After a workmanlike and organized performance from Newcastle in the first half yesterday, when we took a 1-0 lead at halftime due to a terrific goal from Isaac Hayden, the game ar St. Mary’s in the second had turned into a bit of a classic and was end to end.
And in the final 10 minutes, it was anybody’s game, and Florian Lejeune had an excellent header from a Matt Ritchie corner cleared off the line in the dying minutes.
Perez had restored the lead early in the second half after Gabbiadini had been allowed too much time and space in the penalty area and had equalized.
Rafa Benitez – on the touchline at St. Mary’s yesterday
Then Florian Lejeune with 15 minutes to go made a mistake when he challenged Shane Long in the area, and the Irishman went down to get a penalty for the home side.
And Gabbiadini converted for his second goal of the game.
Rafa was pleased with the performance but was a little frustrated we could not take all 3 points:
“It’s this kind of game that you are disappointed because you could win.”
“But, at the same time, happy because you go away and get another point against a good team.”
“I’m disappointed also because 3,500 fans were also coming on a Sunday, another long trip, and it was a pity not to give them the chance to go back with the three points.”
“But I am sure that they will happy with the point.”
“I liked the team in a lot of the things that we did, but I’m not happy with the two goals that we conceded.”
“Overall, I think it was a good performance and a great game to watch for everyone.”
“I’m happy too because the team finished strong in the box and were creating chances, even with Dwight Gayle, when he had a little problem and we were playing with 10 players in the last 10 minutes.”
“Pleased overall, but still we can improve.”
With that performance yesterday we can see Newcastle becoming a popular team on TV because we play good football, and we have Rafa Benitez on the touchline – who is always good to watch in any game.
🙂
We are definitely improving this season under Rafa and were just a mite unlucky yesterday.
Comments welcome.
9 comments so far
sing in the corner
Oct 16, 2017 at 8:26 AM
Comment #1And no one is gonna convince me that the Long ‘incident’ was a penalty by the way. I can’t see how people believe the ball was in the field of play and that Long wasn’t diving to the turf before he was touched. In actual fact Long messed up his creation of a penalty situation by blasts no the ball too far away fro him.
Referee redressing the balance from his Yedlin cock up.
Fair result though, good point for us.
sing in the corner
Oct 16, 2017 at 8:28 AM
Comment #2*by blasting the ball too far away from him..
jesperfuglsang - capt'n awesome of the lemon crew
Oct 16, 2017 at 8:30 AM
Comment #3Morning lads!
You would had taken a point before the game but to be honest it does feel a bit like throwing away two points when taking the game in to consideration…
Personally I think it was obvious what Perez bring to the team and our style of play. We were more or less defending a win and later a draw when Perez was taken off…
I suppose I needed to see that as well seeing as the kid is a bit inconsistent. It was also great to see someone else playing in the #10 spot…it’s not like we crying to have Perez removed anytime soon now.
The subs for once didn’t work for Rafa. He usually get them spot on (more or less). In hindsight should Mitro have been on the bench.
jesperfuglsang - capt'n awesome of the lemon crew
Oct 16, 2017 at 8:34 AM
Comment #4Sing…not sure I read your post right, but do ppl feel robbed by the penalty incident?
Thought it was a clear penalty…a clumsy mistake by Lejuene, but that happens
RUNAWAY777
Oct 16, 2017 at 8:43 AM
Comment #5Yes it was clumys challenge but long did not have control of the ball and was going away from goal think a few refs would not have giving a penalty for that.
RUNAWAY777
Oct 16, 2017 at 8:44 AM
Comment #6Or maybe clumsy haha
jesperfuglsang - capt'n awesome of the lemon crew
Oct 16, 2017 at 8:47 AM
Comment #7Runaway…at long as you are in the penalty area and there’s contact like that the ref will give a penalty!
Lejuene doesn’t have to touch Long in that incident…clumsy indeed
sing in the corner
Oct 16, 2017 at 8:51 AM
Comment #8Jesper
Nah, people didn’t, just me I think
🙂
Maybe that should be telling me something?
But just calling it how I saw it.
ArtyH
Oct 16, 2017 at 1:06 PM
Comment #9Have to say thought it was a very good game for us. IMHO it clarified a few points in my opinion, we need a top class keeper and two strikers. What we have are top championship keeper and strikers. Sell Elliot/Gayle and Joselu to any top 4 championship team and they will be promoted or there abouts. As for the penalty, clear cut. the lad is ring rusty thats all, need a few games to get up to speed, dont forget he had a great game up until then, no shirt pulling if you know what I am getting at. Look forward to our next game for more improvement….:)