Comment #30Finally, today everything looked apart from Perez. He is still light weight and just does not have that impact when he needs to be counted on. Yes he has some nice touches here and there but so does a Vegas Hooker, I wouldn’t play one up front for Newcastle. Merino looked classy, great passing of the ball and not the usual punt up front we some times see from Shelvey. I’m still on the fence with Mitro, never rated him really as a main striker but honestly if it means selling him to get someone like Shane Long, then please sell him.
We are honestly about three players away from having a better team, left back, midfield boss and Shane Long. Howay the Toon!!!!!!!!!